Looking for an easy way to add health benefits to your diet and improve your eczema or psoriasis? Consider replacing vegetable oil with hemp seed oil in your favorite recipes. Due to its high concentration of gamma linolenic acids, it may help reduce itchiness, irritation and inflammation of the skin.

A study conducted in 2002 by the University of Kuopio, Finland, found evidence that hemp seed oil taken orally may have positive effects on eczema. In the study, patients orally consumed two tablespoons of hemp seed oil a day for two months. The effects of the hemp seed oil were compared to the effects of cold-pressed olive oil.

“In short, [the researchers] 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] also noticed a reduction in the frequency of influenza when these patients were taking the hempseed oil,” said a researcher.

Extracted from the seeds of legally-grown cannabis flowers, hemp seed oil is a great source of vitamin e, omega-3’s, and gamma linolenic acids. While you will not receive a buzz from this nutty-tasting oil, you will get the valuable health benefits of its regenerative properties. Use hemp seed oil in place of your favorite oil in salad dressings and cooking to enjoy its nutty flavor.

However, keep in mind that hemp seed oil should not be used for frying or heated beyond the smoke point because it is cold-pressed.

Have you tried hemp seed oil?