I often get questions about eczema. Here are some thoughts on the topic:
This condition is so varied in the way it manifests, as well as in the underlying causes, that one can almost not call it a single condition.
Stress
Stress is involved in almost all cases of eczema. It is therefore very important to try and lower stress levels. For this, oils such as chamomile, bergamot, lavender, melissa and neroli would be helpful, and could be used in massage or added to a bath daily.
Children: When children have eczema, they may often be reacting to the parents’ tensions, and it is often helpful to treat one or both parents as well as the child.
Allergy: Some forms of eczema are allergic in origin and because there is a relationship between stress and allergy, it is again important to do everything possible to lower the levels of stress, while also determining what allergens seem to aggravate the skin.
Toxins: Sometimes eczema can be seen as an effort by the body to get rid of accumulated toxins through the skin. This often happens where the diet has been poor or contained a lot of additives.
We sometimes go through times when we neglect fresh food and water or are in emotionally toxic or stressful times. A short fast, (one day) or cleansing diet (just add lots of watery fruit and lessen heavy foods) can be undertaken. When you do this, the eczema may get temporarily worse as the body begins to eliminate more waste.
In alternative medicine this is called a “healing crisis”. Try and get through this period by resting and eating healthily and drinking enough water.
Detox oil for chronic diseases: Juniper berry essential oil is perhaps the most important oil to use when you are trying to detoxify and suffer form a chronic condition. It is good to know that it is emotionally cleansing too.
Applying oils to the skin:
For direct treatment of the skin, chamomile essential oil is very helpful. For some people (though not the majority) melissa is a better choice. Melissa is very concentrated and should be used in a 0.5% or 1% dilution. In these tiny amounts it can have a very good effect on even stubborn eczema.
For eczema one could mix the oil in a cool aqueous base, since many people with eczema find that the carrier oils are too heavy, and even worsen the condition.
Battaglia recommends the following:
• A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.(Brussel sprouts, walnuts, salmon, tuna, avocado, eggs, spinach, salad greens, )
• Include high quality cold-pressed sunflower, safflower, or linseed in the diet.
• Avoid dairy, sugar, refined foods, fats, fried and processed foods.
(I always grin at trendy diets: no matter how you package the news - they eventually all come back to lots of vegetables and fish.)
Terminology: detox.
This can be such a confusing topic. I find that in general, the body does a lot of detoxing on its own if you stop overloading it.
I prefer longer periods of ‘detox’ in stead of a terrible three days of drinking only this or that and eating almost nothing.
Gently change to less coffee, tea, red meat, dairy, and sugar over a period of say a month.
Simultaneously introduce more vegetables, fruit, rooibos tea and water.
Eventually a permanent lifestyle and eating style change is the idea - not punishing yourself for a few days on a unsustainable rigid programme....
Some people have also started ‘detoxing’ themselves and their children from screen time since many things that we (and our children) watch, are not conducive to relaxation and mental health.
Source:
Davis, P.
Aromatherapy A-Z
The C W Daniel Company, Essex, England, 1988
P115-116
Source:
Battaglia, S.
The complete guide to aromatherapy, 2nd edition.
The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2003
p 468.
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