| |  | | Herbs Used to Treat Eczema
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Mike
Posted on: April 5, 1998
I need to know which herbs are good for eczema. Should they be put on the skin directly or should a salve be made.
There are several different types of eczema, and many possible causes of each type. In general, the diet is usually implicated, with dairy products and gluten being the most likely foods to cause an allergic reaction in the body. Trial elimination of these foods, along with taking blood purifying herbs internally will cleanse and strengthen the body, enabling it to dispose of wastes and toxins. Soothing herbal creams or lotions can be used externally. Excellent results have been achieved in clearing eczema with diet alterations and the use of herbs.
Internally, purifying herbs include: Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis): Daniel Mowrey, "Proven Herbal Blends" (available at Richter’s) states that Dandelion root stimulates liver activity, thereby encouraging the elimination of toxins in the blood"
Licorice root (Gycyrrhiza glabra): Mowrey states that it "has been firmly established by modern research as an effective skin and tissue treatment".
Yellow Dock root ((Rumex crispus) is a blood cleanser that stimulates lymph flow to remove toxins.
Echinacea: Mowrey states that it "stimulates the lymphatic system to clean up waste material and toxins".
Burdock (Arctium lappa) root’s cleansing properties include actions as a diuretic, laxative and diaphoretic. Thomas Bartram in "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (Grace Publishers, Mulberry Court, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1PS, England) states that burdock is "one of the most powerful and reliable blood tonics of herbalism".
Externally, a soothing cream may be made with a non-allergenic base cream to which a strong tea of Marshmallow (Althea officianalis) or Chickweed (Stellaria media) has been added.
Healthy skin foods include pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, both rich in zinc and essential fatty acids, which are needed for skin repair.
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