Herbal Remedies for Eczema

In order to help augment the function of the immune system, Herbs are often used. The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against a variety of diseases, infections, bacteria and viruses. In order to improve eczema, several herbs have been found. Many of these both serve to strengthen the immune system in addition to help the liver in doing its work to its optimum best.

Studies have established that individuals who suffer from eczema tend to have a lower resistance due to the disease and are more prone to develop viral disease such as warts or herpes. Both burdock root and the Chinese herb bupleurum have been found to effectively improve cases of eczema.

There are a variety of herbs that are believed to be cleansing for both the skin as well as the lymph glands. These include burdock, cleavers, nettle, red clover and yellow dock. These herbs are beneficial and clearing up skin rashes and “draining” the affected skin of impurities. Yellow dock in particular is one of the best for treating eczema flare-ups.

Milk Thistle and Gotu Kola Plant

Milk thistle, which is a “liver herb” and the Indian plant gotu kola, are both very strong when it comes to fighting both skin in addition to liver related problems. Gotu kola is often used topically as a salve to heal cracked and broken skin that often results from severe cases of eczema. For example, the Rudolf Stiftung Hospital in Vienna , Austria uses these plants both as an injection and as a salve to encourage wounds to cure at a more rapid rate.

Pau d’arco

Known as an “immunity-enhancing herb”, pau d’arco is derived from the bark of a tree in South America and is very useful in treating eczema. Licorice root has been known to get better eczema flare ups and it also brings down the swelling in skin, treats allergy symptoms and improves the action of the liver.

Gamma Linolenic Acid

A number of studies have shown the efficiency of GLA (or gamma linolenic acid) at combating the symptoms of eczema. GLA is found in evening primrose oil, as well as in chamomile and licorice root. Gamma linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body requires to function properly. An average daily dose of evening primrose oil should be just about two to four grams and it should always be taken with meals and not on an empty stomach.

Primrose Oil

Realize that taking evening primrose oil will not bring about instantaneous results. In fact it might take up to six months and beyond before you start noticing a difference in your skin. Eczema patients in Europe are particularly keen on using evening primrose oil for their skin conditions.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that can be taken as a nutritional supplement to help cases off eczema. However don’t exceed your consumption of zinc as too much could lead to a copper deficiency in the body. A daily dose of zinc that is thirty milligrams or less should be plenty to help your skin.

Dermatitis Tea

Another recipe for tea that contains a variety of helpful herbs is aptly named “Dermatitis Tea.” In this case you will need to gather together half a teaspoon each of the herbs burdock root, licorice root, sarsaparilla root, pau d’arco bark and if you are able to find it, bupleurum root. You will also need three cups of water for this recipe. Mix all of the herbs together and then as gently as possible simmer them in water for approximately ten minutes time.

After that turn off the heat and allow the herbs to steep for another ten-minute period. After the time is up, strain the mixture. To be of the most benefit drink a cup of this herbal tea three or four times throughout the day.

Instead if you prefer a tincture then, do so but make it with the same quantities of herbs to water as the tea recipe calls for. Tincture of this type (or ones that are very similar) should be available at most health food stores or you would rather purchase as opposed to make one yourself. Take the tincture as often as the tea- three or four times daily- and use half a dropper at once.