Hemp contains many compounds which have medicinal applications. Hemp extracts are produced by harvesting parts of the hemp plant that contain CBD, terpenes, plant sterols and other phytochemicals for use as medicine.
Hemp seed oil has proven its ability to moisturize skin and relieve itchy conditions such as psoriasis. Furthermore, hemp seed oil contains gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid which acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids including linoleic acid (omega-6) and gamma-linoleic acid (omega-3). These essential fatty acids help nourish hair, skin and nails; improve digestion; enhance immunity; as well as support healthy brain and cardiovascular functioning.
Hemp seed oil can also be used topically to ease pain, aches and inflammation. Its high concentration of gamma-linoleic Acid may help decrease inflammation by blocking formation of proinflammatory cytokines.
According to the manufacturer’s website, one tablespoon (tbsp) of their product contains 3 g of omega-3 and 8 g of omega-6 fatty acids; certified non-GMO and gluten free and suitable for vegans. It can be taken orally or added to foods like smoothies, salads or sauces without degrading its nutritional value and increasing smoke point; massage it into skin or hair for additional benefits such as enhanced hair growth/shine; promoted nail strength/speed up cuticle repair and treating dandruff/psoriasis.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate differs from full spectrum and broad spectrum extracts in that it only contains cannabidiol compounds; other plant components that give hemp extracts their distinct flavor and scent are typically not present. CBD isolate can be produced by further processing plant extracts to separate cannabinoids from plant waxes and oils – this results in fine white powdery “crystals.”
Once refined, CBD extract can be mixed with carrier oil to form CBD tinctures. The process for doing this requires precise measurements, temperature controls and other factors in order to ensure consistency, quality and safety in their creation.
As it is 99% pure, CBD isolate offers highly accurate dosing options to consumers looking for targeted benefits. Furthermore, its lack of THC prevents positive test results at work or school screening tests.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
As you explore the CBD market, you will likely come across terms such as “full spectrum”, “broad spectrum” and “isolate”. These refer to different processes used for extracting hemp; though all may contain CBD, each one offers distinct effects.
Broad spectrum extracts utilize all parts of a hemp plant’s flower/bud, leaf and stem in order to extract all key compounds such as CBD, CBDV, CBC, CBN etc. Additionally, this allows products containing less than 0.3% THC.
Broad spectrum CBD extracts differ from CBD isolate products by enabling plant molecules to work synergistically together to amplify therapeutic effects on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), known as the entourage effect. According to ECS researchers, whole plant extracts may be more effective for many ailments than isolated CBD. Clinical studies using whole plant CBD have proven this theory; examples of such conditions include neuropathic pain, insomnia, MS or Parkinson’s related muscle spasticity and seizures have all shown promising results.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid extracts containing high concentrations of CBD. To create them, manufacturers steep cannabis flowers or hemp plant material in high-proof alcohol to extract beneficial plant compounds that would otherwise be lost through traditional extraction processes. Once extracted, food-grade glycerin or other ingredients may be added for improved taste and consistency.
Tinctures should then be placed under your tongue for absorption into your bloodstream more rapidly, and their alcohol-containing composition helps prolong their shelf life by protecting them from oxidization.
Tinctures can be taken in various ways, with drops under the tongue being the preferred method. By doing so, the cannabinoids reach your bloodstream directly and effects can be felt quickly – they may even be taken indefinitely without worry as dosage adjustments can be easily made depending on personal needs. Furthermore, unlike CBD oil which contains carrier oils which might interfere with its absorption, tinctures do not contain ingredients which might hinder absorption of cannabis/hemp CBD molecules.
