Introduction
Eczema, a common form of skin disorder arising due to hyperactivity of the autoimmune system of the body, is not fully curable but manageable to a great extent. Symptoms vary from person to person that include red and warm skin, swelling, rashes, blisters, skin peeling, discharge and darkening of the skin.
Factors contributing to eczema can be listed as-
-Chemical irritants in soap, detergent and shampoos.
-Allergens spread from pets, pollens, molds and dandruffs.
-Micro organisms like virus, bacteria and fungi.
-Food allergies from eggs, soy, wheat, nuts and seeds.
-Clothing spun from wool and synthetic fiber.
Alternative treatment for eczema- Healing eczema with essential oils
Alternative treatments with essential oils provide the best results in combating the symptoms.
13 essential oils with anti inflammatory and anti allergic properties are found to be very effective in treating this ailment. These oils block the activity of pain and inflammation causing enzyme (COX 2) responsible for this ailment. The oils are either used as emollients or directly applied to the affected area after diluting in carrier oils (in fixed proportions) like coconut or olive.
Thyme
This oil is spicy and warm loaded with carvacrol, an organic compound that provides a natural defense against swelling, pain, infection and inflammation. The antimicrobial property of this oil enables quicker healing. It is the most effective among all the essential oils.
Clove
Clove oil contains around 80 % to 95 % eugenol, a potent chemical commonly employed by dentists as an antiseptic and anti inflammatory substance against infection, swelling and pain in connection with dental surgery. The oil is highly effective in eczema treatment as well.
Rose
The fragrance of Rosa damasena is sweet and is certainly mood lifting. Eugenol present in this oil plays a key role in lowering the pain and inflammation considerably.
Eucalyptus
The main ingredient of eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol commonly used in mouthwash. Another great essential oil for eczema treatment.
Fennel
Fennel oil has the aroma of Licorice and contains anethole, which has strong anti inflammatory properties.
Bergamot
This essential oil has a mood lifting effect but is also effective in reducing the symptoms of eczema.
Rose Germanium
Rose Germanium oil has a soothing effect on the skin. A very small amount of this oil applied on inflamed skin reduces inflammation by about 70%.
Anti inflammatory essential oils to heal eczema
Besides the essential oils mentioned above, there are other effective oils too like chamomile, tea tree oil, turmeric, black pepper and lavender oils that have an amazing beneficial impact upon the skin reducing eczema related swelling and inflammation.
Some of these are listed as follows
Calendula oil
The oil extracted from Calendula flower is loaded with anti inflammatory and anti oxidant ingredients that relieve pain and inflammation restoring skin equilibrium. It makes the skin soft and glowing too.
Chamomile oil
This is the best for curing skin disorders. It has got anti inflammatory properties and guards your skin from bacterial and fungal infection.
Carrot seed oil
It works as a splendid skin moisturizer eliminating toxins from the eczema affected skin. It is anti inflammatory in nature as well.
Rosehip essential oil
Packed with linolenic acid, a type of Omega 3 fatty acid, Rosehip essential oil fights against the abnormal activities of the immune cells that cause inflammation.
Sea Buckthorn oil
This contains essential fats that keep the eczema affected skin moisturized. It also has a soothing effect on your skin and mitigates skin inflammation and pain caused by rashes.
Helichrysums oil
It is best used for curing eczema caused by allergic reactions. This oil reduces itching and irritation of the skin as it contains anti allergenic properties.
