Q & A: Herbs for Eczema Treatment
By Jill Stansbury and Terry Willard
July/August 2002
I have eczema—it has been an ongoing problem for two years. Nothing seems to help or control it. I have been to dermatologists as well as my naturopathic doctor. It is affecting my life in more and more ways. If you have any ideas on anything to try, please let me know. Your input would be most appreciated.
—T. T., via e-mail
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Stansbury responds: Eczema tends to be chronic and has numerous underlying causes or contributors. I don’t know enough of your history to get any clues as to what might benefit your particular case, but following are the two basic presentations I’ve seen most often. If either description seems to fit your situation, the accompanying suggestions would be a good place to start.
Most commonly, eczema is associated with a state of allergic hypersensitivity and often occurs in tandem with hayfever, asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. This common presentation often runs in families, and although it can be well managed, it tends to be lifelong, flaring up at times of stress, poor diet, exposure to numerous allergens, etc. In such cases, decreasing the allergic (atopic) state with antioxidants (especially beta-carotene and zinc), essential fatty acids (flax, black currant, and fish oils), bioflavonoids such as quercetin and B vitamins may help but it usually takes at least two or three months to see substantial improvements. Allergic individuals should avoid all food colorings, preservatives and manmade compounds, both orally and topically. Allergy testing may help eliminate some of the guesswork for an allergy-prone individual.
In other cases, the eczema may be triggered by substances in the diet and bowels to which the body and blood become sensitized and reactive. Constipation, the use of antibiotics and drugs, low fiber intake, liver or gallbladder congestion and numerous other factors may alter the intestinal ecosystem and promote the blood cells to react as if an allergen were present. In these cases, taking probiotics (beneficial intestinal microbial strains) and fiber, and using liver- and digestive-supportive herbs, such as Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), burdock (Arctium lappa) and dandelion (Tanacetum parthenium) roots may help. If you experience chronic digestive problems, then digestive enzymes, bitters or herbal vinegar taken with meals may also improve digestion, fat absorption and assimilation of the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K—all of which play important roles in skin health. Skin that is extremely dry and prone to cracks and fissures may indicate a lack of essential fats in the diet or a problem with fat metabolism.