8 HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ECZEMA

Eczema takes quite some time to subside completely. It is important to maintain proper hygiene to promote quick healing. Several herbal remedies are known to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are helpful in the treatment of this condition. Given below are some effective herbs for treating eczema.

8 HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ECZEMA

St. Johns Wort

The University of Maryland Medical Centre states that St. John’s wort may prove effective in the treatment of eczema.

This is due to the fact that it possesses hypericin, which is a substance that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This herb can be applied locally to the affected portions of skin. This must be done on a regular basis till the eczema disappears completely.

Licorice

Licorice is an herb that may prove beneficial in the treatment of eczema. This is due to the fact that it possesses a compound named glycyrrhetic acid, which is helpful in supressing the symptoms of this condition.

In her book ‘The Herbal Drugstore’ author Dr. Linda White states that a research study conducted on children suffering from eczema showed that those children who drank licorice tea showed greater improvement than those who did not consume this tea.

The University of Maryland Medical Centre states that a research study conducted on those who suffer from eczema indicated that the topical application of licorice gel is helpful in reducing the pain, inflammation as well as scratchiness associated with this condition.

You can make some licorice tea and apply it to the affected area. To use licorice tea in treating eczema, prepare a tea by making around two tablespoons of this herb steep in two cups of boiling water. Allow it to cool and then soak a soft cloth in the tea. You can place it on the affected area.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an herb that has been used extensively by people in Europe, China and India as an herbal remedy for several skin conditions, including eczema. Gotu kola is known to possess saponins, which are considered helpful in accelerating wound healing and may help in treating eczema.

To use gotu kola in treating eczema, you must prepare a tea from one tablespoon of the dried form of this herb, making it steep for around ten minutes in one cup of water. Allow the tea to cool and soak a soft cloth in it. Place this cloth directly over the affected portions of skin.

Aloe Vera

This herb has a very soothing effect on the skin that has been affected by this condition. The gel of this plant is used extensively in the treatment of a wide range of skin conditions. It can be used externally on the skin that is affected.

According to Medline Plus, this herb is able to keep the area free from infections as it serves as an insulating layer over the skin. This remedy is helpful in soothing the skin and this helps to combat the aggravating symptoms of pain, redness and burning.

Red Clover

This herb is excellent in the treatment of eczema. It can be put to use in various ways. Red clover can be used to wash the affected skin so as to disinfect it. It can also be applied topically to the skin so as to bring about quick healing.

According to Plants for a Future, this specific herb can also be used in conjunction with other herbs such as burdock. It is important to make use of this herb only under the guidance of amedical expert who will be able to determine the proper amount that needs to be used.

Chamomile

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chamomile is very effective when it is used topically on skin which has eczema. Chamomile has a soothing effect on the skin and prevents the spread of this condition to other parts of the body as well.

Chamomile is said to be just as effective as non-herbal lotions when it comes to the treatment of this condition. However, chamomile is devoid of side effects and is thus considered to be a much better option than other lotions.

Evening Primrose Oil

This herbal remedy is beneficial in dealing with the symptom of itchiness that is associated with eczema. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one can consume this herbal remedy internally but it is extremely important to do so only under the guidance of a medical expert.

Evening primrose oil is capable of causing various side effects in the body and so it must be used with extreme caution.

Lavender

The Medical Health Guide suggests the use of this popular herb in the treatment of eczema. Lavender essential oil is beneficial as a topical ointment for this condition. Lavender supplements can also be used to treat this condition. It can be added to the bathwater of the affected person as well.

This water can be used to wash the affected portions of skin on a daily basis. This must be done till the eczema disappears completely. Lavender oil is very mild in its action on the skin. It can be used as often as needed by the patient.

Oregon Grape Root

This herbal remedy is very effective in the treatment of inflammations. Even in the case of eczema, it is able to treat the symptom of inflammation, which is associated with this skin condition. It has a soothing effect on the inflammation and helps in bringing about relief from the pain and itchiness as well.

It is important to use this herb only under the guidance of a medical expert as it can cause certain side effects if it is used in excess. If you notice that the symptoms of eczema are worsening after the use of this herb, it is important to discontinue using it immediately.