Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can erupt anywhere on the body. Symptoms of eczema include itchy patches of scaly or blistered skin. Western medical practitioners suspect a malfunctioning immune system causes eczema, but without scientific evidence of this, doctors treat the symptoms with antihistamines and corticosteriods. Ayurvedic medicine believes all disorders are caused by an imbalance, and attempts to bring the body into alignment with treatments such as herbs. Consult a health care professional before starting any treatment for eczema.
Turmeric
Tumeric, or Curcuma longa, is a perennial member of the ginger family that is found throughout Asia. It is a cooking and medicinal herb, and one of the most important plants in Ayurvedic medicine. The rhizome, or underground stem, is used to treat skin problems and may have anticancer properties. Turmeric has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Herbalist Anne McIntryre states that its anti-inflammatory properties make turmeric one of the best topical or oral herbs for skin problems, and recommends it for eczema. The curcuminoids in turmeric have a protective action on the epidermis, or the skin's outer layer, which becomes inflamed with eczema. Turmeric also has a protective effect on the liver, according to botanist M. Daniel. Ayurvedic theory views skin disorders as related to the liver, so turmeric's liver-protective function adds to the overall benefits of the treatment. Research studies are needed to confirm the traditional Ayurvedic use of turmeric for eczema.
Babchi
Babchi, or Psoralea corylifolia, is an annual plant with purple flowers and seedpods. It is native to India. Ayurvedic medicine uses the seeds, which contain the chemicals psoralen and isopsoralen. Psoralen is also used in conventional therapy, along with ultraviolet light, to treat psoriasis and eczema. Babchi seeds have antibacterial and astringent actions, and are used to treat eczema, psoriasis, leprosy and leucoderma. An article in Environmental Health Perspectives cites the seeds as Ayurvedic therapy for inflammatory skin diseases, and the Ayurveda Healing Arts Institute recommends the seeds as a remedy for eczema. Clinical studies are needed to confirm that babchi is an effective treatment for eczema.
Neem
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is a tall evergreen with white flowers found throughout India. Ayurvedic medicine uses neem seeds, oil, leaves and flowers to treat a range of disorders, including urinary diseases, ulcers, rheumatism, leprosy, malaria, diabetes and dental problems. But the primary use for the leaves and oil is to treat chronic skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbalist Penelope Ody cites the juice of crushed neem leaves as an Ayurvedic remedy for eczema. Neem oil is a remedy for chronic skin diseases like eczema, notes M. Daniel; Ayurvedic-Medicines.com notes that neem leaves can relieve eczema symptoms. Neem doesn't just treat the eczema--it also has immuno-stimulating properties, according to a study published in International Immunopharmacology. The immune-enhancing effects of neem are in keeping with the holistic goals of Ayurvedic medicine. Scientific studies are needed to confirm the benefits of neem and to determine its anti-eczema properties.
References
- Positive Health Online: An Ayurvedic Approach to the Treatment of Eczema
- "Medicinal Plants: Chemistry and Properties"; M. Daniel; 2008
- Environmental Health Perspectives: Ancient-Modern Concordance in Ayurvedic Plants: Some Examples
- Ayurveda Healing Arts Institute
- Ayurvedic-Medicines.com: Eczema Natural Cure, Treatment
