Herbal Eczema Remedies

The symptoms of contact dermatitis and eczema can be quite similar: intense itching, a red rash, thickening and inflammation of the skin, blisters that may break open and ooze, scales, and scabs. The major difference is that contact dermatitis has an external cause and the rash is usually confined to the area of the body that was in contact with the irritant. This means it’s possible to resolve the problem by avoiding the irritant.

Eczema, on the other hand, often is the result of multiple internal reactions to irritants and allergens, and though it can occur on its own, it often accompanies other allergic responses such as hayfever and asthma. Eczema can also be associated with poor digestion, severe constipation, low stomach acid levels, food allergies, a weak immune system, a family history of asthma or eczema, or a high level of stress. In fact, stress can be a major contributor toward the flare-up of eczema – keep that in mind.

The symptoms of eczema most often present on the wrists and hands (especially between the fingers and around the knuckles), in the creases of the knees and elbows, under the arms, and on the face and ears. Eczema can exhibit itself as weeping or dry, and each condition needs specific treatment to help ease the particular symptoms.

If you suffer from eczema, addressing your general health should be your first concern, including a whole-foods diet, pure water, daily exercise (but not to the point of exhaustion), stress management, enjoyable relationships and work, and sufficient rest and sleep. Additionally, regular elimination of waste is paramount in order to detoxify the body.

Though the remedies in this section will help ease the itching, promote the generation of new skin tissue, and decrease inflammation and redness, the underlying cause of your eczema needs to be identified by a qualified healthcare professional. Your skin is crying out because your whole system is attempting to detoxify and rid itself of irritation.

De-Stress Tea
Many sufferers find the following helpful when eczema flares: If you are feeling stressed and anxious, regular consumption of herbal nervine-based teas (3 to 4 cups per day) may relax the peripheral nerves and your heightened emotions, thus reducing inflammation and itching to some degree. At your local health food store, look for relaxing herb tea blends that contain such herbs as catnip, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, licorice, skullcap, passionflower, and valerian.

EVENING PRIMROSE BLEND (FOR DRY ECZEMA)

The Crow Indians of the American West traditionally used the oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose to heal the symptoms of dry skin, rashes, and eczema. They applied it directly to the skin and also consumed it to help nourish the skin from the inside. Evening primrose oil is rich in anti-inflammatory gammalinolenic acid (GLA), as well as the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain healthy skin tissue. The following is a simple remedy that will significantly ease the symptoms of redness, peeling, itching, and inflammation associated with dry eczema.

20 drops palmarosa essential oil
15 drops Moroccan blue chamomile or German chamomile essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
¼ cup evening primrose base oil
¼ cup jojoba base oil

EQUIPMENT: Dropper, dark glass bottle with dropper top or screw cap
PREP TIME: 15 minutes, plus 24 hours to synergize
YIELD: Approximately ½ cup
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 6 months

APPLICATION:
2 or 3 times per day Add the palmarosa, chamomile, and lavender essential oils drop by drop directly into a storage bottle. Add the evening primrose and jojoba base oils. Screw the top on the bottle and shake vigorously for 2 minutes to blend. Label the bottle and place in a dark location that’s between 60° and 80°F for 24 hours so that the oils can synergize.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake well before using. Cleanse the affected area using a mixture of 1 part baking soda to 8 parts water; the baking soda helps ease itchiness. Pat dry. Gently massage a small amount of the herbal oil blend into the area until it is absorbed. Repeat two or three times per day. Bonus This oil can be beneficial when massaged nightly into dry, brittle nails, and it works well to help soothe the inflammation and flaky, dry skin of psoriatic plaques.

ALOE AND PEPPERMINT CLAY PACK (FOR WEEPING ECZEMA)

If you tend to get hot, red, inflamed, weeping eczema that develops in small patches, then this is the spot treatment for you. The absorbent, cooling clay pack will tighten and soothe those areas, bringing relief to annoying irritation. This formula is best applied to eczema on flat surfaces of the skin, rather than on eczema that has formed around joints or in skin creases. This recipe may be doubled or tripled to treat large eczema patches. Note: If a large portion of the body is affected by eczema, a baking soda bath once per day, using

½ to 1 cup of baking soda stirred into the bathwater, is recommended.
1 tablespoon bentonite or French green clay
1 teaspoon crushed dried peppermint or contents of 1 peppermint tea bag
5 teaspoons commercially prepared aloe vera juice

EQUIPMENT: Small bowl, spoon or tiny whisk
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
YIELD: 1 or more treatments (depending on size of affected area)
STORAGE: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers; use within 3 days

APPLICATION:
Once daily until weeping subsides In a small bowl or custard cup, use a spoon or tiny whisk to combine the clay and peppermint with the aloe vera juice to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Allow to thicken for 5 minutes. It should not have a soupy consistency; if it does, add a bit more clay to thicken it. Use immediately.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Using your finger, spread a thick layer of clay pack onto each eczema patch and allow to dry or nearly dry for at least 45 minutes. The clay will harden and may tingle and crack as it dries. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry. Follow with a light application of plain, cold aloe vera juice and allow to air-dry. If you have any leftover clay pack mixture, tightly cover the little bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 days. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a tad more aloe vera juice and stir well before using. Bonus This clay pack also helps cool inflammation and relieve itching and dry oozing of skin irritated by poison plant rash. 

THREE FLOWERS ANTI-ITCH SPRAY (FOR WEEPING OR DRY ECZEMA)

This formula is designed specifically for those who suffer from intensely itchy eczema, be it weeping or dry. Additionally, it will deliver speedy relief to painful inflammation and stimulate the formation of new, healthy skin cells. I recommend that you keep a bottle handy in the refrigerator.

30 drops calendula essential oil
30 drops Moroccan blue chamomile or German chamomile essential oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
1 cup commercially prepared aloe vera juice

EQUIPMENT: Dropper, glass or plastic spritzer bottle
PREP TIME: 15 minutes, plus 24 hours to synergize
YIELD: Approximately 1 cup
STORAGE: Refrigerate; use within 6 months

APPLICATION:
Up to 3 times per day Add the calendula, chamomile, and lavender essential oils drop by drop directly into a spritzer bottle. Add the aloe vera juice. Screw the top on the bottle and shake vigorously for 2 minutes to blend. Label the bottle and place in a dark location that’s between 60° and 80°F for 24 hours so that the blend can synergize; then refrigerate.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake well before using. Spray onto itchy patches of eczema up to three times per day. Allow to air-dry. Bonus This spray eases the sting of a bad sunburn, aids in the repair of damaged skin tissue, and soothes the itching and swelling of hives. It also makes a good spot treatment for blemishes.