Goat's Milk and Cow Colostrum Eczema Treatment

I found interesting news on natural eczema treatment - goat's milk. To tell you the truth, I don't really like the idea of drinking a goat's milk, but maybe my wife want to give it a try? :)

I also read on the Net that some people have tried to take a supplement containing cow colostrum and egg yolk extract. According to them, it's pretty effective controlling their eczema.

However, I also found out from Dr. Weil's wellness site, that there is not enough evidence that cow colostrum will help treating eczema - He suggests to save your money on this.

Well, logically, goat's milk and cow colostrum will actually help eczema sufferer due to their properties that can actually enhance one's immune system. With the egg yolk that enhance energy, the combination of milk / colostrum with the egg yolk sounds good to try.

You can find extracts in your region's health food providers to be used as home remedies, or you can take supplements containing those ingredients.

Take heed, though - always pay close attention to your body reactions to any supplement to take. If the eczema is worsen or even other negative reactions occur, stop taking the supplements! Better yet, consult your personal doctor on this.

Please let me know if this eczema treatment is actually works for you, and share it in this blog!

Read goat's milk eczema treatment news from BBC
Read his comment on cow collostrum

Ivan Widjaya
Goat's milk and cow colostrum - cheers!

Shiitake Mushroom Eczema Treatment

Eczema Club note: You might want to try Shiitake Mushroom for natural eczema treatment. Please note, although generally not considered as mainstream natural eczema treatment (like licorice and evening primrose oil do), appropriate use of the medicinal mushroom proves to be effective in treating eczema.

Name: Lentinuna edodes

Main medical uses:

* cancer
* high cholesterol level
* influenza, cold
* rheumatism
* arthritis


General information about medicinal mushrooms:

In contrast to general medicine, which intends to fight the illness, therapy with medicinal mushrooms concentrates on maintaining physiological homeostasis – that means restoring our bodies' balance (for example, the balance of minerals, enzymes, hormones, water, electrolytes or immune cells) and natural resistance to disease.

Medicinal mushrooms have a regulative effect, which means they can for example help to lower blood pressure in those with hypertension and increase blood pressure in those with hypotension.

These mushrooms really have a phenomenal healing potential. They are able to stimulate immune function; ward off viruses, bacteria, and fungi; reduce inflammation; combat allergies; help balance blood sugar levels.

About Shiitake

Shiitake has been mentioned in literature as highly effective medicinal mushroom for centuries. In China and Japan, but in the US as well, Shiitake or rather the extract is used very successfully in conjunction with other cancer therapies.

For some time now, Shiitake can be also purchased more and more often in Europe, which is in particular due to its delicious flavor. Only very few people know about the important health benefits of this mushroom, which is cultivated on saw dust. In order to benefit from its excellent nutritional value it is necessary to eat it often – at best daily.

You can purchase fresh and dried mushrooms, as well as highly concentrated extract and powder e.g. in tablet form.

Constituents and uses

The mushroom contains large amounts of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, B vitamins, folic acid, pro-vitamin D (ergosterin), which is essential for vegetarians. The most relevant active constituent of Shiitake is the polysaccharide lentinan which has demonstrated to stimulate the immune system and have anti-tumor effects; another active compound isolated from Shiitake, eritadenine has been shown to lower blood levels of cholesterol.

A research study by Joachim Eder of the University Weihenstephan describes the renowned effects of Shiitake. It has proven to have anti-cholesterol, antiviral and anti-tumour effects.
Extracts of this study:

…studies have been carried out to investigate in what way eritadenine, which is contained in Shiitake, lowers blood cholesterol levels; it has been shown that a lipoprotein complex which keeps cholesterol in the liver was inhibited; consequently, cholesterol processing and excretion is accelerated… To put it briefly, the blood cholesterol level (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) is decreased effectively.

…the antiviral effects have already been investigated in the 1970s. Shiitake spores and fruiting body extracts stimulated resistance to viral infections in mice. The increased production of interferon inhibits the reproduction of viruses...what has been proven in mice in the 1970s, meanwhile has been confirmed again and again in terms of humans. The reason for the antiviral effects is found in the RNA of Shiitake; which demonstrated interferon and immune stimulating activity to inhibit viral infections.

The anti-tumor effects of Shiitake are especially due to lentinan, a very beneficially polysaccharide and constituent of Shiitake; lentinan consists mainly of beta-glucan which produces a complete tumor regression in mice.
These are only a few of the active constituents of Shiitake; by far not all. This mushroom can also be used in the treatment of rheumatism; it is possible to achieve a regression of the typical symptoms (pain and restriction of movement) and even a complete recovery!

Recently, there are reports that in same rare cases sensitive people might experience allergic reactions (for example a rash which disappears shortly after stopping the ingestion). Therefore, it is recommended to start with a minor dosage of Shiitake and increase the amount slowly. Thereby, the organism can get used to it. If the rash still occurs, it will be better to stop the ingestion and take another mushroom instead.

Experience of an eczema sufferer:

Shiitake against infections, easing of skin eczemas

Ms H. takes 2-3 Shiitake tablets as soon as she feels a sore throat, a cold or an infection in the head. In the last 3 years, all infections have been gone after only a few hours. She also suffers from returning skin eczemas, which spread out and itch very much. She takes Ling Zhi extracts right in the beginning and the eczema eases faster and is easier to bear.

Important note:

In our dosage indications we distinguish between powder and extract. It is important whether you take powder or extracts, because the difference can be decisive!

Therefore we give you this information:

You can purchase powder lose, in special mixtures, in tablet form and capsule form. In the process of production the whole fruiting body is dried and then, powdered. Mushroom powder contains all minerals, vitamins etc.

Extract can usually be purchased in capsule form (note: some suppliers offer powder in capsule form!!). The fruiting body is dried and powdered. Then, the powder is extracted via hot water extraction; that means that all water-soluble ingredients dissolve in the water and are then retrieved as powder when dried. All not-water-soluble ingredients are washed out and are not contained in the extract.

This process of extraction is being used in order to maintain a high content of polysaccharides, which are decisive in treatment of serious (cancer-) diseases. Polysaccharides are water-soluble and 20-times more concentrated in the extract than in the powder! That means, to have the same effect you would have to take 20-times more of the powder.

In general, it can be said that powder is used for discomforts and non-life-threatening diseases and the extract is especially used for acute and serious diseases, like for example cancer; often the extract is combined with the powder.

It is understandably that extract is more expensive than powder, which is another reason why you should make sure whether you buy powder or extract. Unfortunately, there are some suppliers who try to make powder look like extract and do not declare this appropriately.

Reference: http://www.vitalpilze.de

Quality organic Shiitake mushrooms and Shiitake extract capsules

Omega 3 Fish Oil and Eczema

What is the Role of Omega 3 Fish Oil in Eczema Treatment

Eczema or excema, known as dermatitis in the medical dictionary, is a skin condition in which it becomes red with little cracks and spots. People usually use creams and other medication to treat this illness. However, this provides only temporary solution and the irritation returns after a few days. Recent studies in the field of eczema treatment have revealed that eating fish or fish oil capsules can prevent eczema and other skin-related problems.

This is because fish oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids – DHA and EPA – which are not only beneficial for proper functioning of nervous system and immune system, but are also helpful in the prevention of various skin-related diseases like acne, formation of red spots, wrinkles and eczema. Therefore, the role of omega 3 fish oil in eczema treatment is significant and noteworthy.

Omega 3 fish oil and eczema can be connected by the fact that fish oil is the only known natural source of omega 3 fatty acids, other than some vegetable oils. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to fight against obesity and high cholesterol levels in the body. They are also important for a healthy heart and brain. When all other systems are working properly and your blood is clean and pure, the ultimate outcome is a glowing and healthy skin.

Omega 3 fatty acids also control the level of hormones – especially sexual hormones – in our body. Omega 3 fish oil can be used to improve sexual health, as well as some problems related to disturbed levels of hormones in the body.

Many of these problems are related to skin. Acne, eczema and growth of excessive facial hair in women are included in this category. If other treatments have proved to be ineffective, use omega 3 fish oil in eczema condition.

Eczema causes irritation and a constant urge to itch or rub the skin. If the condition is not controlled the skin may become damaged. Especially in children, if this condition occurs, they should be fed with omega 3 fish oil.

Always look for pharmaceutical grade fish oil and the one which is molecularly distilled to remove any impurities found in fish oil. Supplement products made from the Hoki fish found in New Zealand are the best to buy. They contain absolutely no impurities and guaranteed high-quality fish oil with just the right concentration of DHA and EPA fatty acids.

The use of omega 3 fish oil in eczema is perfectly safe and no side effects are seen with its consumption. However, you should not increase its dosage over recommended limits.

Reference: http://www.omega3-health-guide.com

Other natural products containing omega 3

Probiotic Treatment may Limit Eczema in Infants

Oral supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to the mother during pregnancy and to the infant after birth may help reduce the development of eczema and allergy associated with immunoglobulin E, a key protein involved in the allergic response, according to Swedish researchers.

Probiotics are small molecules that help maintain the natural balance of organisms, also referred to as microflora, in the intestines.

Altered microbial exposure may underlie the increase of allergic diseases in affluent societies. Probiotics may help, Dr. Thomas R. Abrahamsson of Linkoping University Hospital and colleagues note.

To investigate, the researchers enrolled families with a history of allergic disease. Expectant mothers were randomly assigned to receive L reuteri in an oil suspension or a placebo treatment, each day from week 36 until delivery.

Their babies continued with the same formulation from birth until 12 months of age and were followed up for another year. A total of 188 completed the study.

At 2 years, the incidence of eczema was 36 percent in the active treatment group and 34 percent in the placebo group. However, during the second year, only 8 percent of the L. reuteri group had IgE-associated eczema compared with 20 percent of the placebo group, a statistically significant difference.

Skin prick test reactivity was also less common in active treatment group than in the placebo group. The difference was statistically significant in infants with mothers with allergies (14 percent versus 31 percent). However, there was no effect on wheeze or other potentially allergic diseases.

Although the study failed to confirm an overall preventative effect on infant eczema, the investigators conclude that "the treated infants had less IgE-associated eczema at 2 years of age and therefore possibly run a reduced risk to develop later respiratory allergic disease."

SOURCE: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, May 2007.

(c) REUTERS

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Eczema Treatment that Comes Up to Scratch

A herbal cream helped to soothe one mother and daughter’s painful itch

When 38-year-old Jacquie Terry’s daughter, Hope, was 1, a photographer offering portraits in a local supermarket refused to take her photograph. “Unless you put some make-up on her the baby will look so awful you won’t buy the photograph,” he said. Hope’s eczema, having initially been in small patches, had suddenly spread to her face and was inflamed, as it became infected when she scratched.

Terry had expected Hope to contract eczema as Hope’s father has eczema and it tends to run in families. Terry also has psoriasis on her scalp and leg, an inherited skin condition that began during her finals at university. Hope’s eczema was worst on the back of her knees, neck and joints. As well as scratching when she felt anxious, itching would keep her awake at night, and sometimes she would scratch so badly that she drew blood. The eczema would then become infected and a course of antibiotics would be needed, as well as treatment for the condition. This progressed from heavy-duty moisturisers to hydrocortisone and stronger steroid creams, as each one proved ineffective.

Steroid creams are prescribed during eczema flare-ups as they act by reducing inflammation quickly. The strength of steroid cream that a doctor prescribes depends on the age of the patient, the severity of the condition, and the size of the area to be treated.

Hope is now 6 and for the past five years, against her better judgment, Terry has been treating her with steroid creams. Both her GP and her friends had warned against long-term use of the creams.

There seemed no alternative. Even a referral to the local hospital dermatology department for Hope yielded only a thick, unpleasant and ineffective moisturiser. “The GP kept telling me that it wasn’t a good idea to use steroid creams long term, but didn’t give me any alternatives. I clung to it as I just wanted to do anything to relieve Hope’s discomfort,” Terry says.

Potent steroid use for long periods can produce side-effects such as skin-thinning and premature ageing. Many young eczema sufferers are prescribed hydrocortisone or other steroids. They clear up the complaint while they are in use, but they are not designed for long-term use and once someone stops using the preparation the eczema returns.

The last straw came when Hope said she didn’t want to wear shorts for PE because of the skin on her legs. When a friend suggested cardiospermum gel, Terry did some research.

Cardiospermum is one of the commonest herbs used for skin problems in Sri Lanka. Its botanical term is Cardiospermum halicacabum, but is locally known as balloon vine. This wiry climber’s main antiinflammatory powers are said to lie mostly in its leaves and seeds, which have been used for hundreds of years in Sri Lanka for skin dryness and eczema, as the seeds contain triterpenoids, which have an antiinflammatory effect and antibacterial qualities.

Terry and Hope embarked on a course of treatment two months ago, using the hypoallergenic cardiospermum gel that she found online.

“I was dubious at first,” says Terry, “as I had relied on the steroid for so long I didn’t think anything else would work on Hope. Also, the gel smells a bit like compost, but it feels cooling and seemed to absorb really quickly, and the smell doesn’t linger.

“Hope’s skin is really good at the moment. We used the gel twice a day and it soothed the itching almost immediately. She absolutely hates having creams put on, probably because her skin has been so sensitive before, so the fact that the cardiospermum is in a gel, and is not messy or irritating or greasy, has made the whole process much easier.”

Terry is also using the gel for the psoriasis patches on her legs and claims “it is definitely breaking down the rough patches and making them smoother”.

Is natural best?

We look at the evidence for other natural creams. If you plan to use these with steroid creams it may be worth having a chat with your GP to check that they won’t interact.

Evening primrose oil cream

Claims Reduces itchiness and redness.

Any evidence? A review of 26 trials of evening primrose oil for eczema has shown it to be an effective treatment, though it appears to do less well when combined with steroids.

Manuka honey

Claims Stops infection and reduces inflammation. Best to use in cream form, unless you want to get really sticky.

Any evidence? Manuka honey has been shown to have antibacterial, wound-healing and some antiinflammatory properties.

Aloe vera

Claims Cools down angry skin — reduces redness and swelling. Available in a gel, cream or lotion. Any evidence? Laboratory experiments suggest it has antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties.

Vitamin E cream

Claims This vitamin helps to repair dry and cracked skin.

Any evidence? Vitamin E has been used for a variety of skin conditions and is generally acknowledged to be an effective treatment.

Oat milk

Claims Creates a moisturising bath. Fill the foot of a cut-off pair of tights with porridge oats and tie it under the tap while running a bath. Or use Aveeno, an oat-based moisturiser.

Any evidence? No.


WHAT’S THE EVIDENCE?
DR TOBY MURCOTT

Can cardiospermum cream soothe eczema? There is no evidence from good-quality clinical trials but considerable anecdotal evidence. Cardiospermum extracts have been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammation and it has also shown to have a similar effect on human cells in the test tube. Eczema is, in part, an inflammatory response so it is logical that an antiinflammatory cream may ease it.

But it’s a natural product Natural means neither better nor safe, and everything is made of chemicals.

Could the cream help in any other way? Eczema is also closely linked to stress and anxiety. The description of the cream as being cooling and easily absorbed suggests that using it was a pleasant experience, which might have reduced stress.

Dr Toby Murcott is a former BBC science correspondent

Author: Lucy Freeman

© Copyright 2008 Times Newspapers Ltd.

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Eczema and Dermatitis - Natural Prevention & Treatment

Eczema can affect your whole family but you can treat it naturally and effectively with some common sense, some detective work, some vigilant avoidance of allergens and some clever supplementation where necessary.

Dermatitis or Eczema is a general term for any type of inflammation of the skin. Types of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

The inflammation of the skin that accompanies dermatitis (or eczema) produces scaling; flaking, weeping, crusting, thickening, colour changes, and often itching and typically appears on the face, in the bends of elbows and behind the knees.

Several underlying problems can lead to eczema:

1. Hypochlorydia -low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
2. Leaky gut syndrome- in which tiny particles of undigested foods pass through the intestines and enter the blood stream provoking allergic reactions.
3. Candidiasis an overgrowth of yeast in the body.
4. Food allergies.
5. Genetic weakness in the enzymes which converts fatty acids or a essential fatty acid deficiency (Not enough good fats in the body).
   

Contact dermatitis from contact with perfumes, cosmetics, rubber, medicated creams, ointments, latex, plants, metals, and even sunlight can cause some types of dermatitis. Eczema or Atopic dermatitis is known to affect allergy prone individuals.

Triggers vary from person to person, but tend to include changes in weather and atmosphere, hot or cold weather, exposure to allergens, infections such as colds and stress. If other family members also have allergies, hayfever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis then it is more common for a child to develop it also.

In babies, infants or children this can be an essential fatty acid deficiency (from not getting enough in mother's milk or formula and or diet), food allergies or from chemicals used to clean the clothes and home of the infant.

What can you do for your baby?

1. Delay introduction of food solids until 6 months of age so the gastrointestinal tract can develop fully.
2. Supplement Mothers diet with Fish oil capsules or other quality oils such as black current seed oil, flax seed, Evening Primrose oil and salmon oil. This will pass through into the baby via the breast milk.
3. Supplement Mother with Probiotics such as Lactobacillus Acidophillus and Bifidus. More than just the amounts found in yoghurts are necessary for this condition.
4. Where available purchase an infants probiotic formula rich in Bifido infantis bacterium, the particular strain of infant bacteria that they need to stop reactions such as Eczema. You can mix with breast milk and place on Mother's nipple for taking by infant or add to infant formula. This is especially important for babies who are born by cescearian section as they have not been inoculated by their mother's vaginal bacteria.
5. Supplement Mother's diet with a B complex formula as B6 and cofactors such as Biotin help with infants being breast-fed that have dermatitis, eczema or craddle cap. Foods that are rich in B complex vitamins include Brewers yeast, many cheeses, whey, eggs, apples, iceberg lettuce, Rye flour, salt water fish, banana, liver,potato's, sunflower seeds, walnuts and legumes.
6. Apply 10mls of a specially formulated oil blend onto your babies skin 3 times a day as necessary such as a blend of equal parts of sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil and chickweed oil. This will alleviate the itch, soothe the skin and provide essential fatty acids to be absorbed through the skin surface.
7. Put 10mls of this oil mix into your babies bath.
8. While you are getting organised to make your oil, you can make chamomile tea, allow to cool and add 4 drops of lavender oil -bathe the area daily with this solution. Other oils such as bergamot, chamomile, NZ Manuka and geranium are also helpful. Add one drop of each to 50mls of chamomile solution.
9. Avoid all chemicals for cleaning products in your home.
   

If your child has developed atopic dermatitis or other allergies you can get their allergies tested. Hair allergy testing is very simple and quite comprehensive these days with both IgE and IgG responses able to be detected.

There are also local naturopaths that can do energetic hair testing which are giving people fantastic results. Consult your family G.P. If you want the basic skin tests done, these are not as comprehensive but another option none the less. There are a variety of ways to test for allergies so please consult your natural Health practitioner or G.P.

By understanding what your child's allergies are you can easily avoid them, give their little bodies time to repair(with some help) and the resulting eczema should clear up on its own. Later these so called allergen foods can most often be re-introduced with out any trouble.

The most common forms of food allergies are eggs, peanuts, soy foods, wheat (breads, cakes, biscuits, pastries, pasta etc) and dairy products including cheese, milk, yoghurt, ice cream etc.
Soak all grains before eating, baking, this includes muesli's or breakfast cereals this breaks down phytic acid which can irritate G.I tracts and cause allergic reactions.


Older children and adults can do the following:

1. Take a digestive enzyme or HCL supplement with meals to increase digestion of all foods eaten.
2. B complex Vitamins are helpful to increase body's natural skin function and circulation. B vitamins aid in the reproduction of all cells, cell formation and cellular longevity. Deficiency of this vitamin group has been linked to dermatitis.
3. Essential fatty acid supplementation such as Cod Liver oil, black current seed oil, flax seed, Evening Primrose oil and salmon oil.
4. Add a supplement of Probiotics to your diet daily as a lack of bowel flora from any use of Anti-biotics will also contribute to this condition.
5. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids because they inhibit inflammation and stabilizes cell membranes.
6. Vitamin E -relieves dryness and itching.
7. Zinc- Aids in all healing and supports natural immune function.
8. Kelp Because it contains Iodine and other minerals needed for skin healing of tissues.
   

Recomendations:

1. Dark oily fish such as salmon.
2. Avoid all allergy foods including foods with raw egg which contains avidin, a protein which binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed.
3. Avoid sugar, strawberries, white flour, chocolate, fried foods and processed foods.
4. Avoid gluten containing foods such as Rye, Oats, Barley and Wheat foods for 6 weeks and see if dermatitis improves.
5. Use a Body oil rich in essential fatty acids such as the recipe above everyday.
6. Keep your house de-humidified (moisture free) and take only one shower or bath per day as these deplete natural skin oils.
7. Avoid soaps and chemical bubble baths that irritate your skin. Choose a natural non irritating soap for sensitive skin.
8. Keep your colon clean by going to the toilet every day. Use a bulking fibre supplement if you have to such as psyllium husks or flax seeds. NB: always take a fibre product separately from other supplements.
9. Do a detox to get rid of candidiasis and possible parasites and gut repair programme with your natural health practitioner to heal your leaky gut wall.
10. Juice therapy can be very effective. Try the following: carrot, beetroot, cucmber, celery, apple.
11. Homeopathy may also prove to be helpful. Look into the following remedies for the right one for you or your child: Pulsatilla, Arsenican album, Lycopodium, Graphites, Petroleum, Sulfur, Thuja, Sepia.
    

Herbal Treatments for adults:

1. Drink a cold infusion of equal parts of fresh Nettle, Chickweed and Cleavers twice a day.
2. Mix equal parts of tinctures of Red clover, Nettle, Chickweed, Baical skullcap and cleavers and take 1/2 tsp of this mixture three times a day.
   

Other Topical applications to try:

1. Aloe Vera gel
2. Evening Primrose oil applied directly to the skin can help the body's response to cracks and sore areas of the skin.
3. To relieve itch make a cream with Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Chickweed oil, Zinc oxide, yoghurt and a little honey. Mix together and apply to skin.
4. Dried herbs of Calendula, Chickweed and St John's wort can be infused into Olive oil for 2 hours over a water basin and applied to itchy and painful skin.
   

Originally written by Kirsten Taylor - Naturopath, Medical Herbalist. Used with the permission of the author - www.nzhealthshop.com

Source: http://labouroflove.org

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Neem Herbs Eczema Treatment

Neem is a most effective eczema herbal remedy - and there are many products currently being sold in the market place as wonder Herbal cures and remedies for Eczema and Psoriasis and we could post hundreds of pages without even scratching the surface. However we can help to get things in perspective with a few hints and warnings.

Herbal does not mean safe and many of the worlds most powerful toxins are herbal. Lots of companies sell so called herbal products that contain chemicals and preservatives, which are detrimental to skin diseases such as Psoriasis and Eczema. Examination of 24 creams for eczema revealed that 20 were found to contain corticosteroids (cortisone family) and many contained very potent steroids, which should only be available by prescription.

Any herbal potion to be ingested should be approached very carefully for allergic reaction. An easy way to try is to rub a small amount of product on the gums and wait for a couple of hours and if there is no reaction take a very small amount and wait.

Examine packaging for ingredients and if there are none do not use it.

Take into account that a great amount of prescription treatments derive from Natural products and are synthetically reproduced to enable patent. Synthetic production of these molecules can cause unknown reactions and side effects not present in the natural version.

Facial Skin Conditions

These conditions whilst causing psychological stress (particularly in the young,) also poses the problem of infection due to the lack of friendly cleansing agents. The properties of Neem, which we believe put this in the forefront of treatments, are Non-allergenic properties.

One of the strongest natural analgesics, which relieves discomfort with immediate effect.
Nimoids, which are an active compound, found only in Neem and work in very similar ways to steroid without the side effects. (Initial studies in 1986 rang warning bells; it was believed that these compounds were just another steroid. Closer examination revealed that MILLIONS of people in India were taking Neem leaf daily with no detrimental effect. (G took Neem every day.)

Neem contains a natural anti-histamine which hinders reaction and aids relief.


Baby Eczema

The eczema condition in children is even more disconcerting due to the fact that the most upsetting situation for a parent is to watch their child suffer when to date there has been very little in the way of treatments to help. This coupled with sleepless nights can affect the whole family physically as well as psychologically. Neems' very effective analgesic qualities will help alleviate discomfort sometimes with immediate effect.

Although a chemical free Neem based lotion can produce dramatic effects with discomfort relief and skin regeneration, it must be noted that eczema is an allergic reaction and the quest for the root cause must continue. The safety aspect of Neem treatments, when compared to the detrimental side effects of other products such as steroid creams etc. in our opinion make Neem the necessary choice for children.

Neem based lotions, creams and oils offer help in other areas such as nappy rash, fungal infections and also repels house mite which is a further aid to eczema and asthma sufferers.

Reference: http://neemgenie.co.uk

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Eczema Treatment From the Inside Out With Wheatgrass

Just about every health food store displays trays of wheatgrass, one of the latest superfoods gaining in popularity. Rich in many vital nutrients, wheatgrass is purported to cure a number of conditions, including eczema. While you can’t apply it directly to the skin, a good shielding lotion is the best external eczema treatment, there is a good chance that eating wheatgrass or drinking the juice will reduce eczema flares. Here’s why.

Wheatgrass has an extremely high nutrient content. Similar in structure to hemoglobin, it is said to contain every vitamin and mineral needed by the human body. Researchers estimate one pound of wheatgrass to contain the nutrients available in 25 pounds of high quality vegetables. It is a complete food that can be eaten or taken in its liquid form, found on the shelves as liquid chlorophyll.

In addition to being promoted as effective eczema treatment, anecdotal evidence has found wheatgrass to benefit the digestive and cardiovascular systems, cleanse the liver and detoxify heavy metals, prevent hair loss, constipation and even cancer.

How do you take Wheatgrass? While chewing it is possible, the juice is far more convenient and palatable although it doesn’t taste great. Mixing with a little apple juice will help. If you’re liquefying it yourself, it’s best to use a manual press or very low revolution, and, therefore, low heat, food processor is best. A regular blender or juicer will destroy the nutrients. It can be quite a shock to the system at first, so start off slow - 1 ½ tablespoons on the first day, gradually working up to about a ½ pint. If you get diarrhea or stomach problems, stop taking it until the symptoms subside then start again with a lower dose.

When using wheatgrass as eczema treatment, you can expect to see results in about three weeks.

What wheatgrass will not solve is the problem of eczema caused by contact with harsh chemicals – which accounts for the vast majority of eczema cases. The best solution for that is a shielding lotion. Now recommended by thousands of doctors for eczema treatment, a good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps out harsh chemicals that damage the skin. Between the Wheatgrass and the shielding lotion, you should have your eczema licked in no time!

Reference: http://glovesinabottle.com

Natural Treatments for Eczema

What are some natural eczema treatments available to the modern day sufferer and how effective are they in soothing inflammations? Well, it has been proven that almost 80% of the patients having an Eczema condition are 'owners' of a hyperactive immunity control system. As we have already said it when talking about antihistamines, the immune system releases histamine as a reaction to offending factors.

Moreover, patients suffering from Eczema do not process appropriately essential fatty acids. This leads to a faulty control of fatty acids, a fact which triggers mild to severe skin inflammation.

Primrose oil is one of the natural solutions preferred by patients suffering from Eczema. 250-300 mg per day of this oil will re-establish control over fatty acids and diminish skin swelling.

Also, one useful and fairly cheap solution is fish oil. About 5-10 grams of fish oil will work miracles in the reduction of skin swelling symptoms.

Another natural treatment is grape seed extract (administered three times per day, about 50 mg). Grape seed extract works as an antihistamine and this is why it is preferred in treating mainly allergic contact dermatitis. However, it has its share of success in the treatment of atopic dermatitis as well.

Licorice root has high anti-inflammatory properties and it can be applied on the skin. It functions similarly to topical corticosteroids. This means that it diminishes swelling and itchy sensations. It is generally recommended in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Licorice root extract included in the composition of a moisturizer will give the best result in the amelioration of Eczema symptoms.

On the other hand, licorice can be also taken orally: you can make a solution out of one teaspoon of licorice root in 10 ounces of water (kept in there for 10-15 minutes). It can be administered three times per day. Pay attention: too high doses can lead to high blood pressure.

Burdock root extracts are successfully functional in skin healing. For adults, the dose can be administered two times per day, for one week. For children, burdock root tea or burdock root extract can be administered once (maximum twice) a day.

Balsam of Peru, an ingredient often used in fragrances and which could lead to Eczema aggravations, is nonetheless used in the treatment of such a condition as well. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties. If associated with ointments (whether they are moisturizing ointments or topical steroids), balsam of Peru leads to reduction of skin inflammations and of itchy sensations. Skin dryness can be managed by applications of calendula creams or ointments.

Source: articlesbase.com

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Traditional Chinese Medicine for Eczema

Acupuncture, Herbs, and Dietary Changes Remove Toxic Heat and Soothe Inflammation

A dictionary might define the word eczema as derived from ancient Greek, meaning “to erupt” or “boil over,” but for anyone suffering from the condition the meaning is much more than that. Eczema is an ailment that can disrupt an entire lifestyle.

The condition, sometimes called dermatitis, is characterized by an inflammatory condition of the skin. This causes redness, itching and vesicular lesions that become scaly, crusted, or hardened. It isn’t pleasant to look at. Nor is it easy to live with.

The incidence of eczema has increased dramatically during recent decades, and current estimates are that eczema will affect 12-25% of children and 10-25% of adults worldwide.

Imagine what it would be like if the “seven-year itch” were more than a figure of speech; if you literally had to live with years of constant physical itching. That is what life was like for a teenage patient of mine. For years this young man had lived with his skin problem. Restless itching and lack of sleep had affected his self-esteem and schoolwork. He had gained weight, become depressed, and when he arrived at my clinic some six months ago he and his parents were in a state of desperation.

Eczema strikes patients of all ages and sexes. This young patient was typical of many I have seen over the years. He had consulted doctors and tried numerous prescription drugs and ointments, but his condition persisted. His skin was now hardened and discoloured and the natural inner balance of his body was obviously out of whack.

What is Eczema?

There are three basic types of eczema: Contact eczema – caused by an allergic reaction to external irritants. Atopic eczema – occurring primarily in patients with a family history of ailments such as asthma. And Generalized eczema – which is widespread over the skin. The young patient I refer to here suffered from atopic eczema, which is the most common type and often referred to as dermatitis or allergic eczema. Many patients who have this type may also suffer from asthma or hay fever, or they may have relatives who have these conditions.

I believe that the growing number of toxins in our environment contributes greatly to the growing epidemic of inflammatory skin conditions. When these toxins accumulate in the spleen they weaken the function of the immune system. The body then expels the toxins through the skin and the result is skin problems such as eczema.

Western Medicine Treatment of Eczema

Mainstream medicine generally depends on drugs for the treatment of eczema. While often effective, this approach only temporally alleviates the symptoms, and it ignores the underlying causes of the disease. In addition, the drugs often have negative side effects. The FDA recently warned about two popular eczema medications, pimecrolimus and tacrolimus (generally known as Elidel and Protopic respectively). Both drugs suppress the immune system and – although the jury is still out on this – they could contribute to cancer.

According to Chinese medical theory eczema is influenced by three essential factors: wind, heat and dampness. These influences may be external, as evidenced by the fact that many patients feel their condition worsens during damp weather. Or, the influence may be inside the body, emanating from the spleen, the stomach, or the lungs. This is why some patients also have digestive and/or breathing problems.

“We come into this world head first and go out feet first; in between, it is all a matter of balance.” – Paul Boese

TCM Treatment for Eczema

The underlying theory of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is that the body should be in a perfect state of physical and emotional balance to reach harmony with the outside world. When the balance is upset, disease results. In the case of my young eczema patient it was obvious after an examination of his pulse and the colour and texture of his tongue, that the cause of his problem was excessive dampness in his stomach causing indigestion. In addition, the drugs he had been taking to control his condition had, over time, contributed to the accumulation of excess of toxins in his body.

Following time-honoured TCM principles I use two key methods to restore balance: acupuncture and herbal therapy. Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterilized fine steel needles at specific points in the body in order to stimulate the function of internal organs.

Three body meridians are essential to the treatment of eczema – the lung, spleen and liver meridians. These three organs have direct influence on the skin. The choice of acupoints in the spleen meridian is of primary importance for eczema patients and it takes a qualified practitioner to identify them correctly. In the hands of an expert the procedure isn’t painful and most patients gain immediate relief from itching.

The TCM treatment of eczema aims for more than temporary relief. The ultimate goal is 100% cure.

In the Chinese medical system there are some 10,000 herbs that are used for medicinal purposes. About 1,000 of these are used in daily practice. The selection of herbs is highly sophisticated and it takes knowledge and experience to make the optimal choice for each particular patient. Rarely does one prescribe the same herbs for different patients. This is true even if patients suffer the same disease.

Blood plays a defensive role by delivering nutrients and removing metabolic wastes, toxins and pathogens from the body. In the case of chronic eczema, I have observed that the patient’s blood is deficient and the immune function is weak. This problem is not difficult to solve. Herbs with properties of cleansing and enriching are safe, effective and economical. They may taste bitter but when taken as prescribed they can be highly effective.

As well, patients should detoxify their system regularly with herbs that are readily available in supermarkets and herb stores, such as:

• Coix Seed – a grain with anti-bacterial, anti-cancer properties.

• Mung Bean – to help expel heavy metals and pesticides from the system. Boil until the beans split, and eat as a warm dish.

• Honeysuckle Flowers and Dandelion – helps remove toxins from the lung and stomach. (Cooked or raw.)

• Portulaca – helps cleanse the intestines

A healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance to prevent re-occurrence of eczema. Anything that aggravates the symptoms should be avoided. This includes food allergens; although food allergies are a very individual matter, common irritants may include wheat, corn, dairy, soy, peanuts, eggs, beef, and lamb. As well, patients should avoid skin irritants such as wool and lanolin. Exposure to environmental triggers can also worsen symptoms, as can exposure to water, changes in temperature, sweat and stress. Dry skin often makes the condition worse. When washing or bathing, patients should keep water contact as brief as possible and use a minimal amount of soap. After bathing it is important to apply a high quality lubricating cream to trap any moisture while the skin is still damp.

Other rules include:

• Do not smoke or drink alcohol, coffee or soft drinks.

• Limit your sugar intake and avoid junk food.

• Eat lots of fresh vegetables and whole foods.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Exercise daily and get outside for fresh air.

If patients take shared responsibility for their well-being, eczema can be cured. After six months of regular treatment my young male patient had finally returned to good health. He is an example of the hope that TCM offers for all sufferers of eczema. By following a well-designed program of treatment and adhering to dietary recommendations, patients can permanently live life without the constant itch.

Article source: http://vitalitymagazine.com

About the author:
Jian Ping (Jenny) Shi received her Doctorate in Acupuncture from the renowned Chinese Traditional Medical College in Hubei and a master of science (Pharmacology) degree from Tongji Medical University in China. She certified in pharmacology at the University of Illinois and has extensive teaching and research credits including projects sponsored by the U.N. World Health Organization. Dr. Shi has been in practice for more than twenty years and now runs her own clinic in Toronto. For an appointment please call (416) 707-7552.

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Optimal Health & Wellness

Using Coconut Oil as a Treatment for Eczema

Sometimes one has to resort to alternative, natural eczema treatment methods to get the best cure or results for their eczema problem. And often it's a better choice, due to less exposure to drugs and chemical-laden products.

It should always be the first treatment to consider when you want to take the best care of your skin.

First of all, eczema and dermatitis are often referring to the same thing in the medical world. They cover a variety of inflammations of the most outer portion of the skin. There are three different, broad types of eczema.

The type of eczema depends on the cause and where it occurs on the body. The types are basically, allergies, rashes, and nutritional deficiencies. The eczemas include atopic, dyshidrotic and nummular eczema.

Naturally you'll want to eliminate any internal cause of eczema as in non-contact allergies, rashes, and nutritional deficiencies.

For local causes of eczema such as contact dermatitis, you want to avoid having your skin come into contact with the offending item.

It could be jewelry, perfumes, chemicals in any cosmetics, shellac in mascara, lipstick, nickel, lotions, soaps, fabric softener sheets, pesticides from contact around the mouth, latex gloves, etc.

I'm assuming here that you already have a diagnosis of eczema.

The best thing I've found to heal eczema is extra virgin coconut oil. It works better than eczema creams, which are usually chemical-laden products, whether for babies, teens or adults.

Make sure you're working on eliminating the cause of your eczema, whether internal or external, which we won't go into here.

Extra virgin coconut oil has helped many I know to help heal the skin. Ultimately, of course, the immune system and body do the healing if you were to do nothing, but coconut oil can speed up the process.

If you also have acne it'll treat acne too and is better than most chemical acne products.

You want to make sure you get the extra virgin type that is not refined, bleached or deodorized. You can order it online.

Whole food-type markets are carrying more coconut oil, in pint and quart jars and especially the extra virgin coconut oil. Get the organic kind if you can.

Coconut oil cures many other skin conditions and skin disorders too, besides making the skin soft and smooth. I use it for everything including as a make-up remover and under my foundation. My skin is always soft, silky, smooth, and free of rashes, bumps, blemishes, blisters, etc.

It stops itching and flaking too.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive therefore, a good, cheap home remedy. Keep it around to treat any other skin problem. It's actually healthy to eat too. It's a plant saturated fat, not an animal saturated fat.

I add two big tablespoons to my smoothies, to help my skin from the inside out too, and have been doing so for many years.

Although we refer to it as coconut oil, it isn't actually oil until the temperature climbs above 77 degrees. It can be applied when it is in the oil-state or non-oil state.

To apply the extra virgin coconut oil, massage it deep into the affected area. You can heat it if you like but you don't have to. Depending on how severe the eczema is, apply it three or four times a day or more and especially at bedtime.

It's important to keep the area moist with the oil. You may have to apply a loose bandage to your skin, soaked with the oil. If the eczema is on your hands, you'll have to apply it even more often.

Also you can expose the area to direct sunlight for 20 minutes or so each day. You'll get your daily dose of vitamin D that way too.

Many have used coconut oil as a treatment to cure or heal their eczema or their baby's eczema.

It just takes motivation, a willingness to try it, and diligent application of coconut oil several times each day and at bedtime.

And your eczema and its symptoms, providing you've removed the cause, should go away. Continue using coconut oil and good clear skin will be your reward.

Article Source: http://www.HealthArticleBank.com

For more information on eczema treatment and natural treatments for eczema, go to www.Best-Skin-Solutions.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in eczema, acne, zits, pimples and skin disorders with tips, help, advice and resources including information on skin rash treatment.

Quality aromatherapy and essential oils for eczema remedy

Tea Tree Oil and Eczema

Tea tree oil, which is otherwise referred to as melaleuca oil is pale and nearly clear in appearance and is of golden color and is derived from leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia that you will find grows in Australia and more particularly along the northwest coast of New South Wales, and which is believed to have many beneficial properties including being anti-septic and also anti-fungal. One should not however is mislead by the word tea in this particular case as it is not really tea oil at all even though it is used in many different ways.

Plenty Of Evidence That Suggests Tea Tree Oil Is Very Beneficial For Eczema

Tea tree oil and eczema can be said to go well together because there is enough evidence to suggest that there is vast potential for using tea tree oil for treating eczema and it is also good anti-septic for other infections as well. And, there has also been much positive feedback from researchers who have studied the use of tea tree oil and eczema and found that tea tree oil is promising for this condition and though it does help treat eczema, it is not limited in this respect as it can also be added to some cleaning products such as laundry detergents as well as bathroom cleaners to provide effective results.

Another positive aspect with regard to tea tree oil and eczema is that it is a viable alternative to the many drugs available for treating eczema and this natural remedy is not some quackery, but very useful in a number of instances including for the treatment of eczema. However, before choosing tea tree oil for treating eczema makes sure to be aware that not all of the tea trees oils are of good quality and not every one of these products are obtained from Melaleuca alternifolia.

That means having to check labels and being on the lookout for active ingredients such as terpinen 4-ol as well as cineole that cause skin irritation which means that they should be present in proper level which should be no more than thirty percent for terpinen 4-ol and not more than fifteen percent for cineole. Anything above these limits and you won’t get any good results from tea tree oil and eczema.

Some people that have had long standing eczema problems and who have tried many natural as well as pharmaceutical creams to treat the problem and had not met with any success have found that tea tree oil and eczema were well suited and having used lotion containing tea tree, the eczema problem disappeared. So, you can safely try out tea tree oil for eczema and not regret this alternative and natural method of treating the problem.

Article source: http://freshnews.in

Quality aromatherapy and essential oils for eczema remedy

Dead Sea Eczema Treatment with Climatotherapy

Dead sea-related eczema therapies have been evangelised to be effective to remedy eczema, naturally.

What is Dead Sea Eczema Treatment?

The Dead Sea region is recognised worldwide for its efficacy in the treatment of dermatological diseases, as well as other health problems. Dead Sea, located in Israel, is touted (and has been researched) to have healing properties for eczema, psoriasis, mycosis fungoides, vitiligo, arthritis, asthma and other health problems.

Dead Sea treatment is part of climatotherapy regime, as well as the well-known use of Dead Sea mud for skin care and skin problem therapies. It has been said that Dead Sea is the biggest, widest natural spa on earth.

What is Climatotherapy

Climatotherapy is the use of sunlight and water (such as the ocean) as therapy. The Dead Sea in Israel is known for its healing properties, and many people with eczema go there to sit in the sun and swim in the water. Studies suggest that this is a successful treatment for eczema. One study looked at the experience of more than 1,500 people with eczema and found that 95% of skin was cleared in people who had previous stays at the Dead Sea and stays longer than 4 weeks.

The Dead Sea Water

The Dead Sea water contains high concentration of salts and minerals in a unique composition, rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromide, etc. No such combination is found in other sea / ocean.

The Sun Over Dead Sea

The almost year-round sunny days (averaging 330 days) at the Dead Sea allow you to sunbathe for extended periods with no damage since the harmful ultraviolet radiation (mainly the UVB) is attenuated by traversing an extra 400 meters of atmosphere and a haze of water vapor and aerosols naturally overhanging the Dead Sea.

The Many Benefits of Dead Sea Climatotherapy

In skin diseases, such as eczema, it has been shown :

• To be at least as effective as other treatment modalities both in terms of disappearance of lesions and duration of remission.
• The overall UV radiation dose to which the patient is exposed is markedly smaller than in any artificial treatment modality.
• That the unique conditions present at the Dead Sea enable adequate sun exposure containing the specific healing range of UV radiation while the more damaging solar rays are strongly attenuated by natural filtration.
• That recurrences are usually less severe than the previous attack.
• That the relaxed environment facilitates social interaction and psychological encouragement
• No corticosteroids or cytotoxic medications are required
• To be more cost effective than many other treatments

References:
http://www.deadseahealth.com
http://www.deadsea-health.org/new_html/diseases_skin.html#atopic
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/eczema-000054.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/BeautySecrets/story?id=1333102

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Eczema Detox Bath With Dead Sea Salt

What is a Detox bath?

Detox bath is a hydrotherapy technique and a natural and healthier, not to mention completely safe, alternative of keeping our body disease free. It boosts the body’s innate ability to wash out all waste deposits. Soaking yourself in a detox bath can help to release toxins, promote energy, circulation and well being.

History of Using Detox Bath

The ocean, mineral and hot springs baths have been used for centuries world wide, for their therapeutic effects. In spas and healing centers today, the use of water therapy is popular once again.

The famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra, too, was supposedly in favor of Dead Sea salt baths. The experience of soaking the body in Dead Sea Salt bath is second to none.

Why Use a Detox Bath For Eczema?

Our bodies have ways to detoxify themselves naturally. However, the stressful lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits have taken their toll on the natural detoxification system our bodies use.

Our bodies cannot cope with the high-level toxins accumulated in our bodies everyday, and, therefore, they cannot properly clean the blood and the intestinal tracts. The food that we consume is not absorbed properly and all this manifests through weight gain and other health problems, including eczema.

You can consider using a detox bath if you feel ill, or in combination with a detox program and especially if you are exposed to environmental toxins or skin related diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis. An eczema detox bath draws out impurities and enables other natural therapies to work with greater effectiveness.

Why use dead sea salt versus normal salt?

Dead sea salt comes from The Dead Sea. The Dead Sea lies at the bottom of the Syrian - African Rift Valley. It is close to 400 meters (1280 feet) below sea level.

Today, medical research proved that the Dead Sea does provide mineral-rich waters, that can have therapeutic benefits. Multiple studies show the efficacy of these minerals in treating and preventing various skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rheumatism. Dead Sea Salts contain an average of 30%-33% mineral content (whereas other sea or ocean salts only contain a mere 3% mineral content!)

These minerals in dead sea salt consist primarily of:

Magnesium - which assists the body in cell metabolism.

Sodium - aids in detoxification. Helps expel waste and absorb nourishment.

Potassium - helps regulate muscle contractions and to balance skin moisture.

Calcium - helps in the building of healthy bones and teeth. Also cleanses your skin pores.

Bromides - has relaxing and anti-biotic properties. Dead Sea Salt has a 50% higher
concentration than other salts.

Iodine - assists in energy production (necessary for proper production of the hormone thyroxin)

This unique mineral composition of the Dead Sea makes it ideal for people seeking relief from skin and rheumatic disorders. Apparently, your skin absorbs Dead Sea salt, vitamins and other substances into the body. It is also accepted that Dead Sea salts and vitamins can have a wonderful effect on circulation, metabolism as well as relieve muscle tension.

How do I Prepare an Eczema Detox Bath with Dead Sea Salt?

For treating various illnesses, just add two pounds of Dead Sea salt in lukewarm water. Check that the temperature of the water is two degrees higher than your body temperature. If you want to use the salt for maintaining good health, you may go for two handfuls.

About the author:

Evelyn Lim has been suffering from eczema for many years. She now reviews products for natural eczema treatment. For more information, please refer to her site at http://www.eczemaskintreatment.com

Nettle Herbs for Eczema Natural Remedy

Benefits of Nettles

If the nettle plant has ever stung you, try not to hold a grudge, because its virtues far outweigh its offenses. Wherever nettles grow, they have been used by the local folk as a food and in herbal remedies.

Uses of Nettles

Throughout early Europe, nettles were credited with nourishing and immune-stimulating properties.

Nettles have been used in herbal remedies for their nourishing and immune-stimulating properties.

Nettle tea was used for intestinal weakness, diarrhea, and malnutrition -- uses that persist to the present time. Nettles also act as a diuretic and are useful in treating kidney weakness and bladder infections. As a diuretic, nettles can help rid the body of excess fluid (edema) in persons with weakened hearts and poor circulation.

Nettles also have been used topically to treat eczema and skin rashes and soothe arthritic and rheumatic joints. In fact, the plant has been most widely studied for its value in the treatment of arthritis and gout. When uric acid, a product of protein digestion, accumulates in the joints and tissues, a very painful inflammatory condition known as gout can result. One tablespoon of fresh nettle juice several times a day has been shown to help clear uric acid from the tissues and enhance its elimination from the body.

Fresh nettle preparations sting a bit, and it is this sting that seems to have a healing effect: The reddening and stinging of the skin appear to reduce the inflammatory processes of dermatologic conditions (such as eczema) and rheumatic conditions (such as arthritis and gout). The tiny, stinging hairs contain formic acid and a bit of histamine. (Mosquitoes and biting ants also secrete formic acid, which is responsible for the familiar stinging and itching of their bites.) Nettles also are high in anti-inflammatory flavonoids, and they contain small amounts of plant sterols. They are extremely rich in vital nutrients, including vitamin D, which is rare in plants; vitamins C and A; and minerals, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Since nettles contain numerous nourishing substances, they are used in cases of malnutrition, anemia, and rickets, and as a tonic to help repair wounds and broken bones. You can cook nettles and eat them as you would steamed spinach -- their taste and appearance are similar. Nettles are a healthy and tasty addition to scrambled eggs, pasta dishes, casseroles, and soups. You also can juice nettles and combine the juice with other fresh juices, such as carrot or apple juice, for weak, debilitated persons, such as cancer and AIDS patients. Nettle preparations also have been shown to be effective in controlling hay fever symptoms.

Nettle root has been found to increase a protein in the blood to which hormones bind. Ingesting nettle root helps to effectively reduce the amount of sex hormones that are "unbound"; that is, free to affect various tissues in the body. This can be helpful in cases of excessive hormonal stimulation, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome in women or benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

Nettles Preparations and Warnings

Like all herbs, there are some precautions you should take before using nettles medicinally.

Nettles Preparations and Dosage

Be sure to wear gloves when picking nettle leaves in full bloom. Once the plant has been crushed, dried, cooked, or tinctured, the hairs no longer sting. Harvest nettle roots after the plant begins to die back in the early autumn.

Herbal Tea: Use 1 tablespoon of dried herb per cup of hot water. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

Tincture: Take 1 or 2 teaspoons per day.

Juice: Drink 1 or 2 ounces per day.

Use nettles as you would greens, such as steamed spinach, collards, kale, or bok choy.

Nettles Precautions and Warnings

Old, late-season nettles can develop hard, stony, microscopic mineral conglomerates that can irritate the kidneys and lead to swelling of urinary organs and retention of urine, when used repeatedly. For this reason, young spring nettles, picked before flowering -- usually in early summer -- are preferred for food and medicine.

Be aware that most suppliers of nettles do not pay attention to this important caution against using the older nettles. Ask about the supply of nettles your health food or herb store sells. Of course, you can grow and pick your own nettles. Otherwise, no dangers or warnings are cited commonly in modern research or literature.

Side Effects of Nettles

Other than the stinging rash the fresh plant can produce, side effects are uncommon. Medicinal preparations do not cause stinging or rashes; only direct contact with the living plant causes these reactions. Tingling in the mouth after drinking nettle tea occurs occasionally. Very rare allergic reactions, such as dizziness and fainting, have been reported.

Reference: http://www.howstuffworks.com

Bad Food and Good Food for Eczema

Those suffering from eczema need to carefully consider their diets as what a person eats and drinks plays a big role in how healthy they are. You can improve or worsen a case of eczema by what you consume on a daily basis. The saying, “You are what you eat” couldn’t be more true than it is for those with eczema.

There are certain foods that are very common triggers of eczema flare-ups. Keep in mind though that not all triggers will be the same for everyone. You will come to learn what triggers your eczema by a simple process of trial and error. If you eat something and your skin reacts badly to it then don’t eat it again.

The most well-known food triggers include cow’s milk, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, eggs, soy, corn, oranges, tomatoes, lemons, strawberries and food preservatives (such as MSG for example).

Some people may experience an immediate sensitivity which means that an allergic reaction within a period of two hours of eating a trigger food could take place. Other people may find that they have a delayed sensitivity which means that the allergic reaction will not show itself anywhere from six to twenty-four hours after eating a specific food. In both instances, the symptoms of the reaction might include any one (or many) of thee things- swelling and redness of the skin, itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing, pain in the abdominal area, vomiting and diarrhea.

It might also be a good idea for those who suffer from eczema to keep a detailed food diary, marking down everything you eat and at what times in order to pinpoint what foods cause you problems.

Studies have shown that consuming one-tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day is helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with eczema. Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of essential fats. If you prefer, flaxseed also comes in powder form and can be sprinkled on a variety of foods.

Taking nutritional supplements of herbs is an excellent way to bolster your daily diet and decrease your chance of eczema flare-ups.

Evening primrose oil is an excellent supplement as it contains a high percentage of an omega-6 fatty acid known as GLA (or gamma linolenic acid). GLA has been proven to aid in healing with regards to eczema breakouts.

Evening primrose oil is used a great deal in Europe for eczema sufferers. An average daily dose is two to four grams, taken with meals. Be aware that supplementing your diet with evening primrose oil will not produce instant results- in fact it will more than likely take up to six months or longer of taking the supplement daily to see results. If you can be patient than you will more than likely be pleased with the results.

Zinc is another supplement that is believed to help with a case of eczema. However be aware that taking too much zinc every day can bring about a copper deficiency in the body which can usher in other health problems you don’t need. If you choose to take a zinc supplement, do not consume anymore than thirty milligrams a day.

Reference: http://www.eczematruth.com

Natural Treatments for Eczema

What is Eczema?

Also known as: atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis, infantile eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes, which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery. There may be skin blisters with oozing and crusting.

• Close-up photo of eczema
  
• Eczema in an infant (photo)
  
• Eczema on the arms (photo)
  
• Eczema on the face (photo)

Eczema usually occurs for the first time in infants, with rashes typically occuring on the cheeks, elbows or knees. Eczema, although often less of a problem in adulthood, can persist, especially if a person is exposed to allergens or chemical irritants or is under stress. In adults, eczema is commonly located on the inner elbow or behind the knee.

People with eczema frequently have family members with asthma, hay fever, or eczema.

Natural Remedies for Eczema

1) Probiotics

Probiotics, or "good" bacteria, are live microbial organisms naturally found in the digestive tract. They are thought to suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, influence immune function, and strengthen the digestive tract's protective barrier.

Studies suggest that babies at high risk for allergic disorders such as eczema have different types and numbers of bacteria in their digestive tracts than other babies, and that probiotic supplements taken by pregnant women and children may reduce the occurrence eczema in children.

A large, long-term study examined whether the use of a probiotic supplement or a placebo could influence the incidence of eczema in infants. Researchers randomized 1223 pregnant women carrying high-risk babies to use a probiotic supplement or a placebo for 2 to 4 weeks before deliver.

Starting from birth, infants received the same probiotics as their mothers had plus galacto-oligosaccharides (called a "prebiotic" because it has been shown to help multiple strains of beneficial bacteria flourish) for 6 months. After 2 years, the probiotics were significantly more effective than placebo at preventing eczema.

In addition to the use of probiotics to prevent eczema, probiotics have also been explored as a treatment for infants and children who already have eczema. Some studies have found that probiotics alleviate symptoms of eczema only in infants and children who are sensitized to food allergens.

Researchers are testing different strains of bacteria to see if one particular strain is more effective for eczema. One of the most commonly used probiotic strains used in eczema studies is Lactobacillus GG. Other strains used include Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacteria lactis. The prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides has also been used.

Consult a qualified health professional before using probiotics. Children with immune deficiencies should not take probiotics unless under a practitioner's supervision. For more information about probiotics, read Acidophilus and Other Probiotics.

2) Topical Herbal Creams and Gels

Gels and creams made from herbal extracts of chamomile, licorice, and witch hazel have been explored to reduce symptoms of eczema. The following are results of some of the preliminary studies.

• A double-blind study compared a 1% and 2% licorice gel compared to a placebo gel for eczema. After two weeks, both the 1% and 2% licorice gels were more effective than the placebo gel, and the 2% gel was more effective at reducing redness, swelling, and itching than the 1% gel.
  
  
• A study compared chamomile cream to 0.5% hydrocortisone cream or placebo. After two weeks, the chamomile cream was more effective than the hydrocortisone cream, but was not significantly more effective than the placebo cream. This study was not double-blind, so it cannot be used as proof that chamomile cream is effective for eczema.
  
  
• In a German double-blind study, 72 people with moderately severe eczema used either a placebo cream containing witch hazel extract, 0.5% hydrocortisone cream, or the cream alone for 14 days. The hydrocortisone was more effective than witch hazel. Witch hazel was not significantly more effective than the placebo cream.

Consult a qualified practitioner before using any topical herbal applications. Some herbs, such as chamomile, are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.

3) Gamma-linolenic Acid

Gamma-linolenic acids (GLA), such as evening primrose oil and borage oil, are a type of essential fatty acid. GLA has been shown to correct deficiencies in skin lipids that can trigger inflammation, which is why it is thought to help with eczema. However, recent, well-designed clinical studies with GLA have generally found that it does not help with eczema.

For example, one double-blind study examined the use of borage oil (500 mg a day) or placebo in 160 adults with moderate eczema. After 24 weeks, the overall effectiveness was not significantly better with borage oil compared with the placebo.

Reference: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsetoh/a/Eczema.htm

Natural Solutions for Eczema

Eczema may not be as painful as appendicitis when it strikes but it can be prickly irritating with all the blisters and itchy rashes it entails. I panic whenever I note the start of a flare up on my daughters. I know that the doctor will be prescribing steroids again if I don’t manage the episode quickly and my girls would definitely be suffering the consequences.

Because I fear that the medicines being prescribed may hurt my daughters in the long run, I have decided to research on the natural solutions that we can use to help the skin heal during flare ups.

Below are some that one can use instead of topical creams or solutions:

Milk

When the blisters and rashes are so itchy and hot, you can cool some milk by putting ice with it in a glass. Once already cold, pour some into a gauze pad or any light and allergy-safe cloth and put on irritated spots for about three minutes. Repeat the process until you finish ten minutes.

Salt

A salt scrub is something that might not be so inviting to one who has blisters but some attest that it can really aid in healing the skin. Salt may hurt but it can also promote better blood circulation that would hasten the healing process. It also pushes natural oil secretion which aids in softening the skin.

A good recipe would be to combine in a bowl 2 cups of find sea salt, ¼ cup of olive or jojoba oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional). You just have to wet the irritated part with warm water and scrub the salt mixture gently in a circular motion unto the skin. Let it stay on for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Licorice

The root can be directly put on irritated skin to reduce inflammation and itchiness.

Natural oils

Simply combine, almond oil with rosehip seed oil and sesame oil before applying it to irritated areas.

There are many medicines in the market today that can help alleviate the swelling and itchiness of eczema but they have their own disadvantages. I would rather try using natural ingredients to ensure that my kids are safer from side effects that could cause more trouble in the future.

Aside from topical solutions, one is usually asked to take something orally to alleviate the itchiness. Here are some natural remedies you might want to take instead of antihistamines:

Water

Another frequent reminder of our pediatrician is to increase water intake to lessen the dryness of the skin.

Omega 3s and 6s

Studies show that patients with eczema usually need to increase their intake of omega 3 and 6 which can be found in cod liver oil (a teaspoon a day or 5 to 10mg)

Primrose oil

250 to 300mg a day can reduce the swelling by controlling the imbalance of fatty acids in the body.

Grape Seed Extract

Taken 50 mg three times a day, this can be a great help to remove the itchiness

Licorice

Soak a teaspoon of licorice root in about ten ounces of water for about 15 minutes. Take orally three times a day but be careful of its effect on your blood pressure which may increase with high doses.

Burdock Root Extract

This is a very strong alternative so adults can take 2 doses of the extract or tea daily within just one week. Children may take it but it is highly recommended that they only drink it once a day for a week.

Lavender

Eczema can be prevented by keeping the skin moisturized. One way is to spray lavender mist every now and then to replenish skin moisture.

A nice solution would be around 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil to a 2 ounce jar with purified water. It can also be beneficial for children to use the essential oil of lavender instead of soap during baths. Simply put around 3 drops of essential oil to the water.

Oatmeal

Instead of using soap, you can make an oatmeal scrub by grinding or whipping about 2 cups of large flake oatmeal to make it fine. Put the powdered oatmeal in a cotton handkerchief and tie up the ends before soaking it in water and using it as a washcloth.

To prevent eczema, it would be worthwhile to talk to a dietician because there are many foods that you or your kids might be allergic to that can cause flare ups.

Try to make sure that your clothes and the textile that touch your skin frequently (e.g. beddings) are made of natural cotton because synthetics can also produce flare ups.

Another cause of eczema is stress so if you can prevent too much pressure from controlling your life or your kid’s, then it would really be a big help to avoid flare ups. You can browse through free self-improvement books or try meditation using brainwave technology to help defy the effects of stress in your lives.

Eczema may not be as drastic as cancer or a stroke but it can leave many painful memories for those who are afflicted with it. I hope this article will be able to help those who are suffering from it just like my daughters.

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Article source: http://eczemanaturalsolutions.wordpress.com

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Herbs for Eczema

The term “eczema” refers to a variety of skin irritations, of which atopic dermatitis is the most common. Fifteen million Americans have eczema, most of whom develop symptoms as infants or young children. It’s rare for initial signs of eczema to appear in adults over 30. While environmental factors often precipitate the condition, eczema more likely appears in a child whose parent also suffers from it.

Dry, itchy skin—especially around the eyes, inside the elbows, and behind the knees—characterizes eczema. It also seems that people with eczema have an overabundance of Staphylococcus aureusbacteria on the skin. Persistent scratching opens the tender skin to opportunistic infections.

Studies have shown that 80 to 90 percent of those with eczema have an overactive immune system, which triggers a histamine release in response to allergens that don’t bother most other people. Irritants that bring on this allergic response range from foods such as milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, and fish to materials like wool, soap, perfume, chlorine bleach, and dust. Stress is also a culprit. Emotional stress taxes the immune system, causing eczema flare-ups to occur.

In addition to an overactive immune system, eczema patients do not properly metabolize essential fatty acids (EFAs), according to recent studies. Low levels of certain fatty acids impede prostaglandin synthesis, which controls inflammation. One solution: 300 mg/day of evening primrose oil (EPO) can raise EFA levels and reduce the inflammation. Alternatively, supplementation with omega-3-fatty acids can optimize prostaglandin synthesis. Try taking ten grams of fish oil daily, or increase your dietary intake of cold-water fish such as halibut or salmon. Note that while EPO and omega-3 fatty acids have both proven effective in clinical trials, the latter option costs considerably less.

As with any allergic condition, eczema responds well to flavonoids, due to their antihistamine action. Antihistamines prevent the immune system from releasing substances that cause localized inflammation. Among the best flavonoids are quercetin (400 mg taken before meals) and grape seed extract (50–100 mg, taken 3 times daily). A recent study has shown that inulin, a polysaccharide contained within the root of burdock (Arctium lappa) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) activates the pathway of the immune system essential in destroying bacteria. This pathway is compromised in those with eczema, enabling opportunistic infections to occur at irritated sites. Try one-quarter teaspoon of tincture three times a day, or brew a cup of tea from freshly dug backyard roots (1 tablespoon fresh chopped root simmered in 8–12 ounces of water for 15 minutes).

Finally, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a potent anti-inflammatory that you can use externally. Licorice acts similarly to the steroid hydrocortisone in reducing the inflammation and itching associated with eczema—and it’s 93 percent effective in treating atopic dermatitis. Try a moisturizing cream infused with licorice extract or a solid extract of glycyrrhetinic acid, one of the herb’s active components. Or try taking licorice internally: 1 teaspoon dried root simmered in 8–12 ounces of water for 15 minutes, taken two or three times a day. A word of caution, however: Licorice is contraindicated for those with liver or kidney disease and/or high blood pressure.

Managing a skin condition like eczema can be difficult, especially for young children. Why not turn some of the above suggestions into fun games to make treatment more enjoyable? Have a licorice tea party, or make applying cream a laughter-filled tickle fest. A cup of chamomile tea close to bedtime will also help relax the body and lessen scratching during sleep. Above all, celebrate your successes and educate yourself when a suggestion doesn’t work—and be happy and confident in what you do to take care of yourself.

Reference: http://www.herbquarterly.com