Herbal remedies for Eczema

It is also known as atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis or dermatitis.

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes, which may be red and inflamed, scaly, dry, or leathery. It usually occurs on the face, scalp and hands, as well as in areas of skin folds such as the wrists, in the front of the elbows and behind the knees. There may also be skin blisters with oozing and crusting.

Eczema usually occurs for the first time in infants, with rashes typically on the cheeks, elbows or knees. Eczema often gets better in adulthood, but can persist especially if the person is exposed to allergens or chemical irritants or is under stress.

Eczema may be caused by food allergies or other allergens such as pollen and animal fur.

People with eczema have higher than normal amounts of histamine (a chemical that produces an allergic reaction when released) in their bodies. Hence, these people often develop asthma, hay fever and other allergies as well.

Eczema is also likely to run in the family. People with eczema usually have family members with eczema, asthma, hay fever or some form of allergies.

This herb has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. It is used to relieve itching and redness in eczema.

The flowers, preferably picked a few days before opening, are dried and commonly used as an infusion or tea. It is also available in liquid extracts and tinctures to be taken orally. .

External preparations used for eczema usually contains 3-10% w/w of chamomile in creams.

Recommended dosage:

Orally — 2-4 grams dried flower heads to be taken as infusion or tea three times daily

Externally — Apply the cream to the affected areas 3 to 4 times daily.

Individuals with known allergies to members of the sunflower (Asteaceae) family should be cautious when taking chamomile as cross-sensitivity has been established.

This is a common weed that is used traditionally as a "blood purifier" which helps to detoxify the blood and remove toxins from the body.

It is consequently used internally and topically to treat chronic skin problem such as eczema, acne and psoriasis, as well as for chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatic ailments and gout.

While the root is the primary part used therapeutically, the leaves and seeds also have medicinal properties.

The roots extracts are often formulated into tinctures and liquid extracts or the dried roots are used as decoction or tea. Oral consumption, as well as topical application, is useful in the management of eczema.

Recommended dosage:

Orally — 2-6 grams of dried roots (or decoction) or 2-6ml of liquid extracts to be taken 3 times daily.

Externally — Infusion or tincture could be applied to the affected areas as a poultice 2 to 3 times daily.

Oral burdock preparations should be taken with caution in diabetes and should not be used in pregnancy and lactation.

This flowering herb is antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It is used externally to soothe painful, red and irritated skin in eczema, and can also promote wound healing.

While the leaves and whole aerial part of the plant can be used medicinally, the whole flowers and petals (florets) are most commonly used.

Calendula is primarily used externally as creams or gels, and often in combination with other herbs such as Comfrey, German Chamomile and Echinacea.

Recommended dosage:

Apply the cream or gel to the affected areas 3 to 4 times daily.

Individuals with known allergies to members of the sunflower (Asteaceae) family should be cautious when using calendula preparations.

The clear gel in the inner portion of the leaves, commonly known as "Aloe Gel", has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune stimulating effects. Traditionally, this has been used for treating burns and wounds and to soothe inflamed skin.

"Aloes" are the dried extract from freshly cut leaves, which is a yellow bitter juice with a distinctive unpleasant odour. This is a potent laxative which is commonly used for constipation.

The aloe gel is often formulated into topical gels to be applied externally. A minimum of 70% concentration of aloe gel is required for wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Pure (100%) aloe Vera gels are also readily available from pharmacies.

Recommended dosage: Apply the gel to the affected areas 4 to 5 times daily.

Aloe gel or aloes are not recommended to be taken orally when pregnant, lactating or suffering diarrhoea

Elder flowers are commonly used in the treatment of a variety of ailments, including cough, cold and allergic conditions such as eczema and hayfever. They are used either alone or in combination with other herbs such as peppermint.

The ripe berries (which are usually boiled) are also considered to have therapeutic properties and are useful as an anti-rheumatic for arthritis and as a laxative for constipation.

Preparations used for skin conditions like eczema or urticaria are usually in the form of ointments, lotions or poultices made from elder flowers extracts.

Recommended dosage:

Apply to the affected areas 2 to 3 times daily

Elder should be used with caution in pregnancy and lactation. Long-term use is not recommended due to the potential of hypokalemia resulting from prolonged diuresis.

While the root and the whole plant have been used in the past, the fixed oil extracted from the seeds is now the primary form used therapeutically.

The fixed oil from the seeds contains the following essential fatty acids: Linoleic acid (Omega 6), Gamma linolenic acid (Omega 3), Oleic acid, Palmitic acid and Stearic acid.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is widely available in oil capsules preparations in varying doses.

Recommended dosage:

2-6 grams of seed oil daily, preferably in divided doses. At least a period of 3-6 months is required for results to be seen.

This should be used with caution in people with history of or is suffering from epilepsy.