Healing for Eczema

Healing for Eczema

Eczema is a general term for a set of chronic skin conditions caused by inflammation. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema, and has been called the “itch that rashes.” The word “atopic” means an allergy that is usually hereditary, and “dermatitis” is defined as inflammation of the skin.

The first line of attack in overcoming eczema is healing the gut. Since a majority of those suffering from eczema experience leaky gut syndrome, it is important to take care of the digestive tract. When the intestinal wall becomes overly permeable with this syndrome, toxins pass into the blood stream which triggers an inflammatory response. Allergies and food reactions follow — along with eczema. This whole cycle taxes the immune system.

One of the best ways to mend the gut and reduce permeability is to eat an organic whole-food diet with plenty of vegetables, vegetable juices, and freshly juiced greens. Avoid acidic fruit such as strawberries, tomatoes, oranges, and lemons; they can make your eczema rash worse.

Natural Remedies for Healing Eczema

• Choose an anti-inflammatory diet. This includes no dairy, gluten, soy, corn, alcohol, or sweets. Avoid all processed foods, unsprouted grains, and artificial sweeteners.
• Fermented foods are an excellent choice. Bone broth, with its high collagen content, also assists in healing the gut. Just make sure to source organic grass-fed ingredients.
• Reduce stress; practice stress reduction techniques.
• Take gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This fatty acid is found in evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil. It is very hard to come by in the diet so you should supplement it. GLA appears to have nourishing effects on skin, hair, and nails. Take 500 mg twice a day and expect to wait six to eight weeks to see results. Flax, borage, hemp, and pumpkin seed oils supply essential fatty acids that are vital to balancing inflammatory response.
• Chia seeds are an outstanding source of omega-3 fats.
• The amino acid L-glutamine is exceptional for strengthening the intestinal lining and boosting immune function. It also reduces allergies and improves nutrient absorption.
• Cat’s claw cleanses the entire digestive tract of dangerous pathogens, thereby reducing reactions that exacerbate eczema.
• Persimmon leaf extract is another medicinal herb that demonstrates extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties that clarify the skin and minimize discomfort.
• Use aloe vera gel, calendula lotion or cream, and chaparral lotion on the irritated skin.

Skin Healing Cocktail

• 1 cucumber, peeled if not organic
• 1 parsnip, peeled
• 2-3 carrots, scrubbed well, tops removed, ends trimmed
• 1/2 green apple
• 1/4 green bell pepper

Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube.  Juice ingredients and stir.  Pour into a glass and drink as soon as possible.

Serves 1-2

Adapted from The Juice Lady’s Guide to Juicing for Health