Natural Herbal Remedies for Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by small, wet blisters and dry, itchy rashes. While eczema isn't contagious, it is very common. Eczema may affect as many as 15 million Americans and is especially prevalent among people with a history of other allergy-related conditions. If you're struggling with this embarrassing and often painful skin disorder, ask your doctor about adding natural and herbal remedies to your treatment regimen.

Nourishing Eczema-Ravaged Skin With Evening Primrose Oil

Without a doubt, today's most promising herbal remedy for eczema is evening primrose oil. Study after study suggests that this small perennial herb, or at least the oil produced from it, can give eczema sufferers significantly better control of their eczema flare-ups.

How does it work? Evening primrose oil is an especially rich source of the essential fatty acids your skin needs for optimum health. While the use of evening primrose oil for eczema isn't completely without controversy, it's one of the few herbal products gaining widespread acceptance in mainstream medicine. In fact, when it comes to eczema, the Mayo Clinic gives evening primrose oil a "B".

Reducing Eczema & Inflammation With Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is rich in another important fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid closely associated with reduced inflammation. While flaxseed oil hasn't been studied as extensively as evening primrose oil, a 1986 review produced such positive results that the study's author called for more research into the possible link between essential fatty acids and better eczema management.

Non-Herbal Supplements For Eczema

While probiotics, or supplements containing "good" bacteria, aren't actually herbal, they may be beneficial to eczema sufferers. Emerging research suggests that at least some eczema flare-ups are related to an imbalance in the body's intestinal flora. In other words, when the "good" bacteria are overwhelmed by the "bad" bacteria, the over-taxed immune system simply can't cope. By restoring this balance-mainly through the use of probiotics-eczema sufferers may achieve a higher level of control over their symptoms.

At least one study has shown that by supplementing an expectant mother's diet with a specific type of probiotic the incidence in allergy in her infant is significantly reduced. This study ties in with other studies that looked at reducing eczema in infants by supplementing their diet with carefully chosen probiotic products.

Natural & Herbal Treatments That Don't Work For Eczema

While a handful of herbal supplements seem to help alleviate symptoms of eczema safely and effectively, a few "natural" home remedies aren't faring as well. Zinc, for example, is often recommended because eczema can actually be a symptom of zinc deficiency. But zinc supplements show very little potential for most eczema sufferers.

Another popular do-it-yourself remedy is sulfur. It's true that sulfur may help some eczema sufferers but sulfur is not recommended for the largest group of eczema victims--infants and young children.

Talking To Your Doctor About Herbs & Eczema

Are one or more of these herbal products appropriate for you? Only your doctor is qualified to give you medical advice and all these herbs have at least some potential to cause allergies or interact with the prescription medications you may already be taking. If you would like more information about managing your eczema with herbal treatments, see a qualified medical professional for the information that's right for you.

REFERENCES:

Morse, N., Clough, P. (2006). A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of Efamol evening primrose oil in atopic eczema. Where do we go from here in light of more recent discoveries?

Manku, M. Horrobin, D., Morse, N., Wright, S., Burton, J. (1984). Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema.

Galland, L. (1986). Increased requirements for essential fatty acids in atopic individuals: a review with clinical descriptions.

Ouwehand, A. (2007). Antiallergic effects of probiotics.