Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema, can be an irritating red rash, with dry patches and itchy flaky skin. If you have a mild to moderate case of Eczema, you can try some natural remedies to treat your Eczema.
If you are currently under a doctors care, or taking medication, you should always double check with your doctor before starting any supplements or using any herbal remedies. Some supplements and herbs, may have an adverse effect on medication and body organs such as the kidneys.
Easy kitchen remedies
A few good favorites for healing dry, itchy skin is oatmeal, honey and aloe juice.
Make a body paste by combining a cup of oatmeal, with a tbsp of honey and a quarter cup of aloe juice. Do not grind the oatmeal, as you want it to be a bit scouring to remove dead flaky skin. To use, massage paste onto infected area in a circular motion for several minutes. Rinse the area completely and let air dry. Use a lotion that contains oatmeal, vitamin E and aloe.
Aromatherapy remedies
When using essential oils for the skin, be sure you use true essential oils and not synthetics. Check the dates on the bottles as most essential oils do not keep long. If you find that the oil is cloudy or dark brown in color the oil is to old. You should never take essential oil internally (ingest) unless, prescribed by a practitioner (doctor). You also should get your doctors permission before using any essential oils if you are pregnant, have asthma or epilepsy.
To use essential oils, blend 6 to 10 drops of oil into 2 oz. of carrier oil. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin, always dilute it in a carrier oil. And you should never use essential oil blends near or on the eyes. Blended oils can be used to help heal eczema, in massage oils, baths and blended into 2 oz. of a unscented lotions, shampoos and conditioners.
Best carrier oils to use for eczema
* Avocado oil: relieves, dryness and itching, and is easily absorbed by the skin.
* Borage oil: has high levels of good fatty acid (GLA) gamma linoleum acid.
* Evening primrose oil: a great alternative to the expensive attar rose oil, this carrier oil is sticky and should be blended with another carrier oil.
Essential oils for eczema
* Chamomile (German Chamomile)
* Clary Sage: may cause sleepiness, use at night
* Geranium: can be very expensive, but works wonderful.
* Lavender:
* Lemon: highly phototoxic and can be irritating to the skin.
* Myrrh: toxic in high concentrations.
* Rose: Attar of roses is very expensive, Rosa Centifolia is less expensive and works just as well.
* Rose water: this is not an essential oil and can be used directly on the skin, by using cotton balls soaked in rose water. You can also use rose water on cotton balls and place the cotton balls over your eyes.
* Rosemary: not recommended if you have epilepsy.
Herbalist remedies for eczema
Herbs are available in many forms in health food stores. In many countries herbal remedies are not regulated and depending on the amount of active ingredients, the strength of the herb can be unpredictable. To be on the safe side, call a Naturopathic physician, most are covered by insurance. Or use organic fresh or dried herbs found in the grocery store. Also if you are under a doctors care or taking any type of medication, check with your doctor before using herbs as there may be an adverse effect. To use herbs use 2 tablespoons of fresh ground herbs, or 1 tablespoon of dry herbs. Herbs can be used in lotions, ointments, hot compresses, or apply the ground herb directly to the skin as poultices. A poultice is made by placing crushed herbs in a soft cloth, warming the filled pouch and then applying directly to the skin. Ointments are made by combining 1 tablespoon of hard oil, such as coconut oil, a tablespoon of soft oil such as jojoba or olive oil and 1 tablespoon of bees wax. Place mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds or until it is completely melted, add 1 capsule of vitamin E, by cutting open the capsule and squeezing the gel out. Mix ½ teaspoon of the ground herbs into melted ointment. You can then pour the mixture into a container, let dry, then cap. Remember to put a label on top of the container, with the name and date.
Herbs
* Aloe: Squeeze the gel directly from the thick leaves
* Black Walnut: rich in tannins and iodine, works well in a poultice.
* Blood root: Toxic if taking internally, use in ointment, this herb can irritate skin when used in a poultice.
* Chickweed: High in vitamin C, safe to eat, use in ointments, lotions, baths and poultices.
* Echinacea: works well in a poultice
* Elder: Many parts of this herb are toxic when eaten. Use only as a ointment or poultice.
* Evening Primrose oil: Can be taken internally in liquid or pill form
* Goldenseal: Use in a poultice and ointments.
* Lavender: Use in poultice, ointments and baths.
* Lemon balm: use in an ointments and lotions, poultice will irritate the skin.
* Nettle: contains iron and vitamin c, should always be boiled before using. Can be taking as a tea.
* Oats: Use in baths, lotions and soaps.
* Oregon Grape: Use only 1 teaspoon to make a tea, works internally helps balance the systemic system.
* Red Clover: Use in a poultice.
Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals
If you can’t get your vitamins naturally, they are available in a variety of forms in health food stores.
* Brewers yeast: Natural source hops
* Omega- 3 fatty acids: Natural source, fish, nuts and some oils like canola.
* Biotin ( vit. B7, Vit H): Natural source, dairy, fish, nuts, vegetables, such as broccoli and sweet potatoes.
* Folic Acid (vit B9): Natural sources, green vegetables, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds.
* Iodine: Natural sources, salt, salt water fish, and seaweed (kelp).
* Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Natural sources, soy, lean meats, dairy products, beans and whole grains.
* Vitamin B complex: Natural sources, dairy, eggs, whole grains, beans and green vegetables.
* Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Natural sources, dairy, eggs, soy, lean meats and nuts.
* Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Natural sources, lean meats, nuts, bananas, avocados and whole grains.
* Vitamin D (cholecalciferol): Natural sources, Sunlight, dairy products like milk and some cereals.
* Vitamin E: Natural sources, nuts, green vegetables, eggs and wheat germ
* Zinc: Natural sources, lean meats, shell fish and other fish, soy products, some dairy and peanut butter.
