Treating Eczema Naturally with Holistic Health Methods - By: Misty Rae Cech, N.D.

Approximately 15% of the world's children have some form of eczema, and while about half of them will have their symptoms disappear as they grow older, the other half will have symptoms throughout their lives. Eczema is a challenging condition, as the exact causes are not known, and effective cures are not available for everyone through conventional medicine. There does appear to be a strong link between environmental allergens or toxins and outbreaks, and it seems one may be genetically predisposed. Many folks have found great relief for themselves and/or their children with natural therapeutics, through natural cleansing, immune support, proper hydration and diet, aand with the topical application of natural anti-inflammates found in essential oils. By combining both internal and external holistic healing modalities, one can create optimal conditions for relief from eczema symptoms.

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.

About the Author

The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-class essential oil, therapeutic essential oil blends and aromatherapy supplies. Her site includes wonderful collections of essential oils and aromatherapy resources. More can be found at www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html

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