The past few years have caused a rise in people looking for more natural ways to find remedies for common ailments. No longer do people quickly turn to prescription or over-the-counter medications. Essential oils have become more and more popular over the years as people have rediscovered the numerous benefits of oils, including essential oils for eczema healing. Each essential oil has different benefits, and many times the combination of different essential oils can provide a significant relief from certain ailments.
Eczema is a common skin inflammation that affects millions of people each year. It is often caused by allergens, chemical irritants, food allergies, or other personal sensitivities. It is usually marked by dry, flaky, and itchy skin patches in different areas of the body. Oftentimes eczema shows up behind a person’s knee, in the crook of their arm, or other areas where heat is easily generated. It is extremely bothersome and many times over-the-counter or prescription products only temporarily relieve symptoms.
Essential Oils for Eczema
Many people have moved to essential oils to help with the relief of eczema. There are several essential oils that can be used to help get rid of the burning, itching, and dry skin experienced with this skin condition including Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Lavender, Chamomile, Thyme, and Rose Geranium. Below is a description of each oil and how it can help relieve eczema symptoms:
Rosemary
Rosemary has a woody, fragrant scent. It is frequently used for eczema because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to decrease the swelling of the skin when it is irritated, along with locking in moisture to help keep your skin hydrated.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has many benefits and is a widely used essential oil. It helps to decrease pain and inflammation which are a few of the markers of eczema. It has a fresh and earthy smell, and it is often used to help clear sinuses and help with allergies.
Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrusy essential oil that is derived from a specific species of orange in Italy. It helps to significantly reduce inflammation on the skin when used properly.
Lavender
Lavender is another very commonly used essential oil. Its rich scent is familiar to most, and it gives a very calming aroma to those who are using it. It is often used for times of restlessness or for relaxation. In terms of eczema, lavender can be used to help with pain and inflammation.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a soothing essential oil that gives a calming effect when used. Its rich fruity and sweet flavor gives it a pleasant scent. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be more effective as a topical agent than topical steroids or NSAIDs.
Thyme
Thyme can help to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and infection due to it containing carvacrol, an organic compound that helps defend against these issues. Its warm and spicy scent gives off an intense smell that is easily recognizable.
Rose Geranium
Rose Geranium is used to help soothe the skin. It significantly reduces inflammation and swelling with applied topically. It smells more of a geranium than a rose, gives off a more tart scent than you would find with rose.
DIY Eczema Cream with Essential Oils
With these oils combined you can create your own “essential oils for eczema” cream at home. This cream can be used for spot treatment specific to eczema or for all over care for dry, itchy, flaky skin.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic, unrefined shea butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon raw, organic honey
- 15 drops of Lavender
- 5 drops each of:
Directions
In a double boiler, melt shea butter and coconut until well mixed. Add honey. Continue to stir until mixed well. Allow to slightly cool and add essential oils. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip together all ingredients until it becomes a frothy, lotion consistency. Store in a container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Essential oils are used every day to alleviate common health and wellness concerns. From headaches to itchy skin, essential oils can help a person feel better more naturally. There are thousands of different combinations of essential oils that can be used for different ailments. However, they should only be used as directed, never ingested, and often diluted. Also, consult your doctor before the use of essential oils and test a small area of skin before using exclusively to ensure no reactions occur.
Want more ways to use essential oils? Check out 10 Uses for Lemon Essential Oil here on Daily Mom!
