With so many options in the wonderful world of natural carrier oils, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your specific needs. Then, what do you do with the oil? To shed a little light on the subject, let’s take a look at one of our carriers, Hemp Seed Oil.
Why Hemp Seed Oil?
For the scientific how’s and why’s, check out the stimulating video below. In layman’s terms, because it’s awesome! Seriously though, if you suffer from Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dry Skin, PMS, or if you’re looking to strengthen your hair and nails then Hemp Seed Oil is your go to oil!
Acne – Hemp is non-comedogenic meaning, it won’t clog pores. Hemp goes on like any oil however, it completely absorbs into the skin within minutes, leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated, helping reduce inflammation of existing acne, heal scars left by old acne and preventing the development of new acne! To accentuate Hemp Oils’ benefit, try adding a few drops of Lavender and/or Tea Tree Essential Oils.
Eczema – When ingested, Hemp seed oil has (according to a University of Kuopio, Finland study – Read More), shown to reduce “dryness, itching” and improve the overall symptoms of eczema. When used topically, Hemp oil helps soothe and restore the skin due to it being high in essential fatty acids. Boost the benefits of Hemp on eczema patches by adding one of the following essential oils: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Patchouli, and Rosemary
Psoriasis – Vitamin D as well as the balanced EFA’s make Hemp Oil most beneficial in treating and preventing psoriasis as well as plain old dry skin! Try adding Essential Oils in the following aromas for psoriasis or dry skin treatment: Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Juniper, Sandalwood, Tea Tree or Patchouli.
Inflammation – Hemp Seed Oil can help relieve not just topical inflammation (see acne) but, joint and muscle inflammation as well making it excellent for massage. For inflammation, try the following essential oils: Cassia, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Clove or our own Plantlife Sports Relief blend.
http://youtu.be/TwSK7Tuw9yg
Recipes!!!
What fun and healthy things can you make with your Hemp Seed Oil? Since Plantlife 100% Pure, Organic Hemp Seed Oil can be ingested (like Olive Oil) I’ve compiled some great cooking recipes as well as body care recipes for you below!
Body Care
Massage Oil
As Hemp Oil is a natural topical anti-inflammatory, try mixing 10 drops of Plantlife’s Sports Relief Essential Oil Blend in 4 ounces of Hemp Seed Oil. Massage gently into skin for sore, strained or arthritic joints and muscles.
After Bath Body Oil
1 – 8oz bottle Plantlife Hemp Seed Oil
Essential Oils
Per 8oz bottle, add up to 25 to 30 drops of the essential oil (or oils) of your choice. For Dry skin, Acne, Psoriasis or eczema, see the recommended essential oils above. Store in a cool, dark place and shake well before each use. You can make smaller batches of body oil too. The rule of thumb is 10 drops of essential oil for every 4 ounces of carrier oil. If the aroma is not strong enough, feel free to add a few more drops – don’t go overboard though, the aroma will change once it’s fully combined with the carrier oil. Shake well before each use.
Soothing Soap Scrub
This recipe can be made in large batches so the measurements below are provided in “part”
3 Parts Ground Soap Scraps (Can use your own soap scraps, grains or chunks of soap bars ground in a blender or processor)
1 Part Hemp Seed Oil
1 Part Oatmeal
1 Part Water
1 Sanitized Wide Mouth Jar
On low heat (or in crockpot on low) add ground soap to water and melt slowly. Once fully melted, turn off heat and let cool for a few minutes. Add 1 Part Hemp Seed Oil and mix thoroughly. Add 1 Part Oatmeal and mix. Let cool completely then fill your sanitized jar.
Soothing Body Balm/Salve
1 Sterilized Jar
1 Tablespoon Beeswax Beads (Vegan? Substitute Carnuba or Candelilla Wax for Beeswax)
4 Tablespoons Shea or Avocado Butter
3 Tablespoons Hemp Seed Oil
6 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
6 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
6 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Gently melt wax beads, Shea Butter, and Hemp Seed Oil together on low heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Add the Essential Oils and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into the sterilized jar and allow to cool completely before affixing the lid. Recipe yields ½ cup of balm.
Note: You can certainly change the essential oils to create a body balm for your specific needs.
Whipped Shea Butter
1 Wide Mouthed, Sterilized container
½ Cup Shea Butter
1/3 Cup Hemp Seed Oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Essential Oils (optional)
Place Shea Butter in a mixing bowl and begin to beat with a stand or electric hand mixer until soft. This may take a while. Note: If the butter is too hard, soften slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Do not melt in the microwave.
Gradually add the Hemp Seed oil very slowly. Blend well between additions. Blend in cornstarch. Blend in 10-15 drops of Essential Oil. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and spoon into the sanitized jar.
Food Recipes
Bruschetta with Hemp Oil
3-4 Large, ripe tomatoes chopped small
5 Fresh Basil leaves chopped
1 Loaf French bread sliced
3 cloves garlic crushed
8 Tablespoons Hemp Seed Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Place chopped tomatoes in bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir in Basil, crushed garlic and Hemp Seed Oil. Let stand 20 minutes. Toast or broil bread until crisp on both sides then spoon marinated mixture on toasted bread and serve immediately.
Hemp and Basil Pesto
2 Cups Fresh Basil – Packed
½ Cup chopped pine nuts or walnuts
½ Cup grated parmesan cheese
6 Tablespoons Hemp Seed Oil
In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients but Hemp oil until finely chopped. Stir in Hemp Oil and serve over pasta or with bread and cheese. * Recipe courtesy of theveggietable.com
Hemp and Avocado Salad Dressing
2 Ripe avocados
¼ Cup Hemp Seed Oil
Juice from 1 Lemon
1 Tablespoon cilantro minced
1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
Water
Salt & Pepper to taste
Mash avocados well in a bowl. Stir in Hemp oil, lemon juice, cilantro, and vinegar. With water as needed. Season to taste. Yields 1.5 cups. * Recipe courtesy of theveggietable.com
Note: Thicker dressing can be drizzled over steamed veggies!
The information provided in this article has not been reviewed by a medical professional and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any condition.