Our skin is our body’s largest organ. Skin protects us from the elements and shelters all the complicated systems of the body.
It is an organ of elimination, helping to bring toxins to the surface and release them. Our skin is a sensitive organ, and like the rest of our body seeks balance to be healthy.
Skin disorders like eczema are a sign of imbalance, though the causes of this condition are elusive. There is hope for those who suffer from this terribly uncomfortable and often unsightly condition.
A holistic approach using essential oils can help to temper, soothe and even stop eczema.
Why Essential Oils Good For Eczema
Essential oils are effective in healing eczema due to their power and their minute molecular makeup. The tiny molecules of these pure plant essences easily penetrate our skin to apply their medicine. All the oils listed here act on various levels.
They provide aromatherapy-easing tension and stress that trigger eczema. They also reduce inflammation on a cellular level. When combined with emollient carrier or base oils, they are powerful medicine for skin disorders.
While this list is not exhaustive, the oils discussed here are effective allies for eczema sufferers.
The first five listed are the most commonly employed-the powerhouse anti-eczema essential oils. The remaining oils will combat eczema well and are excellent additions to skin care blends.
The Best Essential Oils For Eczema
1. Geranium (Pelaronium graveolens)
Geranium essential oil is astringent. It has a toning effect on the skin. It is known to impart radiance when used in skin care preparations.
It is very active on eczema caused from environmental triggers. Geranium heals inflammation caused by skin exposure to the elements.
For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every 1 tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
2. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomila)
This gorgeous oil gets its blue hue from its “azulene” content. Azulene is anti-inflammatory for skin.
German Chamomile is also a nervine and sedative-providing gentle stress relief when used in aromatherapy. Both the Chamomiles covered here are gentle enough to use on children, and by pregnant ladies.
Indeed, a folk name for Chamomile is “The Children’s Herb.” For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
3. Roman Chamomile (Athemis noblis)
This noble, golden essential oil is especially valued in France. It has been used in aromatherapeutic preparations to reduce stress and tension.
It is powerfully anti-inflammatory when used topically in skin care preparations. For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
4. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
You should never be without lavender essential oil. Its active healing properties are too numerous to list! It heals and soothes eczema by being anti-inflammatory.
It is also active in healing burns, wounds, infections, sores, acne and boils. Lavender is an all-around skin savior.
It is an excellent nervine-providing soothing aromatherapeutic stress reduction. For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
5. Myrrh (Cammiphora myrrha)
Along with Frankincense, this ancient plant compound was among the gifts given by the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus in the Old Testament.
Myrrh is effective at stopping secondary skin infections that may result from eczema. Not only is Myrrh nourishing to the skin, it is antibacterial and can treat infection.
It will help protect and heal wounds of open or suppurating skin from eczema. All the while, it will smell divine.
For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
6. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Both are active in treating eczema in topical blends. Frankincense is also a soothing nervine used in aromatherapy.
7. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Like lavender essential oil, tea tree essential oil is a panacea of healing. It is very active in reducing skin inflammation and to shrink and soothe breakouts of acne and rash.
It is also anti-fungal and anti-microbial and can stop secondary infections caused by eczema outbreaks. For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
8. Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlanica)
Cedarwood essential oil will help balance the skin’s sebum production. Sebum is an emollient substance secreted from our sweat glands.
An imbalance of sebum can be one trigger for eczema. This oil is also astringent and toning for the skin.
Cedarwood should be avoided by pregnant women as it may have abortifacient properties. For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
9. Peppermint (Mentha piperata)
This powerful essential oil should be used sparingly to reduce and cool inflamed skin. For topical application, use only 2-4 drops of this oil for every 4 ounces base or carrier oil.
Test out your skin’s reaction to this oil and increase or decrease the amount based on your experience.
10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow essential oil is very active for skin disorders. It is anti-inflammatory, astringent and tonifying. It is also emollient and helps smooth skin on the face.
Its delightful aroma is helpful in easing stress. For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
11. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Cypress has a delightful scent and blends well with other oils. It is tonifying and astringent.
Cypress also helps slow excessive sweating and counter the effects of sweat that may trigger eczema.
For topical application, use around 5 drops oil for every tablespoon (tbs) base or carrier oil.
12. Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)
Patchouli essential oil has a deep earthy scent that is lovely when used sparingly. It is very active on skin conditions as an anti-inflammatory.
Patchouli will help treat dry, cracked skin. It is anti-septic and can help heal secondary infections caused by eczema.
For topical application, use 1 drop from every tablespoon (tbs) of base or carrier oil.
Essential Oil Recipes & Blends for Eczema
The following 5 blends will gently and effectively treat Eczema. You will need a small (1-2oz) airtight container (preferably glass) with a lid
Carrier oils/bases will be suggested with each blend, but you can choose other bases if you prefer.
You can also double or triple the amounts here and have a larger amount to store and use as needed.
The first 4 blends are recommended for topical application.
The last blend is for aromatherapeutic use and can be applied through inhalation (read more about inhalation method)
Mix all the oils together drop by drop and store in an air tight container.
Gentle Eczema Blend For Sore And Itchy Skin.
- 1tbs Evening Primrose (Carrier Oil)
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Blue Chamomile
- 1 drop Yarrow
Apply to eczema on your face, ears, scalp and chest, or any other tender spots. Do not apply this base directly to eyelids or around the eyes.
Use three times daily to deliver essential oil medicine to the skin and via the skin to the blood stream.
Essential Oil Blend For Sweat Induced Eczema / In Creases
- 2 tbs Evening Primrose (Carrier Oil)
- 3 drops Roman or German Chamomile
- 3 drops Lavender
- 3 drops Geranium
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 3 drops Cypress
This astringent formula will help tone skin.
The formula will help combat eczema that is exacerbated by sweat in the moist creases of our bodies
Apply to eczema flare ups and tender spots three times daily.
Eczema Blend For Overly Dry Skin
- ¼ Cup Aloe Vera Gel or 2 tbs Jojoba and/or Coconut (Carrier Oil)
- 2 drops Roman or German Chamomile
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Myrrh
- 2 drops Yarrow
- 1 drop Patchouli
This emollient formula will help seal in moisture to our skin
The essential oils and base/carrier oils will help stop eczema that is caused by dry skin
Apply to eczema flare ups and tender spots three times daily
Essential Oil Blend For Secondary Infections Caused by Eczema
- 2 tbs evening primrose or almond (Carrier oil)
- 2 drops Roman or German Chamomile
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Geranium
- 2 drops Tea Tree
- 3 drops Myrrh
These oils will help protect and heal skin infections caused by eczema
Apply to tender spots three times daily
Essential Oil Blend For Stress Induced Eczema
Use the inhalation method for this blend-or apply it topically if you wish!
- 1 drop Roman or German Chamomile
- 3 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Frankincense
- 1 tbs evening primrose carrier oil (include this only if using topically)
Use this blend in your Essential Oil Diffuser if you have one.
Without a diffuser, you could place 5-10 drops of the blend on a piece of tissue near your bedside while you sleep.
Place 5 drops of the blend in a pot of steaming water, and making sure to close and protect your eyes, place a towel over your head and breathe in the aromatic steam.
Mix 5 drops of this blend with ¼ cup of Colloidal Oats and add to your bath water for a relaxing, healing soak.
This delicious aromatic blend is designed to reduce stress that may cause eczema.
You could double or triple the amounts in this blend, bottle it and have it on hand to use as needed.
To Summarize
- Eczema is an uncomfortable and unsightly form of dermatitis that effects millions of Americans, especially children
- Eczema has various causes including allergic reaction, dry skin and environmental factors
- Essential oils applied topically and using aromatherapy as part of a holistic healing program can be effective at treating eczema
- There are at least a dozen essential oils to treat eczema
- You can create your own essential oil blends, or use any of the suggested blends to treat your eczema
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