Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history, with documented use spanning thousands of years across multiple continents. Yet in contemporary culture it is frequently confused with its psychoactive relative, cannabis. Understanding the difference — and appreciating what industrial hemp actually offers — opens the door to a remarkably versatile plant with genuine applications in nutrition, skincare, and everyday wellness. Here is a clear-eyed look at what hemp is, what it contains, and how to use it.
Hemp vs Cannabis: An Important Distinction
Cannabis sativa encompasses two distinct plant types that differ fundamentally in their chemical composition. Industrial hemp — Cannabis sativa L. — is bred to contain only trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis. In the European Union, hemp cultivation requires a THC content below 0.3%, which is too low to produce any psychoactive effect.
Both plant types do contain CBD (cannabidiol), but in significantly different concentrations and contexts. Hemp-derived CBD is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has attracted extensive research interest over the past decade. It is not a controlled substance and is legally sold across the EU as a food supplement. Industrial hemp grown for seed and oil is a fully legal agricultural crop in Europe, subject to standard cultivation regulations.
Hemp Seeds: Nutritional Profile
Hemp seeds are among the most nutritionally dense plant foods available. They are an exceptional source of complete plant protein — containing all nine essential amino acids in proportions favourable for human health, with a digestibility profile comparable to egg and soy protein. This makes them particularly relevant for people following plant-based or vegetarian diets who want to maintain adequate protein intake.
Beyond protein, hemp seeds provide a broad range of nutrients:
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — in a ratio of approximately 1:3, which is considered favourable for a balanced fat intake
- Dietary fibre — both soluble and insoluble, supporting digestive regularity
- Vitamin E — a fat-soluble antioxidant that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Minerals — including magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc
- Phytosterols — plant compounds associated with normal cholesterol balance
Hemp seeds have a mild, slightly nutty flavour and can be eaten raw, toasted, or blended. They work well sprinkled over salads, yoghurt, porridge, or smoothies, and can also be incorporated into baked goods and seed mixes. For those seeking a broader range of plant-based nutrients to complement hemp seeds, our antioxidants collection includes relevant vitamin E and plant extract options.
Hemp Oil: Composition and Benefits
Cold-pressed hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds without the use of heat or chemical solvents, preserving its full nutritional value. The oil has a distinctive green colour from its chlorophyll content and a pleasant, slightly nutty flavour. Its fatty acid profile is one of its most notable characteristics: hemp oil contains approximately 55–60% linoleic acid (omega-6) and 15–20% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), along with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) — an omega-6 fatty acid with specific physiological relevance that is not found in most common dietary oils.
The oil also contains vitamins E and K, beta-carotene, phytosterols, and phospholipids. Like all cold-pressed oils rich in polyunsaturated fats, hemp oil should be stored in a dark, cool location and used within the timeframe indicated on the packaging. It should not be heated — use it only as a raw finishing oil, dressing, or supplement.
Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil — Dietary and Culinary Use
Hemp oil is well suited for use in salad dressings, drizzled over cooked grains, stirred into dips and pesto, or taken directly from a spoon as a daily supplement. Its omega fatty acid balance makes it a meaningful addition to a varied diet, particularly for people looking to increase their intake of plant-based unsaturated fats. Explore our cold-pressed hemp oil selection, ranging from standard to larger-format options:
[products:bilovit-hemp-oil-cold-pressed-250-ml, bilovit-hemp-oil-cold-pressed-500-ml, wellbear-hemp-oil-cold-pressed-250-ml, wellbear-hemp-oil-cold-pressed-500-ml, olvita-cold-pressed-hemp-oil-unpurified-250-ml, olvita-cold-pressed-hemp-oil-unpurified-500-ml]All cold-pressed plant oils are available in our cooking oils and vinegars collection.
Hemp in Skincare and Topical Applications
The cosmetic applications of hemp oil are extensive and well-established. Its fatty acid profile — particularly the GLA content — makes it especially relevant for skin barrier support. The oil helps reinforce the skin's natural hydrolipidic layer, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving skin elasticity and texture. Its anti-inflammatory properties are associated with soothing properties for reactive or irritated skin.
Hemp oil is used in formulations for dry and sensitive skin, atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and acne-prone skin. For acne, its ability to modulate sebum production without clogging pores makes it a non-comedogenic option — particularly useful for combination skin types. Applied topically, it is considered gentle enough for children's skin and is a popular ingredient in natural skincare for managing persistent skin conditions.
Hemp is also found in topical products for muscular and joint comfort. Herbamedicus produces a range of hemp-containing balms and ointments designed for topical warming or cooling effect, commonly used by athletes and active individuals:
[products:herbamedicus-warming-horse-ointment-with-hemp-250-ml, herbamedicus-cooling-horse-ointment-with-hemp-250-ml, herbamedicus-balm-black-claw-with-hemp-250-ml, herbamedicus-warming-horse-ointment-with-hemp-500-ml, herbamedicus-cooling-horse-ointment-with-hemp-500-ml]For those looking to support skin, hair, and nail health from the inside out through targeted supplementation, our hair, skin and nails collection offers complementary options.
CBD from Hemp: What the Research Suggests
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants. Unlike THC, it has no psychoactive properties. Research into CBD has grown substantially in recent years, and it is currently studied for its potential role in supporting relaxation, normal stress responses, and comfort. In the EU, hemp-derived CBD products intended for oral consumption are regulated as novel foods and must comply with applicable safety assessments. When purchasing CBD-containing products, it is important to choose products with verified cannabinoid content from reputable suppliers.
[tip:When buying hemp oil for dietary use, look for cold-pressed, unrefined options with a harvest or pressing date on the label. The oil's characteristic green colour and grassy-nutty aroma are signs it retains its natural plant compounds. Refined hemp oil is typically lighter in colour and flavour but has a less complete nutritional profile.]Who May Benefit from Hemp Products
Hemp seeds and hemp oil are broadly relevant to health-conscious adults across age groups. They are particularly well-suited for people following plant-based or flexitarian diets who want to diversify their sources of complete protein and omega fatty acids. People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin frequently incorporate hemp oil into their topical routines. Those interested in a natural, whole-food approach to daily fat quality — similar in spirit to the Budwig protocol — will also find cold-pressed hemp oil a practical and flavourful option.
[warning:Hemp products are not recommended during pregnancy without prior medical consultation, as the safety of hemp oil and CBD supplements in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. People taking anticoagulant medications should consult their doctor before regular use, as hemp's omega-3 content may interact with blood-thinning drugs. Hemp oil is not a treatment for any disease. Those with serious or chronic health conditions should seek medical advice before making significant dietary changes.] [note:All products at Medpak are shipped from within the EU, ensuring fast delivery and no customs complications for customers across Europe.]
