Eczema (or Atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin disorder, observed as exfoliation and reddening of the skin. In its severe form, the disease is characterized by swelling, severe itching and dryness, blistering, oozing of pus and bleeding of the affected skin. It appears commonly on the face, neck, chest, hands, elbows and backs of the knees. It can affect people of any age and sex, although the condition is most common in infants.
Though the cause of eczema is attributed to a hereditary component, certain external factors including cosmetics, detergents, soaps, clothing, jewelry, environmental allergens (pollens, pollutants, tobacco smoke, grass) and climatic factors (temperature, humidity) are also responsible for outbreaks of this skin disorder. Extreme psychological stress and nutritional deficiencies may also aggravate the symptoms of eczema.
Herbal Treatment for Eczema
There are a number of herbal alternatives that work wonders for eczema. These formulations can not only treat skin inflammation but also prevent further outbreaks. Here are some time-tested herbal remedies for the treatment of eczema.
- Take 1 liter of water and boil fresh neem (Azadirachta indica) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves in equal proportions. Cover the pan and steep for 10 minutes. Filter and add this water to your bath tub.
- Pound a few garlic (Allium sativum) cloves with some salt and olive oil to make a paste. Apply the paste 2-3 times a day to treat eczema.
- Mix linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil with lime water and apply to the affected areas get the benefits.
- Mix equal amounts of fuller’s earth, sandalwood (Santalum album) powder and ½ teaspoon of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Make a paste in water and apply over the affected area.
- Heat about 2 tablespoonfuls of coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil and add 2 crushed garlic (Allium sativum) cloves. Filter and apply the oil over the affected area.
- Rub nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) against a stone with water to make a paste. Apply this paste carefully to the infected areas.
- Boil the bark of babul (Acacia arabica) tree in water foment the affected region with its fumes.
- Take a tablespoon of grounded oatmeal (Avena sativa) and make a paste in water. Before bath, rub the paste over the inflamed area and wash off after some time. This treatment would ease inflammation and redness of the skin.
- To relieve eczema itch, prepare a saline solution. Soak a compress and apply on the afflicted area.
- Mix a tablespoon of powdered neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and ½ teaspoon of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder. Make a paste and apply it over affected areas twice daily.
- To treat eczema, drink a glass of milk with ½ teaspoon of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder daily.
- Mix the crushed seeds of butea (Butea monosperma) in lime water and apply on the affected part.
Other Preventive Measures
To treat the underlying cause of eczema, patients should eat a balanced diet. Eat a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits. Include foods rich in essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), zinc, vitamin A, B complex, C and E. Reduce salt in diet. Avoid consumption of spicy and fried food, vinegar, curd, chutneys, pickles, etc. Drink lots of water everyday. It is important to maintain proper body hygiene. Try wearing cotton instead of woolen or synthetic clothes. Use a soothing moisturizer after bath. A sunbath is a natural medicine for people suffering from eczema. Try to nurture a positive attitude towards stress.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources
- Thomas Bartram, "Bartram’s encyclopedia of herbal medicine, The definitive guide to the herbal treatment of diseases," Grace Publishers, UK, 1995
- Siegfried Gursche, "Encyclopedia of natural healing," Canada, 1997
- Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch, "Prescription for nutritional healing," United States of America, 2000
- Andrew Gaeddert, "Healing Skin Disorders," North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 2003
- Louise Tenney, M.H., "Today’s Herbal health, 6th edition," USA, 2007
Garima Sancheti - Dr Garima Sancheti is a PhD in Radiation and Cancer Biology from Rajasthan University, India. She has written various research articles in ...
