Eczema is a skin condition characterized by itching, dry, and sensitive skin. The skin becomes inflamed and irritated, causing reddish or dark brown rashes. There is no definite cause for eczema—it could be linked to the body’s overactive response to an irritant. It is also common in people with a family history of allergies or asthma.
More people are looking for alternative treatments for eczema and considering natural remedies in the form of herbal oils. Both environmental and genetic factors could be a potential cause of the disease. However, the symptoms can be addressed through the healing properties of medicinal herbs. Studies show that medicinal plant extracts can potentially reduce skin inflammation.
Here are 9 essential oils that can help relieve symptoms associated with eczema.
1. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme or Thymus vulgaris is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory properties. Its external usage has been known to cure skin diseases. It constitutes carvacrol, a chemical compound that inhibits the enzyme that causes pain and inflammation.
How To Use:
Rub 2 drops of thyme oil with equal parts of carrier oil to dilute it. Remember to test for sensitivity—apply the diluted solution on the inner forearm of your skin to check for any reactions.
2. Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil contains 80-95% of Eugenol, which can actually be effective against bacteria and fungi that also play a role in the occurrence of eczema symptoms like itching and rashes.
How To Use:
Consult your therapist to know the right quantity before using the oil—always use it with a carrier oil. Clove oil can be harmful in large quantities. Make sure you have done a skin patch test. In case of an allergic reaction, clean the area with a mild soap and water.
3. Rose Essential Oil
Rosa damascena, commonly known as Damask Rose or rose of Castile has certain intriguing medicinal properties. Because of its antimicrobial property, it is used against eczema causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
How To Use:
Always consult your therapist to know the right quantity for safe usage. Check for any allergic reactions using the skin patch testing.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is a natural antimicrobial and antiseptic. A chemical substance called cineole imparts medicinal properties to the oil. It also contains eucalyptol, which provides a relief from inflammation due to rashes.
How To Use:
Mix the oil with a base oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Do not ingest eucalyptus oil directly unless prescribed by your doctor. Do not give your child cough syrups containing eucalyptus oil. It can be toxic.
5. Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel oil is another excellent natural remedy for treating eczema symptoms. A substance called anethole present in it imparts it with the most powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
How To Use:
Add 5 drops of fennel oil in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil. You can also add 10 drops of primrose oil to the mixture.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
Apart from being a natural deodorant, lavender has various other benefits, which include providing relief from eczema symptoms like rashes and itching.
How To Use:
Add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to a base oil (almond or olive oil). Do not ingest the oil. Avoid any contact with the eyes, lips or nostrils.
7. Chamomile Essential Oil
German chamomile is preferred over roman chamomile for its efficacy in curing eczema-related symptoms. It can provide relief from irritation and inflammation. Due to its antiseptic properties, it can reduce the itching and redness, which can otherwise damage the skin.
How To Use:
For relief from eczema, add 5-10 drops of German chamomile oil in a tub full of water.
Note: Pregnant women are advised not to use chamomile oil in any form—it increases the risk of miscarriage.
8. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree is a common herbal oil known for alleviating symptoms related to skin ailments. It has a plethora of medicinal properties to its credit.
How To Use:
Apply it 2 times a day to reduce inflammation. Remember to mix it with a carrier oil before use.
9. Turmeric Essential Oil
A natural antiseptic, turmeric is one of the most common household remedies for treating scratches and wounds. A constituent substance called curcumin that gives turmeric its typical bright yellow color also makes it an anti-inflammatory agent.
How To use:
Always dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil. Concentrated essential oils can do more harm than good. However, it is safe to apply turmeric powder externally on the rashes.
Carrier Oils
It is important to note that concentrated essential oils shouldn’t be used directly—they must be diluted with the base or carrier oil before use. Carrier oils are also natural oils extracted from nuts, seed, and kernels of plants. Some of the commonly used carrier oils, which can be used for all skin types are sunflower oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, and peanut oil.
Precautions
If you are using the essential oil for the first time, test its sensitivity on the skin. Dilute 12 drops of essential oil with an ounce of the carrier oil, and apply it on a patch of skin (inner forearm or back) prior to use. if you feel irritation or any allergic reaction, wash the area with a mild soap and water. If you don’t sense any irritation in the next 48 hours, the essential oil can be used in its diluted form. Do not wash or expose the area of skin being tested to sunlight or sources of UV light.
Using essential oils is an alternative therapy in the treatment of eczema-related symptoms. The skin condition has not been fully understood and there is no cure for it. Some people stick to the conventional treatments, but don’t find the medicines helpful and suffer more from the side-effects rather than the illness.
It is recommended that patients find a therapy expert, who knows the right usage and dosage for treatment with essential oils. According to the National Eczema Association, a warm bath and immediate moisturizing (within three minutes after a shower) are the two most important practices to bring eczema under control.
