Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder that causes inflammation and itching. It is increasingly common, affecting more than one in 12 people, according to "1,000 Cures for 200 Ailments." If an area stays inflamed for long periods, it can worsen from red to cracked and weeping to leathery from constant abrasion and irritation. According to Drs. James Balch and Mark Stengler in "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures," most acute cases are brought on by an allergic reaction. These pass quickly and occur infrequently. Chronic cases are due to a confusing mix of stress, asthma, allergies, digestive disorders and a genetic history of eczema. Because of this, a natural, herbal, holistic approach can be preferable to a conventional approach, which only attempts to relieve the symptoms.
Flax Seed
In "Healing Without Medication," Dr. Robert Rister explains that many people who suffer from eczema have a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids. Because of this deficiency, the body becomes inflamed, and the skin doesn't produce enough prostaglandin E1 or cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This causes the immune system to destroy healthy skin cells and rapidly replace them. Rister suggests supplementing with fish oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, but there is an herbal alternative: flax seed. Flax seed also contains high levels of linoleic acid, which the skin can convert to omega-3. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" instructs people to consume the oil as directed, or eat 2 to 4 tbsp. of crushed flax seed a day. Because flax seeds have a tough hull, crushing them greatly increases bioavailability.
Evening Primrose Oil
According to herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer in "1,000 Cures for 200 Ailments," evening primrose oil is a source of gamma-linolenic acid, which helps make up for the fatty acid deficiencies that often cause eczema. And GLA has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. According to Balch and Stengler, the high levels of GLA in evening primrose oil can still sometimes help where flax seed or fish oils have failed. They advise that adults take 3,000mg daily, and children 1,000mg daily. According to Kiefer, a 12.5 percent primrose topical cream has also been shown to relieve the symptoms of eczema.
Calendula
In "1,000 Cures for 200 Ailments," calendula is suggested as a topical treatment for eczema by both herbalism expert Kiefer and naturopathy expert Dr. Geovanni Espinosa. Calendula has antiseptic and soothing anti-inflammatory properties, and can reduce redness and irritation. You can purchase calendula cream and apply it twice daily, or pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of calendula flowers and let them steep for two minutes. Soak a cloth with the liquid and apply it to the inflamed skin.
Burdock Root
Burdock root is commonly used to treat skin disorders. If burdock oil is applied directly to the skin, it relieves itchiness. Balch and Stengler suggest taking 1ml of tincture or a 300mg capsule with each meal. Taken orally, burdock root helps the digestive system and liver and cleanses toxins from the body.
Licorice Root
In "Healing Without Medication," Rister explains that the glycyrrhetinic acid in licorice root has an effect on eczema that is similar to hydrocortisone. It also helps extend the effects of hydrocortisone by inhibiting the enzymes that break it down. Rister then cites a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Practice titled "The Rational use of Glycyrrhetinic Acid in Dermatology" that found that 93 percent of eczema patients not taking cortisone displayed improvements when taking glycyrrhetinic acid extracted from licorice. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines," licorice root should not be taken for longer than six weeks due to its hypertensive effects. A daily dose is 5g to 15g of the root, or an extract that contains 200mg to 600mg of glycyrrhizin.
References
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- "Healing Without Medication"; Robert S. Rister; 2003
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
