Eczema is a common and often chronic condition—with a variety of suspected causes—that causes itchy, inflamed skin. A holistic remedy, addressing allergies, anxiety, stress, inflammation, broken skin, and irritation, will be the best approach. Essential oils are the holistic solution to many, if not all, of these conditions.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for eczema are:
• Cedarwood
• Geranium
• German chamomile
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
Safety First
Due to the sensitive condition, a patch test with the chosen essential oils is wise.
To relive the itch, burn, and suffering of eczema, try one of these aromatherapy applications.
• Comforting balm. A mixture of helichrysum and coconut or jojoba oil creates a gentle balm you can apply to inflamed skin. To further prevent infection, add antiseptic lavender or geranium oil.
• Soothing soak. Adding skin-soothing oils such as German chamomile and lavender to your bath can ease inflamed skin and reduce the stress that aggravates or causes eczema.
• Cool compress. Add essential oils to a cool compress to amplify their healing and pain-relieving effects.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Eat well. Try an allergy-elimination diet to discover possible food triggers.
• Hydrate. Soothe itchy eczema flares by adding essential oils to moisturizing coconut oil.
• Relax mind and body. Try yoga or meditation to reduce emotional tension, which can make eczema worse.
Getting some quick relief is possible with simple solutions. Here are three ways to treat your eczema using aromatherapy.
This cream contains everything you need to relieve eczema. The holistic combination delivers anti-inflammatory and antiallergic action with antiseptic, rejuvenating, and skin-protecting properties.
½ cup shea butter
½ cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon local honey
30 drops lavender oil
8 drops German chamomile oil
1 8-ounce dark-glass jar
Use a double boiler to melt and combine the shea butter and coconut oil, then add in the honey. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils, then blend it (with an immersion blender or a mixer) until it reaches a lotion consistency. Pour the mixture into your container.
Combining some of the best skin-soothing oils in one recipe is an easy way to give your treatment a boost. Break out this blend for anything from everyday skin irritation to eczema.
1 ounce jojoba oil
3 drops helichrysum oil
3 drops geranium oil
3 drops cedarwood oil
Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Apply evenly in a light layer over the affected area.
When your skin feels hot and itchy, there’s nothing like a cool compress to bring relief. This recipe has the added benefit of anti-inflammatory and soothing oils.
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops German chamomile oil
2 drops cedarwood oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup warm or hot water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.