Hempseed Oil May Fight Eczema
KUOPIO, Finland--Researchers from the University of Kuopio, Finland, investigated whether hempseed oil or olive oil aided patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (eczema), an allergy that is characterized by dry, itchy skin.
Patients consumed two tablespoons of one of the oils per day for two months in a randomized, double blind, crossover study. A two-month washout period separated the two oil interventions.
"We are still processing some of the biochemical data," said lead researcher J.C. Callaway, Ph.D., "butwe saw a remarkable reduction in dryness, itching and an overall improvement in the symptoms of these patients while they were using the hempseed oil, and no significant change at all while they were using the olive oil."
The researchers believe that the hempseed oil acted to elevate blood levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid thought to be linked to a reduction in allergies. More information about this study can be found at www.motherhemp.com.