The rise of hemp and CBD oil is one of the most exciting wellness trends in recent years, and you can see hemp used in everything from clothing to food products. A common misconception is that as they’re both derived from the cannabis plant they can make you ‘high’… sorry, nope! With hemp, the cannabis plant has been bred to have extremely low concentrations of the psychoactive component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana may contain more than 25% THC – in comparison, hemp typically contains less than 1%. CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the cannabis plant, while hemp seed oil is extracted only from the seeds.
From clean beauty products to luxe bedlinen, superfoods and ethical fashion, there are lots of ways to incorporate this super-ingredient into your lifestyle. Here’s why you should consider getting on the hemp bandwagon:
1. It’s good for your skin
How? The clean beauty industry has embraced hemp seed oil due to it’s ability to naturally calm, protect, moisturise and plump skin. This makes it a godsend for sensitive skin, a super-hydrator, as well as being an antioxidant which helps address anti-ageing concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.
Why? This light green oil helps skin repair and heal naturally. As an anti-inflammatory, it’s said to help soothe dry irritated skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne in a natural way. Richly moisturising with essential fatty acids like Omega-3, 6 and 9, it’s also non-comedogenic so won’t clog pores.
Try: We have some serious #LocalLove for Queensland brand Cannabella, especially their signature O.G. product Hemp Jelly Balm. This multi-purpose wonder salve helps soothe, nourish, protect and heal all skin types (including the most sensitive and irritated) and can be used on any part of the face and body.
2. It’s good for the planet
How? Hemp is a sustainable crop which doesn’t exhaust the soil – it actually nourishes its surrounds as it grows! Scientists allegedly planted it at Chernobyl to reduce soil toxicity after the nuclear disaster, as it naturally restores balance by cleaning the soil, air and water. As a humectant, this is how it draws moisture into your skin too. With continual daily usage, products containing hemp seed oil are said to improve your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture long-term. Hemp is economical by producing a high fibre-yield per acre (250% more fibre than cotton, 600% more fibre than flax, using the same amount of land). It’s an adaptable plant and can grow in just about any climate, needs very little water and grows extremely fast (it matures in just 100 days). Best of all, there’s no wastage as the entire plant can be used to make things like paper, fabric, building materials, fuel and food.
Why? In contrast, a majority of skincare products on the market are petroleum-based, containing pore-clogging minerals and other nasties. This reliance on our rapidly-dwindling supply of fossil fuels isn’t good news for the environment. Hemp seed oil is 100% natural, good for the environment as well as for your skin. #HempSeedOilForPresident
Try: Cool-girl beauty brand The Inkey List’s Hemp Oil Moisturiser is super-popular with beauty fans. Original sustainable beauty pioneers The Body Shop have a Hemp Range which uses ethically-sourced community trade hemp seed oil, with the best-selling Hemp Hand Protector being a beauty editor must-have.
3. It’s good for your gut
How? Hemp is also your new fave healthy superfood in the kitchen.
Why? Full of nutritional benefits, high in protein and essential fats including Omegas 3, 6 and 9, it’s also packed with essential vitamins, trace elements and minerals. It’s said to be excellent for skin health, heart health, cholesterol levels, circulation and is high in antioxidants. Importantly, choosing it also helps lower your body’s ingestible toxic load: as the plant is naturally resistant to pests, it doesn’t usually need to be treated with harmful pesticides even when grown on a large commercial scale.
Try: Hemp seeds can be added to smoothies; baked goods like cakes and muffins; homemade burger or falafel mixes or sprinkled on top of a salad for an extra protein boost. Make your own plant-based hemp mylk as a dairy alternative (has a lovely nutty flavour). Drizzle over salads. Make hemp seed porridge for brekkie (gluten-free, high protein, low carb, and keto-friendly!). Show some #LocalLove for Victorian-based brand Mt. Elephant, your one-stop-shop for all things edible hemp from flours and oils, to protein and delicious healthy snack bars.
4. It also feels reaaally good…
How? No doubt your social feed has been taken over like ours by gorgeous pics of hemp bedlinen in dreamy colours and sleek ethical ‘slow fashion’ labels. Many of these businesses are also embracing zero-waste by only making products to order, using natural fabrics and traditional design and construction methods to ensure their items are made to last.
Why? Much like all linen weaves, hemp feels cool, smooth and breathable against the skin making it the perfect fabric for the humid summer months. Durable, naturally temperature-regulating (cool in summer, warm in winter) and an anti-bacterial natural fibre (which means you save water as you need to wash it less; plus it’s said to be good for asthma and allergy sufferers).
Try: One of our newest #LocalLove finds is Adelaide-based sustainable ethical clothing and homewares brand Good Studios. They champion hemp textiles across their range of gorgeous bedlinen and fashion in a timeless colour palette of soothing neutrals and natural tones.
Hemp ticks all the feel-good boxes – ethical, easy and effective – so go forth and be green!
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