Anyone who has ever experienced eczema, formally called atopic dermatitis, knows the agony that results from the itching, inflamed, dry skin. Scratching the affected areas may lead to infected lesions and even scarring. Medical science has developed a number of treatments for eczema symptoms, but as yet there is no cure. Herbalists, too, have discovered many plants that provide a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. In clinical tests some of these herbs have been found to be just as effective as the drugs.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is defined in the Merck Manual as "a chronic, itching, superficial inflammation of the skin, usually occurring in individuals with a personal or familial history of allergic disorders (e.g., hay fever, asthma)." Eczema is more than just dry or flaky skin. The condition presents itself by the appearance of dry, red, rough skin that is occasionally "weeping," or slowly oozing moisture. Itching is almost always present. Where it comes from no one knows, but commonalities found in many patients point to some sort of reaction to topical allergans, that is, substances that touch our skin.
General Treatment
Corticosteroids have shown the best results to limiting eczema outbreaks, but the Merck Manual cautions against extended exposure to them and even suggests using hydrogenated vegetable oil to keep the skin moist. The most effective preventative measure appears to be limiting exposure to items that you have previously linked to an outbreak. Anti-itch medicines such as antihistamines can alleviate symptoms.
Herbal Alternatives
There are many herbal remedies that promote healthy skin or have anti-inflammatory or antihistamine properties, so your options are not limited to just prescription or over-the-counter remedies. Not only are there herbs for topical application, some herbal remedies can be incorporated into your diet, either as drinks, supplements or even side dishes.
Licorice Tea
With anti-inflammatory properties similar to corticosteriods but without the dangerous side effects (or cost), tea made from dried licorice root slows the breakdown of the body's natural corticosteroid, cortisol, according to Dr. Linda White and Steven Foster in "The Herbal Drugstore." They recommend a tea made 2 tsp. of dried root simmered in 3 cups of water taken three times daily. Licorice is also effective when taken in capsule form (no more than 1,000 mg per day).
Burdock Root
Burdock is a staple in many forms of Japanese sushi and is a traditional remedy for skin eruptions like acne because of its ability to destroy bacteria. You can also apply burdock root topically by simmering 1 tsp. of dried root in 2 cups of hot water, allowing the tea to cool and applying with a soft cloth.
Echinacea
White and Foster report that a German study in 2000 found that a salve made from the flowers and leaves of echinacea effectively treated several types of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema. Salves are found in most herbal stores and a tea made from 1 tbsp. of dried, finely chopped root in 2 cups of water can be applied to the affected area.
References
- The Merck Manual, 14th Ed."; Robert Berkow, MD, Editor; 1982
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, MD and Steven Foster; 1998
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