Herbs Against Eczema

Eczema often refers to variety of skin problems and irritation. It often develops during childhood years; however, it can inflict any person of any age, and though it is not contagious or life threatening, it is a very troublesome skin disorder.

It is characterized by an itchy dry skin, especially behind the knees, in the elbows, and around the eyes.

Mild eczema is often considered to be ignorable; however, severe eczema leads to more effects.

Women, having bad cases of eczema, say that it greatly affects their social life; their skin sometimes itches so bad and looks so awful that they become too uncomfortable and embarrassed to be around with other people. 

Recent studies show that 80 to 90 percent of people with eczema has an overactive immune system on which histamine release is triggered in response to allergens.

Aside from the known irritants (foods such as eggs, milk, soy, wheat peanuts and fish; materials such as soap, wool, chlorine, perfume and dust), emotional stress also invokes the immune system, resulting to eczema flare-ups.

And for women who constantly use detergents and solvents, and who smoke, eczema may be provoked or worsen.

Fortunately, the problem of eczema isn't that much of a problem when it comes to herbs. 

While the immune system acts as the body's defense against variety of diseases, bacteria, infections and viruses, herbs are boosters to enhance and rebalance the functioning of the immune system. Below are effective herbs against eczema accompanied by recipes you can use.

Chamomile Remedy for Eczema (Matricaria recutita)

One of the age-old medicinal drugs known in the ancient world is the chamomile flower. However, its popularity grew in the Middle Ages; it became a remedy for numerous medical complaints which includes colic, inflammations, asthma, fevers, nervous complaints, nausea, skin diseases, children's ailments and cancer. It has been thought of as a counterpart of ginseng in Europe due to its popularity.

Apple Chamomile Tea

Ingredients

2 tablespoon of fresh Chamomile Flowers (available Here)
2 cups of Water
2 thin slices of Apples (the number of pieces depends on your taste)
Honey

Preparation

- Rinse the flowers using cold water.
- Get the water and set it to boil in a pot.
- Put the apple slices in the pot; boil it for a minute until it becomes soft.
- Using a spoon, gently mash the apple slices and continue boiling.
- Lower the heat and put the chamomile flowers.
- Let it simmer for about five minutes.
- Gently strain the tea to the cups and add the honey to the mixture.
- Stir and serve.

Licorice Remedy for Eczema (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice Root has been used by people in treating psoriasis, skin rashes, eczema, and dry and itchy skin. A study has shown that Licorice contains potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant qualities; it also has glycyrrhetic acid which helps suppress and heal eczema.

Licorice Drink
 
Ingredients

200g of crushed licorice root sticks (available Online)
A teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (available at your local supermarket)
10 cups of water

Directions

- Using a fabric gauze, place the crushed licorice and gently scatter the sodium bicarbonate on the top.

- Coat the fabric over the mixture like a navel and tie it well.

- Put the fabric in a big bowl and gentle add the water in.

- Leave the fabric on the water overnight and flip it from time to time; do this until the powder mixture is diluted in the water.

- Take the fabric and put the licorice drink in a jar and let it cool in the refrigerator.

- Take a glass and serve it.