Nature created an oil that was perfectly balanced. It is what we call hemp oil. The balance is due to the combination of unsaturated Omega Six and Three fatty acids which you cannot find in any other substance. It also contains healthy elements such as antioxidants and vitamins. This is only true if you cold pressed the oil. It is because the hemp seed’s nutritional properties are preserved when the oil is unrefined.
HOW do you make UNREFINED HEMP OIL?
Hemp is also known as Old English hemp and industrial hemp. It is a Cannabis sativa variety which people grow industrially for the products you can derive from it. You can find it at the North of the hemisphere.
You can mechanically extract cold pressed unrefined hemp oil from hemp seeds. This is done below 104 degrees Fahrenheit, at temperatures that are very low. There is no bleaching and chemical cleaning done on cold pressed oil. The cold pressed hemp oil is filtered mechanically to remove any sediments.
Due to how the hemp oil is manufactured, the grassy taste and the unique naturally-occurring nutrients are retained.
COLD PRESSED OIL’S SHORT SHELF LIFE
Cold pressed hemp seed oil is not chemically treated and is not exposed to hot temperature. This preserves the seed’s active ingredients but also shortens the oil’s shelf life. Thus, you must store it in cool areas and shorten the supply chain between the end consumer and the manufacturer. The cold pressed oil will quickly go bad if it is stored incorrectly or if anything goes wrong during transport. There is usually a strange smell when the hemp oil is already spoiled. Cold pressed oil that is fresh and stored properly looks vibrantly green. It also has a nice yet strong smell which reminds one of nuts and grass that has been mowed recently.
Why refined oil is not as good as unrefined oil
For refined oil, it has no tiny particles, the color is lighter and it looks clean. This type of oil is chemically treated at hot temperatures, which is a rather complicated method. The temperatures it is exposed to during the process can reach up to 518 degrees Fahrenheit. Such high temperatures remove the oil’s healthy nutrients and vitamins, along with any beneficial fatty acids. This kind of hemp oil is found in plastics, ointments and cosmetics.
Hemp seed oil is a good source of: vitamins (including B1, B2, B6 and D) trace minerals (including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc), and omega 6 and 3 fatty acids with a balanced and healthy 3 to 1 ratio.
Two main reasons most cosmetics manufacturers decide to use refined oils:
- Refined oils last longer allowing for a longer supply chain between production and the end consumer, higher volumes of stock and lower risk for the manufacturer
- Refined hemp oil is significantly cheaper than unrefined oil
Hemp Oil Doses and Uses
After opening your cold pressed hemp seed oil, you should keep it refrigerated so it will last longer. You can apply it straight on your skin or hair, or put it in skin and hair care recipes. Before you do, make sure you do a spot test to check if you are allergic to it.
Usage is not limited to topical. You can take it orally with a teaspoon. Start with just two to three teaspoons to try to gauge how sensitive you are to the oil. For animals, the dosage depends on how big it is. Start with a one fourth to one half dose, or better yet consult your vet.
You can also put in food like salad dressings or smoothies. It works great in dips and mayo. Make sure that you don’t cook it at temperatures above 518 degrees Fahrenheit though.
If you want to relieve anxiety and pain, it is recommended that you take the oil in the morning. For a great night’s sleep and less pain, you can take it in the evening. If you want to treat a particular illness, it is better to look for high genetic strains and our solvent free extraction.
FINAL PUFF
Hemp oil is very popular, but cold pressed oil can be challenging for businesses. This is because of the shorter shelf life, which although is an obstacle, also serves as an assurance that the products are quality and fresh.
