Using ACV as a “medicine” is certainly not a new phenomenon.  In fact, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used ACV in 400 BC as a natural remedy for detox cleansing, energizing, and overall healing.  Later in 1958, Dr. D.C. Jarvis touted apple cider vinegar’s amazing curative abilities in his published book, Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health. So what makes this golden vinegar so potent, especially for eczema?

Properties of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermentation of fresh ripe apples, in which sugar in apple cider broken down by bacteria and yeast.  ACV contains a myriad of essential vitamins and minerals including, pectin, beta-carotene, sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, sulphur, and iron.  ACV also contains lactic, acetic, and malic acids, giving it powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Why apple cider vinegar is a good treatment for eczema

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for eczema because of its immune boosting abilities due to the host of vitamins and minerals it contains.   Strengthening the immune system is one of the cornerstones to healing eczema.  Beta-carotene is a particularly important antioxidant which helps to improve the skin’s cell renewal process, firmness and overall skin health.  Potassium is important for alleviating the effects of allergies

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are especially beneficial for combating dry skin and skin infections, relieving the skin from inflammation, itchiness, and dryness.

Apple cider vinegar may also provide indirect benefits by promoting regularity and improving digestion and elimination.  Pectin, the fiber in the vinegar helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.  It also helps the body maintain a healthy natural weight by breaking down fats.

Alternative medicine suggests that apple cider vinegar helps to restore a healthy alkaline/acid balance.  The theory behind alkaline/acid balance is our blood is slightly alkaline, with a normal pH level of between 7.35 and 7.45. Our diet should reflect this pH level and be slightly alkaline.  A body too acidic may manifest illness and disorders, including eczema.

Using apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for eczema

You can receive the benefits of apple cider vinegar internally and externally.  To use ACV to treat eczema, do the following:

• Three times a day, 30 minutes before meals, Dilute 1 Tbsp of ACV in 16 oz. of tepid water.  You can add a little honey, maple syrup, or blackstrap molasses for taste.  If you absolutely can’t stand the taste of three large doses a day, you can add a tsp of ACV to your drinking water throughout the day.  Drinking with water is best, but another option is to add ACV to a fresh fruit or veggie juice.
• Add 2 cups of ACV to warm (not hot) bathwater and soak for 15-30 minutes, following up with a cold rinse in the shower for one minute.  You can take these baths 3-4 times a week for best results.
• For immediate relief from itching and dryness, make a well diluted mixture of ACV and water, mixing 1 Tbsp to a half cup of water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas several times daily.
• If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, create a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse and apply it on the scalp.  Leave the solution on the scalp for at least 30 minutes before rinsing from your hair.

Other tips…

• If you are using an apple cider vinegar solution on a child, make the mixture more diluted to prevent a burning or stinging sensation.
• Always use unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV.  This vinegar will appear to be dark and cloudy, with sediment at the bottom of the bottle.  You can easily found this type of ACV at health food stores, online, and some grocery stores.

Very seldom is one treatment effective enough for treating eczema.  In fact, most medical research studies show that the most effective eczema treatments involves a combination of oral and topical treatments, along with lifestyle changes.

Eczema medications prescribed are based on several factors including the type of eczema, any past treatments, and the personal preference of the patient. The most commonly prescribed medications are both topical and oral.  However, those with severe cases of eczema may undergo phototherapy treatments.

Below are the most common treatments for eczema:

Moisturizers.  The #1 remedy for eczema that specialists recommend is frequent skin moisturizing.  Dryness of the skin aggravates the problem of eczema; hence it is important to always retain moisture in the skin by regularly applying moisturizers.  The best type of moisturizers have a low water and high oil content, and is free from any irritants such as fragrance.  Emollients are often recommended as they are effective at rehydrating the skin while having a mild inflammatory effect.  Avoiding over-bathing is also important for retention of the skin’s natural oils.

Corticosteroids or Topical Steroids. These creams are typically prescribed to decrease inflammation and are available in different strengths.  Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a dermatologist may prescribe a mild, medium, or high-potency cream. High potency steroid creams usually have undesirable side effects, especially if used for eczema on the face.  A common side effect that is a cause for concern is thinning of the skin when used for a prolonged period of time.

There are other types of non-steroidal creams that a doctor may prescribe to treat eczema.  Two topical non-steroidal creams, Protopic and Elidel have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of eczema.  However, in 2005 the FDA issued a warning that these drugs may contribute to the development of certain types of cancers.  Furthermore, these drugs are known as calcineurin inhibitors, which are immune system suppressants.  Because of the potential dangers and side effects of these drugs, doctors tend to precribe them if a patient is unresponsive to other forms of treatments, and limit use for short time periods.  Protopic and Elidel should also be avoided in peple who have compromised immune systems.

Oral antihistamines. These drugs are prescribe to control severe itching.  Antihistamines are used to fight the histamines that trigger symptoms of inflammation.  Antihistamines are sedatives, so drowsiness may occur.  The most commonly prescribed histamines are diphenhydramine [Benadryl], hydroxyzine [Atarax, Vistaril], and cyproheptadine).

Oral corticosteroids. These are prescribed to control acute cases of eczema.  Oral corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, are also known to produce harmful side effects, so long-term use is discouraged.  Cyclosporine, an oral immunosuppressant drug is also used to treat some cases of eczema.

It is important to know that even though all of these methods will provide some eczema relief, none will actually cure eczema.

“Infants who have eczema, or at least what has been diagnosed as eczema, and have it treated with all sorts of creams, ointments and potions are actually looking at some more serious problems down the road.

For example, asthma as a side effect of the poor management of childhood eczema…”

He also has an opinion on “natural products”:

“Even so-called natural products can give us a false sense of security when we use them.

Because they are natural really means that they are a better alternative than some of the products out there, but they can be suppressive as well.

A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself this question: Is the product you are using allowing the natural elimination of toxins from the body or does it keep things inside?

Pills may deal with the pain, deal with the discomfort. But do they deal with the root cause of that pain or discomfort?”

He hits the nail right on the head.  This blog has stated (and will continue to state) that eczema must be treated from the inside out.  This article isn’t just about eczema, but any condition and it’s worth reading.  Check out the entire article here.

Soap Nuts to Treat Eczema & Psoriasis

By Matthew James Johnson

Soap nuts have a long history when it comes to treating skin conditions such as eliminating freckles, erasing fine lines, and ridding cracks in the skin. Soap nuts have been used for generations in India to treat eczema and psoriasis effectively and in the past few decades have been used in Europe with very positive results. The best thing about using soap nuts is that they are safe and effective for people that are allergic to even the mildest form of astringents or cleansers that are purchased in the stores. In most cases, even the cleansers that are labeled allergy free or for sensitive skin can be damaging to sufferers of eczema and psoriasis. Soap nuts have also been used in the United States for people who have been diagnosed with these skin conditions.

Soap Nuts for Eczema?

It has always been recommended that people with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis should not use any type of cleansers on their skin. This is almost impossible considering that cleansers are in just about everything that is used commonly around the household and it is said that people who suffer from these types of skin conditions should try to avoid anything labeled as a detergent or soap. Soap nuts are among the list of herbs and minerals in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers and they are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis. Eczema affects both males and females alike and age is not a factor. Common symptoms of mild eczema can include dry, hot and itchy skin but more severe forms of the condition can result in the skin becoming raw, broken and bleeding.

Helping Eczema & Psoriasis

Rather than having to resort to prescription medicine to treat your eczema and psoriasis, first try ground soap nut husks as they provide a totally natural chemical free detergent for treatment. Soap nuts are recommended for babies and for people who develop allergies to conventional washing products, as they contain no allergenic substances. This is extremely important for those who suffer from skin disorders because many times the clothes that are being washed can trigger the skin condition and cause it to worsen. Soap nuts are all natural and have no smell to them which is the main reason that they are so successful in ridding skin disorders and preventing future outbreaks.

Soap Nut Studies

Many studies have proven that some people who have eczema have had their problems diminish after switching to soap nuts as a laundry detergent and as a skin cleanser. Soap nuts lead to stable soapy foam when they come in contact with water. Saponin’s can replace conventional chemical detergents such as sodium laureth sulphate that are becoming increasingly unacceptable to the consumer due to fears concerning the safety of the chemical. Naturally occurring, Saponin’s provide the foaming agent necessary in shampoo or shower gel that are gentler on the body and more environmentally friendly. According to Professor C. Kamaswara Rao of the Department of Forests Environment and Ecology of the Government of Karnataka, the biggest environmental benefits of the soap nuts in conjunction with prevention and elimination of skin conditions is through its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.

[http://www.BuySoapNuts.com]

Soap nuts aren’t only environmentally friendly, but they are also friendly to your wallet.  You can actually get 400 loads of laundry for as low as $.08 a load.  Replacing your irritating detergent is a no-brainer!

• Soap nuts on Amazon

***Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_James_Johnson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Soap-Nuts-to-Treat-Eczema-and-Psoriasis&id=1250620

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Drink your water!

Drinking water may seem to be a simple yet obvious eczema remedy, but you would be surprised to know how many eczema sufferers are actually dehydrated. If you’re not drinking at least two liters of water a day, then you’re missing the boat (no pun intended). Hydrating and maintaining moisture of the skin is the top weapon against eczema, but only using lotions and creams are not going to cut it. You must hydrate from the inside out, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day everyday can make a huge difference in your condition.

Give your immune system a boost

Strengthening your immune system is an essential eczema cure especially if your flare-ups are from contact allergies. Strengthening the immune system and detoxifying the body will make you less sensitive to the allergies. Controlling yeast (Candida) overgrowth in the body can help as well. Here are a few things you can do to get your immune system in tip top shape:

* Drink plenty of water (see above!)
* Eliminate/reduce processed packaged foods and replace with wholesome whole foods such as fruits, green leafy vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
* Take probiotics
* Get some sun! A minimum of 15 minutes of sun per day can help your body produce immune-boosting vitamin D.
* Exercise
* Take a whole food multi-vitamin daily

Swim (or bathe) in Saltwater

Salt water is a wonderful eczema treatment because of its soothing and healing effect on eczema rashes and scars. The best type of salt to use is dead sea salt, as it contains a high mineral content. So if you’re near a beach, it wouldn’t hurt to take a dip in the ocean from time to time. You can add salt to your daily baths, or even use salt as a scrub.

Now you know how to cure eczema, it’s time to take action.  Try the three eczema cures above starting today and see results in a matter of a few weeks!

In India, the neem tree is known as the “divine tree” and as the “village pharmacy”.  This ayurvedic leaf has powerful medicinal properties, including being an antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and an analgesic.   These properties make neem a very effective natural eczema remedy treatment.

Neem works by preventing bacteria from entering broken skin; it  also strengthens the immune system. Furthermore, neem is  an emollient that keeps dry skin moisturized.

In traditional Ayurveda, a paste from the neem leaves is rubbed directly over the affected areas. However, there are several ways to use this wonderful plant.

• Add neem oil to your bath and soak for 30 minutes.  You can also use a neem leaf extract made from a cup of tea of fresh or dried neem leaves.

• Rub neem lotion or cream on moist skin to lock in the moisture.

• Neem can also be ingested to boost immune system. Fresh neem leaves work best, but if you have yet to acquire the taste, there are neem supplements available.

If you opt to use neem oil, make sure you use cold-pressed oil that is not a refined extract.  You should also stay away from neem soap, as the other ingredients in the soap may be drying to the skin.

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