Skin is our largest and most diverse organ - it protects us from external factors, it provides us with sensation, it regulates our body temperature, and so much more.

Our skins condition is not only important for aesthetic reasons but also for health reasons. While it is thought that skin inflammation, rashes, and itchiness are solely skin issues, these symptoms are often the result of ailment occurring within the body.

An eczema rash is identified by symptoms including excessive dryness, redness, itchiness, swelling, blisters, and rashes.

Although the exact cause of eczema is unclear, it can be triggered by genetics, diet, nutrient deficiency, and contact allergies (applying something to you skin that causes an allergic reaction).

Because it makes your skin extremely dry and itchy no matter how much lotion or oil you apply, it can be difficult to find eczema treatment. While it is best to find the root cause, you will want to treat your itchy, inflamed skin in the meantime.

While there are many creams for eczema, there are also a lot of plants with medicinal properties that can help relieve the symptoms. Due to their influence on the different stages of inflammation, various plants are effectively used for treating inflammatory skin conditions. Herbs offer natural treatment options for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and others. They can also help treat the underlying cause.

Chamomile

Widely known as a medicinal flower, chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Pharmacological studies conducted on humans demonstrated that an ointment containing chamomile extract was more effective than 0.1% and 0.5% hydrocortisone creams (synthetic anti-inflammatory drug prescribed by doctors), and equally as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone.

Chamomile can be used externally to treat:

bacterial skin diseases
diaper rash
cradle cap
skin inflammation and irritation
eczema
infected or poorly healing wounds
frostbite
abscesses
insect bites

Calendula

Calendula is notorious for its ability to treat skin inflammation. The flower has anti-inflammatory affects comparable to that of Indomethacin, a synthetic drug use to treat inflammatory conditions.

Furthermore, calendula has antimicrobial, anti-fungal, astringent, antiviral, and immunostimulant (a substance that helps the immune system fight disease and infection) properties. This makes the flower effective for treating:

cuts and scrapes
minor wounds
chapped or chafed skin
bee stings
yeast infections
athlete's foot
eczema
boils
rashes

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine, a medical system relying on a holistic approach, to maintain physical and mental health. The Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, describes that turmeric has abilities to reduce inflammation.

Curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, displays antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is said that curcumin can reduce inflammatory targets and inhibit inflammatory cytokines (protein that has an effect on the immune system).

Aloe Vera

Popular for treating sunburn, aloe vera has great impacts on skin conditions. Its ability to survive in extremely dry conditions allows it to effectively treat a damaged skin barrier.

Aloe vera contains a couple hormones, Auxin and Gibberellins. These hormones possess anti-inflammatory properties and promote quick healing and soothe broken and cracked skin.

As most know, aloe vera's cooling gel provides relief to painful skin conditions, such as the itching and irritation caused by eczema and psoriasis.

Thyme

Thyme oil has demonstrated promising effects on treating eczema. A study conducted in 2012 showed that eczema patients treated with 3% thyme essential oil was effective. 10 patients (66.5%) achieved complete healing. The researchers declared that 3% thyme oil cream is an effective and inexpensive treatment for people suffering from eczema.

Eczema Skincare and Prevention

Eczema flare-ups are tough on your body and mental health. Nobody likes to deal with itchy, cracked skin, not to mention the role it plays on your self-image. Treating eczema is not a "one size fits all" situation. Figuring out what triggers your eczema takes a lot of time and effort - you might have to change your diet, experiment with different skin products, and pay mind to what you eat and put on your skin.

In my own experience, I figured out that I was vitamin deficient. Once I started taking Irish sea moss with bladderwrack and burdock root, I stopped having eczema flare-ups.

Here are some things to consider if you suffer from eczema:

Are you vitamin or mineral deficient? Deficiency in zinc, selenium, vitamins D, B, and A can play a role in eczema flare-ups.
Dairy, wheat, and gluten are big triggers for eczema.
Do you check the ingredients of your food? Many food items contain inflammatory ingredients that may trigger eczema. Highly processed foods including sugary drinks, junk food, and fried food can result in an eczema break out.
Make sure you stay hydrated! Supple skin reflects a hydrated, well-maintained body.
Find ways to destress and relax. Rest is just as important to your health as nutrition and physical activity. It is easy to get caught up in life and forget to take time to let your body rest and heal.

Home Remedies for Eczema