Hemp Seed Oil For Anxiety: What You Need To Know

Anxiety is a natural response to stressors in life, but it can become an alienating force if left unchecked. Fortunately, plenty of natural remedies for anxiety won't come with side effects like drowsiness or groggy the next day. Hemp seed oil is one such remedy, and as a bonus, it also has numerous other health benefits.

Hemp seed oil is becoming one of the most popular health and lifestyle products, especially for those looking for alternatives to control anxiety. Many health benefits come with hemp seed oil, which leads most people to wonder: is hemp seed oil good for anxiety? Yes. You'll feel better on Hemp Seed Oil. Here's why. 

What is in Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Despite the name, hemp is not the same as marijuana; the two plants come from the same species. Hemp has many uses, including textiles, construction materials, and food products like seed and oil. It is often used in food and skincare products and is legal in all states and territories in Australia. 

Trusty ol' hemp seeds are a good source of the good kind of fats your body needs. Hemp seed oil delivers brain health and better gut health. Recent findings prove that the stuff in these oils could be even more effective in reducing blood pressure than reducing salt intake and some exercise!

Furthermore, hemp seed oil contains 75-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids - the highest proportion available from seed oils. It is often used in food and skincare products and to make hemp oil supplements. Learn more about hemp and skincare here.

How Hemp Oil is Made

The Journey from Seed to Oil

Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, begins as tiny hemp seeds. Once harvested, the seeds are cleaned to remove leftover plant matter and other impurities. This is important because it ensures the final product is as pure as possible.

Cold-Pressing: The Heart of the Process

The clean seeds are then subjected to a process known as cold-pressing. This is where the magic happens. The seeds are pressed under high pressure but at a low temperature. This method helps to preserve the delicate fatty acids and nutrients in the seeds, resulting in a nutrient-rich oil.

The oil is then filtered to remove any remaining solids, and voila! You have hemp seed oil. This oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

Hemp seed oil offers quite incredible benefits:

• Hormone Balance.
• Promotes Heart Health
• Assists in Weight Loss
• Moisturises and Alleviates Skin Conditions
• Boosts the Immune System
• Potent Anti-inflammatory; Eases Arthritic Pain
• Pain Relief
• Improves Brain Function

A balanced diet with essential amino acids is vital for your mood. Amino acids work with neurotransmitters responsible for controlling emotions, memory, attitudes, behaviour, sleep, and learning abilities. 

Hemp seed oil contains all 21 amino acids making it the perfect everyday supplement when it comes to brain health & happiness upkeep. It's a fantastic dietary addition for battling mild anxiety. Moreover, hemp seed oil is packed with magnesium, iron and B vitamins to keep your brain happy. 

Whatever the cause of stress is, it's worth looking at your diet - getting all the right stuff in your belly is the same as buying the expensive fuel for your car! It just runs better. You'll thank yourself if your body is roadworthy, especially later in life. You can buy many cars, but you'll only have one body.

Hemp seed oil is also, in fact, not going to get you high. It's a light, nutty, tasty oil that goes great on salads. The only kind of joints you'll be using your Hemp Seed Oil for are the ones in your body because it's also quite effective for treating arthritis symptoms in humans and animals. Need more info? Read our in-depth blog on hemp seed oil benefits here.

Check out genuine reviews on our BUDDYPET range, an all-natural pet health supplement. 

Real Stories: How People Have Used Hemp Seed Oil to Manage Their Anxiety

" My 13-year-old arthritic dog has been taking hemp seed oil for a month now, and he is a new dog! The vet commented yesterday on how much his joint stiffness and resistance had improved." - Julz 

" I brought this product for my senior Labrador who was lame in the back legs..his been off vet meds and purely on this stuff, and I have a pup back again! He's back to walking...zooming around at the dog park again like a spring chicken! I will tell everyone about this product, especially in the German Wirehair Pointer group on Facebook! There are many dog owners out there who would benefit from this magic oil." - Stace

You might ask yourself, how could oil help my mental health? Why doesn't my olive oil or vegetable oil do that? First, we'll say that vegetable oil is a poison to your arteries and cardiovascular health and has been known to contain palm oil. Canola Oil is a whole other story - starting with the fact that 'canola' is not a plant, but a product name created to disguise an oil commonly used to lubricate ships and steamboats in wartimes - if you are thinking 'ew', then yes… very 'ew'. An olive oil? Still healthy if you use good brands, but hemp seed oil is a different beast, and your body will recognize that. Need more info on Fish Oil Vs Hemp Seed oil? Read it here.

What Are the Benefits of Using Hemp Seed Oil for Anxiety?

Unlike other oils, hemp seed oil contains abundant and perfectly-balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—compounds known to affect a person's anxiety levels. These two fatty acids are known as 'essential', meaning your body needs them to function optimally but cannot produce them. 

Hold onto your hats because we're about to get sciencey!

So, grey matter - the dark tissue of the brain and spinal cord - is made up of about 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids, with 33% of that belonging to the Omega-3 family. This explains the link between omega-3 deficiency and decreased mental well-being. 

Side note - if you ever see 'linoleic acid', that's Omega-6, and 'alpha-linolenic acid' or 'ALA' is Omega-3.

Medscape Medical News shows us reduced anxiety in those using the omega-3s in hemp seed oil by as much as 20% - simply by having them take the supplement for just 90 days. It also showed that "IL-6" production was reduced by 14% after a few months. Without complicating this too much, IL-6 is a protein made when there is inflammation in your body. So, lowering it provides additional health-related effects, such as reducing inflammation. Cool?

Another claim released in April 2015 by the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain shows us that proper amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can also help reduce the incidences of migraines and headaches. 

Hmm! It's not shocking. Did you know that your brain is made up of 60% fat? Therefore, do not deprive the brain of what it's made of! Those omega-3s are super beneficial for mental health, and you can get them in great doses from hemp seed oil. 

Almost half of Australians will have a mental health condition in their lifetime, with 1 million Australian adults suffering from depression and over 2 million having anxiety, according to beyond blue. 

It's super easy to fall into this category - especially in 2022, where, on top of other modern-day pressures, so many of us have suffered losses of productivity, work, or even ill family members thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

How to Use Hemp Seed Oil for Anxiety?

Take a look at the ingredients of your skincare products and supplements. If hemp seed oil is one of the main ingredients, it can be an excellent natural remedy for anxiety. Add hemp seed oil to your daily foods, such as hemp protein or hemp hearts. Make your anxiety-reducing oil by mixing hemp seed oil with other essential oils such as lavender, rose, ylang ylang and cedarwood; you can do this at home very quickly. Alternatively, you can topically use hemp seed oil in its raw form. Massage the oil onto your temples and the back of your neck, or swallow it by mixing it with a drink such as water or tea or into juice or greens. Hemp seed oils are fantastic when used as part of an overall treatment plan for anxiety, including yoga and meditation. 

It also works for animals! Read our breakdown on the science here.

Comparing Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil for Anxiety

Let's start with the basics. Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is derived from hemp seeds. It's rich in fatty acids and essential nutrients but does not contain CBD or THC. On the other hand, CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant, and it contains cannabidiol (CBD), a compound known for its therapeutic properties.

So, when we talk about hemp vs. CBD oil, we're essentially comparing a nutritious oil that's been around for centuries to a relatively new therapeutic extract that's taking the wellness world by storm.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety: Which is Better?

When it comes to hemp oil vs CBD oil for anxiety, both can help. However, they do so in different ways. Hemp oil's rich omega-3 fatty acid content can help reduce anxiety by promoting healthier brain function. CBD oil, on the other hand, interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates our mood. Studies have found that CBD oil can help ease social anxiety and eliminate fear.

Does Hemp Seed Oil Contain THC or CBD?

Hemp seed oil does not contain THC or CBD. The hemp plant seeds are cold-pressed to produce a rich oil, but they do not have the same cannabinoids found in CBD oil, or the THC found in cannabis. So, if you're wondering, "Does hemp seed oil contain CBD or THC?" the answer is a clear no.

Is Hemp Oil CBD?

No, hemp oil is not CBD. While both come from the same plant (Cannabis sativa), they are derived from different parts and have different benefits. Hemp oil comes from the seeds and is rich in nutrients, while CBD oil comes from the plant's flowers and leaves and is known for its therapeutic effects.

Hemp Oil Effects on Anxiety

As mentioned, hemp oil can help with anxiety by providing your body with essential nutrients. It's rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, known to promote brain health and reduce inflammation, a common factor in anxiety disorders.

CBD Oil Effects on Anxiety

CBD oil has been studied extensively for its potential to treat anxiety. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, helping regulate mood and reduce fear and anxiety. It's a popular choice for people looking for a natural alternative to traditional anxiety medications.

The Bottom Line: Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety

Both hemp oil and CBD oil can help with anxiety, but they do so in different ways. Hemp oil provides essential nutrients that promote brain health, while CBD oil works directly with the body's endocannabinoid system to reduce feelings of anxiety.

So, which is better, hemp oil or CBD oil? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a nutrient-rich oil that can improve your overall health while also helping to reduce anxiety, hemp oil could be the way to go. CBD oil might be your best bet if you're looking for a natural remedy specifically to reduce anxiety.

Remember, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're currently taking medication for anxiety. 

Cooking with Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil has a nutty, rich flavour paired with its signature dark green hue. However, it's far too sensitive to be heated in a pan.

You can use hemp seed oil as a topping for soups, grain bowls, and dressings. In addition, you can put your daily dose into a smoothie for a nutty taste. Alternatively, drink it straight from the spoon. Each drop is like liquid gold, so you're damn sure your body will thank you.

Despite the health benefits, the cannabis plant is still controversial in the media and scientific community because the plant contains THC, the active ingredient that gets you high. Unbeknownst to many, hemp seed oil, however, has virtually no THC.

Final thoughts

Hemp seed oil is a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. It can also be helpful for anxiety and depression, and many other health conditions. Hemp seed oil is an excellent natural remedy for anxiety and stress. It contains high amounts of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are both helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as other mental issues like insomnia. Best of all, hemp seed oil can be used in various ways - topically, orally, or as part of a juice blend. So, if you're looking for a natural remedy to help reduce anxiety, hemp seed oil might be a good option.

If you wish to dive deeper into the mechanics of the ECS system and how that affects bodily functions, head over to this in-depth article we wrote on the topic. 

You can grab some of the best hemp seed oil made in Australia here.