Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by
irritated patches of skin which may be dry, red, and/or
scaly, and weeping eczema will have additional symptoms of
oozing and crusting of skin sores. Either way, it's really
no fun, and for many the condition begins in childhood and
reoccurs throughout their lives. Treatment of eczema truly
presents a challenge, as the exact causes are unknown. The
natural health field believes the symptoms are an allergic
reaction and immune response to either a specific chemical
in one's environment or the cumulative buildup of toxicity
in the body coupled with weakened immune and elimination
systems. Using both systemic and topical treatments
together presents the most effective means of finding
relief.
Many people have had great success with using therapeutic
essential oil blends topically; essential oils and
accompanying carrier oils can be exceptionally healing to a
great variety of skin ailments, eczema included. Oils can
provide short-term relief for many, though healing chronic
conditions will likely require addressing the toxins in
one's environment, modifying lifestyle choices, and
employing the cleansing practices of natural medicine. Here
we'll have a look at topical essential oil formulas from
the medical aromatherapy literature, and review effective
suggestions for internal and holistic natural treatments.
Essential oils have profound healing effects when the right
oils are selected and properly applied. The blends for
eczema are simple, and can provide nearly immediate relief
of symptoms. For dry eczema, use this recipe to make one
ounce of your formula: 20 drops of Lavender essential oil,
20 drops of Palmarosa essential oil, one-quarter ounce of
Tamanu oil and three-quarters of an ounce of Rosehip seed
oil. For children under five, use only one drop of each
essential oil per year of age, if over five use two drops.
Lavender is a wonderful oil for the relief of itching, and
is even prescribed 'neat' (undiluted) for simple relief of
itchy skin. It has a gentle, soothing effect, with
anti-inflammatory and regenerative actions. Palmarosa is a
pleasant smelling yet potent anti-microbial and anti-viral
essential oil often used in skin care. Tamanu oil is a
tropical nut oil highly regarded for its ability to calm
and regenerate the skin, and Rosehip seed has been
extensively studied for its healing and regenerative
properties. This is a powerful yet gentle therapeutic blend
that can be applied three to four times daily to relieve
itchiness and stimulate skin regeneration.
For weeping eczema, the therapeutic blend is modified to
use Thyme essential oil, thujanol chemotype (note that
there are several types of Thyme available), and Eucalyptus
citradora, otherwise known as Lemon Eucalyptus. This is a
more potent anti-infectious blend of essential oils, still
in the soothing base oils of Tamanu and Rosehip. Again use
20 drops of each essential oil in each one-quarter ounce of
Tamanu and three-quarter ounce of Rosehip seed. Again, the
concentration should be reduced for young ones.
For long-term relief, finding the true cause of the eczema
is important. For many, it can be toxins in their
environment they are continually exposed to. One mother
reported success in healing the eczema of her seven month
old by switching from chlorinated and fluoridated city tap
water to distilled water. Another person whom visited a
naturopath began filtering the chlorine from her water, and
followed the 'Eat Right For Your Blood Type' diet (which
among other things improves the immune response and lessens
inflammation), again with much success. In general, natural
health professionals advise the importance of reducing
stress levels, improving the body's acid/alkaline balance,
supporting the immune system, decreasing the inflammatory
response, and cleansing the liver, kidneys and colon.
It sounds like a lot, but many practices will promote more
than one aspect of health. Cleaning up the diet, reducing
processed foods and increasing intake of fresh organic
vegetables will go a long way. Vegetable juice, when
squeezed at home or at the juice bar (rather than bottled
or canned varieties) moves the pH to a more alkaline level,
and helps cleanse the system. Just drinking the juice of a
single lemon in a glass of warm water first thing each
morning will alkalize the blood and support the liver in
toxin removal. Cleansing may be crucial to eczema
sufferers, as the health of the skin is considered an
indicator of the body's toxicity level. Clear skin means a
clear liver; allergic skin reaction can mean the internal
organs of elimination are overloaded, and response of
eczema is really the toxicity 'spilling over' to the skin.
If you feel your body is in need of a real cleanse, seek
the support and advice of a knowledgeable natural health
practitioner to learn the most healthful and effective
means to do this for yourself.
Other natural health supporting measures that are
considered useful for those with eczema: Probiotic
supplements have been shown effective. These promote a
balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive system (where
an imbalance can result in poor nutrient absorption and
increased toxicity due to 'leaky gut syndrome'). Reducing
stress and improving vitality through regular physical
activity is important. Yoga, Tai Chi or other meditative
type movement may be most helpful for those that may have
unexpressed or pent up emotions. Nettle tea is thought
exceptionally supportive of the immune system and reduction
of inflammation. Increasing one's intake of omega-3
essential fatty acids though the consumption of hemp oil,
flax oil or fish oil can be dramatically supportive of the
immune system, immune response, and a host of other
physiological processes. Finally, increasing one's intake
of pure clean water is highly recommended, as it also
supports nearly every bodily process, including that of
cleansing.
----------------------------------------------------
The author is a degreed naturopath and herbologist, and a
consultant to Ananda Aromatherapy, at
http://www.anandaapothecary.com - she believes in
supporting health through natural means whenever possible.
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