Aromatherapy

Hemp in all its aromatherapeutic forms

Published : 2025-02-19

Summary

Are you ready for a meeting with extracts of hemp in aromatherapy to take advantage of its exceptional virtues?

A plant with an ambivalent reputation, hemp - commonly known as cannabis, after its Latin name - is also used in aromatherapy. Its vegetable oil, with its many benefits, helps skin in need.

More recently, hemp essential oil has appeared on the market with its marked anti-inflammatory properties.

It remains little-known and rare, but definitely worth a look!

An article by Amandine Devillard, aromatologist.

A few anecdotes about hemp

Hemp, whose Latin name is Cannabis sativa L., is a member of the cannabaceae botanical family. It has a wide range of uses, from building materials (hemp concrete, yes!) to sound and heat insulation, textiles and paper. With its robust fibres, hemp has survived the centuries by supplying a variety of industries. These same fibres were even used to make the royal garments of the emperors of the Chinese dynasties.

Its seeds provide a balanced diet with proteins, antioxidant vitamin E, fibre and polyunsaturated omegas 3 and 6. Don't hesitate to sprinkle them over your salad or desserts!

Hemp's sulphurous reputation began in the 20th century due to the presence of its famous cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). But these active molecules, derived from the female flowers of the hemp plant, are not the only cannabinoids in the plant; there are around a hundred of them. Only the first, THC, has a psychotropic effect on the nervous system by binding to the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies.

Hemp essential oil: the anti-inflammatory choice

Hemp distillation is still a recent development. The essential oil is obtained from the aerial parts, but the seed coat contains most of the precious substance harvested at the end of the distillation process. Its scent is similar to that of the original plant, herbaceous, green, sweet and deep, with hints of sun-warmed hay. It is instantly recognisable, and remains unique in the olfactory panorama of aromatherapy!

If we look at its biochemical make-up, we essentially find the following profile:

Monoterpenes: beta-myrcene (approx. 20%), alpha-pinene, terpinolene, trans-beta-ocimene ;
sesquiterpenes: beta-caryophyllene (approx. 20%), alpha-humulene (approx. 6%)
oxide: caryophyllene oxide (approx. 3-4%).

This essential oil of hemp has many benefits for the body and the psycho-emotional sphere:

general relaxant, for both body and mind ;
anxiolytic ;
powerful anti-inflammatory ;
analgesic ;
antioxidant
respiratory decongestant;
skin soother.

Thanks to its properties, we can use hemp essential oil in many situations:

low mood, depression, depressive episode ;
stress ;
burn-out ;
insomnia ;
aches and pains, intense sporting effort, both preventive and post-effort ;
joint pain (rheumatism, arthritis, osteoarthritis) ;
coughs;
Irritated and reactive skin: itching, eczema, psoriasis, bites and other dermatoses;
rosacea.

In cosmetic aromatherapy, adding one or two drops of hemp essential oil to a preparation not only soothes and repairs sensitive skin, but also has an anti-ageing effect.

Hemp plant oil: gentle for the skin

Hemp plant oil, with its attractive deep green colour, is obtained by cold pressing the seeds. It contains a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids - omega 6 and 3 - which are ideal for soothing itchy skin. However, this richness in omega 6 and 3 also has a disadvantage: the vegetal oil becomes sensitive to oxidation. Keeping it in the fridge and adding antioxidant vitamin E can easily overcome this problem.

Hemp oil has numerous properties for the skin, particularly for dry, mature, dehydrated, combination and reactive skin:

anti-ageing ;
antioxidant ;
deep regenerating ;
calming and soothing ;
emollient ;
promotes skin elasticity.

Its rather dry finish and rapid absorption by the epidermis make it an asset in the natural routine of many skin types and conditions. Perfect for the summer season, it helps revitalise the skin after exposure to UV rays. Use around ten drops with one or two drops of lavender aspic essential oil.

From a more therapeutic point of view, it comes to the rescue of skin prone to eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea. It can also be used in vinaigrettes to take advantage of the protective properties of omega-3 (particularly for the cardiovascular system), but this plant oil should only be used raw and not heated.

Tip: coconut and jojoba oils are generally credited with hair care benefits. But hemp oil nourishes and smoothes the hair fibre perfectly! Used as a nourishing and regenerating mask to leave on before shampooing, it restores strength to dry, brittle, thick hair without any undesirable greasy effect.

What is the difference between hemp vegetable oil and CBD-based oily extract?

Both products are fatty in nature, but it's simply the way they are obtained that differs. Hemp vegetable oil is obtained by first cold-pressing the plant's seeds. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is not found in vegetable oil.

CBD extract, on the other hand, is composed differently. The cannabidiol is first isolated from the plant's female flowers. This concentrated extract, with its profound calming and analgesic properties, is added to an oily base. This base is often made up of hemp plant oil.

Hemp hydrosol

If there's a hemp essential oil, there's bound to be a corresponding hydrosol!

Still hard to find, hemp hydrosol has a sweet, roasted hazelnut scent and has the same properties as the essential oil, with the added bonus of being gentle. It's perfect for cleansing the skin and toning it after oil-based make-up removal. In cases of inflammatory acne, hemp hydrosol tends to reduce redness. Further studies are awaited to find out more about the hydrosol's therapeutic potential.