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Herbal Eczema Lotion

I like this cream because it is very easy to make (relative to other cream recipes which require numerous steps) and it can be adapted easily to incorporate different herbal ingredients. It is gentle enough for infant use provided that the user avoids the herbs I have recommended against using. Not all herbs are suitable for use in infants.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apricot kernel oil*
  • 1 tspn. Beeswax*
  • 1 tspn. cocoa butter*
  • 1 tspn. coconut oil*
  • 1/4 cup herbal infusion(s) of your choice- see suggestions below recipe.
  • 1 tsp. aloe vera gel (relieves inflammation)
  • 1/2 tsp. glycerin

Directions

  1. Add the oils and butters (see *) together in a pan and place over a low heat.
  2. When they have melted, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
  3. Measure the herbal infusion**, aloe vera gel and glycerin into a deep bowl.
  4. Slowly drizzle in a small amount of the oil mixture and beat vigorously with a wire whisk. (This method is similar to that used for homemade mayonnaise).
  5. Continue to drizzle and beat until all the oil is blended into the water.
  6. Pour into a clean container, label and enjoy.
  7. For best results, store in the refrigerator. Shake before use.

**Herbal Infusions

These versatile infusions can be applied directly onto the skin, added to a bath or incorporated into the lotion using the recipe above. You can even drink them!

Herbs to relieve itching

Herbs to soothe

Herbs to generate/protect skin cells

Other Herbs
One remedy which may be useful in a severe flare-up is the use of Turmeric poultice (see link for details)applied as poultice to relieve pain and speed healing.

For further information please read: The Most Effective Way To Get Herbal Eczema Relief Right Where You Need It Most by Kerry Bone

These topical remedies are a mere "band-aid" and the true nature of naturopathic medicine is to fix the cause of the eczema, not just the symptom. Here are a few lifestyle changes that you may want to explore, either on your own, or with a qualified healthcare professional:

  • Drink more water.
  • Take fish oil and flax oil.
  • Obtain adequate supplies of zinc, selenium, biotin and most B vitamins.
  • If the eczema is "contact dermatitis" it is more likely to be from physical contact with a chemical irritant- switch to hypoallergenic cleaning and personal care products. Avoid contact bleach and other harsh cleaners whenever possible.
  • Try to follow a whole-foods diet to eliminate as many chemicals from your diet as well.
  • Cut back on, or eliminate sugar.
  • Monitor food additives or preservatives such as aspartame, MSG, sodium benzoate, and yellow food dyes- they may need to be eliminated.
  • If the eczema is due to "atopic dermatitis" it is due to a systemic allergy. Most eczema sufferers have elevated IgE levels. You will need to see an allergist to try to find the allergenic substance.
  • Wheat or dairy sensitivities are extremely common- try eliminating them and re-introducing them one at a time to see if symptoms change.
  • The main reasons for food sensitivities are typically stress and digestive dysfunction from frequent antibiotic use and/or lack of cultured foods in the diet.
  • Manage stress so that your digestive system works properly and produces sufficient digestive enzymes.
  • Betaine HCL increases our stomach acid (which stress suppresses).
  • Take probiotics like acidophilus and eat lots of yogurt.
  • Follow a dietary cleansing regime.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Contraindications and Potential Drug Interactions information provided on this website is not intended to be all-inclusive. A health care professional should be consulted regarding the use of herbal products. Always keep your Doctor or other healthcare professional informed about the herbal and other dietary supplement products that you are taking.