Hempseed Oil May Fight Eczema

KUOPIO, Finland--Researchers from the University of Kuopio,Finland, investigated whether hempseed oil or olive oil aided patients sufferingfrom atopic dermatitis (eczema), an allergy that is characterized by dry, itchyskin.

Patients consumed two tablespoons of one of the oils per day for two monthsin a randomized, double blind, crossover study. A two-month washout periodseparated the two oil interventions.

"We are still processing some of the biochemical data," said leadresearcher J.C. Callaway, Ph.D., "butwe saw a remarkable reduction indryness, itching and an overall improvement in the symptoms of these patientswhile they were using the hempseed oil, and no significant change at all whilethey were using the olive oil."

The researchers believe that the hempseed oil acted to elevate blood levelsof gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid thought to be linked to a reductionin allergies. More information about this study can be found at www.motherhemp.com.