If you need a break from medications and their side effects, then trying an eczema herbal remedy may be your best bet. It is always best to address eczema holistically, focusing on treating your condition from the inside out. Here are five natural eczema herbal remedies that may help to clear up your skin.
Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera plant has been used for centuries for a variety of skin conditions including burns and dryness. In fact, you will most likely find it as an ingredient in your favorite skin care product. So why is aloe vera an effective eczema herbal treatment? For one, aloe vera contains complex sugars, called polysaccharides, that naturally moisturize and hydrate the skin. Aloe also helps to kill bacteria, as well as increase oxygen availability to the skin cells. Aloe vera is also great for soothing irritated skin and prevent future infections.
You can find many topical products that contain aloe vera, but the best source is from the plant itself. To use, simply cut a leaf from the plant, and directly apply the gel to the skin. With time, Aloe vera will help to reduce eczema symptoms and improve the skin’s overall quality.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful Indian herb that is used for both cooking and medicine. Curcumin, The active ingredient in turmeric, is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help to lower histamine production in the body. Turmeric also contains anti-oxidant properties that will help the skin maintain a youthful appearance.
Turmeric as an herbal remedy for eczema can be used internally and externally. Turmeric spice is readily available at almost any grocery store, and adding it to your meals may prove to be beneficial. Alternatively, you can find turmeric as a supplement at natural food stores. Create a topical treatment by making a paste mixing turmeric powder. Apply the paste to the affected areas and rinse with warm water.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most popular eczema herbal treatments. The German and Roman chamomile varieties are the most commonly known plants; Germain chamomile is the most commonly used plant used a an eczema herbal remedy. Chamomile contains a compound called alpha bisabolol, an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching ingredient.
Chamomile is a topical treatment and can be found in essential oil and herb form. Chamomile oil, diluted with a carrier oil such as almond, can be directly applied to the skin. Adding chamomile herbs or flowers can be added to a warm bath to soothe itching and inflammation.
Witch Hazel
Originating from North America, witch hazel is a potent herb that has been used for conditions such as hemorrhoids and cold sores. Witch hazel is also a good eczema natural remedy, due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea is a very popular way for administering witch hazel. To create a witch hazel tea, add 2 to 3 grams of witch hazel leaves to boiling water for about 15 minutes. Witch hazel tea can be taken two to three times a day. You can also find witch hazel in liquid form at any drug store. Bottled witch hazel can be applied to eczema problem areas as well.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the best eczema natural remedies because of its antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Rosemary is known for reducing skin inflammation and stimulating blood circulation. Rosemary also has a powerful aroma that helps to relieve stress.
Rosemary is available as an essential oil, oil capsules, and teas. The best way to use rosemary for eczema is by adding a few drops of oil to bathwater and soak. You can also opt to use topical creams and/or cleansers that has rosemary as an ingredient. Rosemary is also a uterine stimulant, so it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Before using any of the herbal remedies for eczema, perform a skin patch test to check for any allergic reactions. You should consult with your physician first before trying any eczema herbal remedy method.
January 31st, 2010 at 9:40 am
I like turmeric. I use it internally. It selectively kills harmful bacteria so it’s very good internally. I havn’t used it externally so can’t comment on that.
As for the Aloe, I would say I’ve heard that the results of treating burns are somewhat disappointing and there are other things that have worked better. I use it for acid reflux, upset stomach. It’s an anti-inflammatory. It has the curious ability to stop the stomach from self-destructing. I find it very quick and effective for acid reflux.
I’ve heard some people say that essential fatty acids, eg fish oil and cod liver oil, flaxseed oil help improve some skin problems. I don’t know if that is true of eczema, but it’s important you have adequate amounts in your diet.
Lycopene is also good for skin.
Rosemary etc are anti-bacterial and anti-fungals and there are others in the same vein like oregano, thyme, that have similar effects. I don’t know if they might work.
I’ve had itching on my skin and quite bad eczema. If it’s a fungal problem I’d also suggest the standard advice; keep your skin dry. Soap also causes problem.
January 31st, 2010 at 4:08 pm
We tried turmeric when our little boy had such severe Eczema and it stained everything yellow – including our carpet!! It was awful for us and did not work at all. In fact, nothing really worked to help him. Docs just shrugged and told us that he was a “gray area” and that they could only prescribe potent meds like oral steroids. It was awful until we found something natural that changed his/our life forever. We have him the kids chewable probiotics from Bellyboost and not only did he love the flavor (unlike many of the remedies we tried) but it began to clear his skin within just a few days and weeks. It was a miracle! I cannot say enough great things about this and I just hope that other parents can hear how well this worked for us and that maybe it would help them too.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
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February 12th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I’ve got or had acid reflux since I used to be a teenager. I’m now in my thirties and what has appeared to succeed best for me is apple cider vinegar in a. I ingest it as a hot tea.