The Health Benefits Of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa)

The health benefits of Hemp or cannabis dates back to approximately 3,000 years ago. It has been used by different communities, especially the Eastern culture to treat various illnesses. Although the food and Drug Administration have not confirmed its health benefits, it undeniable that it has numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that this plant has a lot of medicinal value that can be used to treat different diseases.

Lately, people have known its medicinal benefits and are seeking to use it.? Hemp can be used to produce a variety of products such as the hemp oil, hemp milk, hemp protein powder or cheese.

The following are some of the health benefits of the Hemp plant:

1. Heart Health

This plant contains antioxidants that are beneficial for heart illnesses. Studies have shown, that the use of this plant could help cure and prevent heart attacks, stroke and atherosclerosis. The cannabinoids helps dilate and relax blood vessels for easy flow of blood in the body. This helps relieve blood pressure.

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of unsaturated fats, including essential omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid, which the human body cannot produce and therefore must be absorbed via food and drink. It is broadly accepted that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help support overall heart health, including reducing the risk of issues such as heart disease and arrhythmias. (1)

2. Skin Care, Nails and Hair

CBD oil can be applied topically on the face to eliminate most of the skin related problems such as acnes and eczema. It can also be used for shedding off the old skin cells and facilitate the growth of new ones. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidants features it helps slow down the aging process. (2)

One of CBD’s most noted benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation, as supported by a 2017 review (3) published in the Pharmacology & Therapeutics journal. Typically it is sold in a topical salve to relieve sore muscles and arthritic joints, but the same anti-inflammatory effects may be applied to improving acne.

3. Depression, Anxiety and Stress

CBD oil can be used to relieve depression, stress and social anxiety. To treat either of these, it should be taken once in day especially in the morning. If you are having sleeping problems, then you should take the oil in the evening.

While numerous prescription drugs are available for treating anxiety, many come with side effects and can lead to dependency. A research study using CBD-dominant forms of cannabis were associated with acute tension reduction that may translate to longer-term reductions in anxiety symptoms, according to Gregory Giordano, a professional research assistant at the CU Center for Health and Neuroscience, Genes and Environment (CUChange). (4)

4. Multiple Sclerosis

According to a study published on the Canadian Medical Association Journal, marijuana has medicinal properties that can help ease the pain and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. (5)

There is strong evidence from animal studies that remyelination and improved motor function is possible with the use of cannabis. The medical marijuana studies conducted demonstrated, with a moderate certainty of evidence, that add-on therapy with 1:1 CBD/THC cannabinoid oromucosal spray mixtures is effective within a narrow therapeutic window to modestly improve primarily subjective measures of spasticity, pain, and bladder- and sleep-related quality of life in MS patients. (6)

Some benefits are maintained beyond six to 12 months, but others waned with prolonged use of the CBD/THC spray.

5. Various Types Cancer

According to researches carried out, oral cannabinoids can be used to stop or reduce vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, which result from chemotherapy. Additionally, the use of CBD oil can be used to slow down and even kill cancerous cells for some type of cancer. It can prevent the cancerous cells from spreading to the healthy body tissues and the division of cancer cells. Although it has not been approved yet, there is a strong evidence that it can be used to treat various types of cancers.

However CBD has not been found to prevent/reduce pain in cancer treatment. There is low-certainty evidence that CBD does not add value to specialist palliative care alone in the reduction of pain in people with advanced cancer. (7)

6. Fatty Acid Supplements

One of the known common ways of increasing omega-3 fatty acid in your body, is by eating fish oil. The CBD oil contains mercury- free fatty acids that are good for the growth and development of your brain and the immune system. Unlike the fish oil that may contain traces of mercury, hemp seed oil can be used by pregnant women to help in the growth and development of the unborn baby.

In addition to CBD, Hemp oil contains large amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, which are two types of unsaturated fats, or “good fats,” and all nine essential amino acids, the materials your body uses to make protein. Hemp Seeds and Walnuts are the only known food sources that on their own provide Omega 3 and 6 within the recommended range.

These are just but a few uses of cannabis plant. However, you need an expert guidance on how you can use it for certain illness or condition. From the studies conducted on it you can trust its effectiveness in curing some illnesses.