Eczema as a disease is more than just dry, itchy skin. It’s a frustrating cycle of redness, inflammation, and sleepless nights that can appear anywhere on the body, affecting both children and adults.
While doctors often prescribe topical steroids and immunosuppressants, these can be a temporary fix with potential side effects. The idea of a lifelong dependency on these treatments, without addressing the root cause, leaves many feeling stuck and searching for a safer, more natural path to relief. The constant itching, the visible patches, and the fear of flare-ups can make you feel helpless.
The good news is that nature provides powerful alternatives. This guide cuts through the confusion to bring you a dual-action approach to natural eczema treatment, combining proven herbs that heal from the inside with effective creams that soothe and repair your skin barrier—giving you a clear, natural strategy to manage your eczema and reclaim your comfort.
Natural Herbs for Eczema
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Calendula is an anti-inflammatory herb that can treat a variety of skin conditions.
- The extract from the petals of calendula flowers inhibits the enzymes, COX and 5-LOX, responsible for inflammation in eczema.
- Calendula is available as an ointment and cream, and when applied to the skin, it offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and nourishing effects.
- When used in combination with other herbs, it allows the skin to heal faster.
2. Burdock (Arctium lappa)
- This particular herb has been used in herbal medicine to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
- Burdock is used in North America, and the Cherokee and the Malecite tribe traditionally used it to relieve dry, scaly skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
- It has a high concentration of mucilage and inulin. Mucilage in the presence of water forms a gel-like layer soothing skin.
- Besides, inulin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture and hydrating the upper layer of the skin.
3. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
- This herb contains a compound called silymarin, which has strong antioxidant properties.
- As per its name, milk thistle contains a white milky sap.
- This sap acts as a demulcent to form a gel-like layer that traps moisture and soothes the skin.
4. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- The root and flowers of the dandelion have diverse medicinal uses.
- Some clinical studies report that drinking dandelion juice can stimulate the liver and help clean up dyshidrotic eczema.
- Even the sap, called dandelion milk on external application, can heal eczema.
- This dandelion milk also helps in treating skin infections caused by microbes and fungi.
- Dandelion root contains inulin, which acts by drawing moisture up to the skin.
- Other than the root, the flowers of this herb also help in soothing the skin as they contain a compound called lecithin, which is a moisturizing nutrient and also used in numerous skincare products.
5. Oats (Avena sativa)
- Oats are cereals that are consumed as either oatmeal or rolled oats.
- It contains avenanthramides, an active ingredient with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
- Research showed potential health benefits in relieving itching and irritation.
- Research indicates a significant reduction in redness, dryness, scaliness, itching, and erythema after the topical application of oat extracts.
6. Samambaia (Polypodium leucotomos)
- This modest fern, native to the Amazon forest, is famous for skin and nervous conditions.
- This fern is considered to be the finest herbal medicine for psoriasis and eczema.
- The rhizome of the plant has therapeutic benefits.
- When consumed orally, it protects and improves the skin’s resistance to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.
- This herb works by disabling the inflammatory process in the skin.
- Besides treating skin conditions, this herb is also used in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
7. Chickweed (Stellaria media)
- This small white flower, native to Europe, is recommended by herbalists for skin diseases.
- The chickweed extract, when used internally, acts as a demulcent and also helps to treat rashes and sores.
- Chickweed exhibits effective anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties due to compounds like flavonoids, polysaccharides, and cyclic peptides.
8. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Neem oil is prepared from the seed of the neem tree.
- Neem oil is used to treat eczema and other skin diseases like ringworm and scabies.
- Sometimes, it may cause an adverse reaction when applied to sensitive skin or a skin disorder like eczema.
- Hence, for those using it for the first time, they should try a small diluted amount on a small area of the skin and look for redness or itching.
9. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Nettle has anti-inflammatory, anti-bactericidal, and astringent properties and has been used to treat eczema for many years.
- The herb has a characteristic property of ‘sting’ which reduces the inflammation that is responsible for the painful and itchy symptoms.
- Studies suggest that nettle works by reducing the levels of inflammatory chemicals and also interferes with the body’s pain signals.
10. Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
- The herb is useful to treat wounds, eczema, and other skin conditions.
- It contains a chemical, berberine, which acts against bacteria and fungi.
- This herb is beneficial to treat inflammations and irritations caused by eczema.
- It also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties that help in healing all wounds by soothing the skin.
- Before experimenting with any of the above herbs, one should consult with a doctor.
- Also, perform a patch test on the skin for the first time before application on the skin.
Creams for eczema
Even though the herbs are safe for use on the skin, some people can be allergic or sensitive to them. So, below we list natural creams that help with eczema.
This is an ayurvedic cream useful to treat most skin conditions, including eczema. It suits weeping (oozing), infected, or inflamed eczema.
Very good for reducing inflammation, dry, and scaly types.
It helps the skin heal from within and is suitable for severely dry and cracked types.
Eczema Honey Cream
For eczema with dry and irritable skin
