Hemp seed oil is oil that has been pressed from the seeds of a hemp (cannabis, or marijuana) plant. Hemp has been used as a healing herb, and for many other practical purposes, throughout recorded history. The ancient Egyptians used hemp as one of their medicines. Very little scientific research has been done in the United States on the medicinal properties of hemp. Since hemp comes from the same plant species as marijuana, it was viewed with suspicion in the United States for many years. Researchers are just beginning to study it.
Using Hemp Seed Oil to Ease the Itching of a Mosquito Bite
Method
- Dab some hemp seed oil on the bite as soon as possible after receiving it.
- Repeat as needed.
Why It Works
Hempseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs), including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is so rich in fatty acids that one tablespoon of hempseed oil will give an adult human enough fatty acids for one day. Fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (which our bodies convert into gamma-linoleic acid), are important for skin health. Including essential fatty acids in the diet helps to keep the skin smooth and supple. EFAs are also anti-inflammatories, so when you apply them to the skin, or to a red and irritated area of skin (such as a mosquito bite), they have a soothing effect.
Precautions
There is no need to worry about psychoactive effects from hempseed oil. Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of Cannabis sativa, and when they are in bloom, they have a similar smell, but marijuana is a variety that is made up of 10 to 25 percent of psychoactive substances (called THC), while hemp contains less than one percent of THC. In addition, hempseed oil is rigorously tested for any trace amounts of THC before it is distributed.
