When you live with eczema (the most common form is atopic dermatitis), managing symptoms like itchy skin, dryness, and weeping becomes a top priority. Although there is no cure for eczema, many people with eczema find ways to control their symptoms and prevent flare-ups using strategies tailored to their needs and triggers.

Some people manage their eczema easily with topical moisturizers and medications. Others may look into alternative therapies outside of Western medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes herbal remedies, has been used to manage eczema for over 4,000 years. TCM focuses on keeping a balance among the body’s organs and systems rather than only focusing on specific body parts or symptoms. Its treatments, including Chinese herbal medicine, aim to promote self-healing. TCM for eczema often combines:

• Topical creams and lotions
• Baths and soaks
• Teas
• Oral capsules
• Acupuncture

Ayurveda, another type of alternative medicine, originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Like TCM, Ayurveda uses herbs and oils to treat various medical conditions. Taking a holistic approach, Ayurveda targets imbalances in the immune system and skin that contribute to eczema symptoms.

Both TCM and Ayurveda use herbs to relieve symptoms of eczema. However, many people also use herbs or botanicals for medicinal purposes outside of these practices. If you’re considering adding herbal medicine to your eczema treatment plan, talk to your doctor first.

Which Herbs Help Clear Eczema?

Several herbs are commonly used in TCM and Ayurveda for eczema because they help restore balance between the skin, the immune system, and the environment.

Chamomile

Chamomile, or Matricaria flower, is the most commonly used medicinal plant, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat eczema and other skin conditions such as bacterial infections, diaper rash, and chickenpox.

Topical chamomile may help reduce irritation and discomfort from eczema. Its effects can be compared to steroids like hydrocortisone. One study found that topical chamomile cream was about 60 percent as effective as 0.25 percent hydrocortisone cream for reducing eczema inflammation.

Like many herbal remedies, more research is needed to confirm if topical chamomile is an effective treatment for eczema. However, its anti-inflammatory properties are promising for people with eczema who want a natural alternative to hydrocortisone. One MyEczemaTeam member noted, “You might want to try chamomile during this hot weather. It really helped me with inflammation, redness, and itchiness. I usually use it after sweating at the gym.”

Calendula

The anti-inflammatory properties of calendula or marigold, which grows in Mediterranean countries, make it a great herbal medicine for eczema. When applied topically or used as a compress, calendula extract reduces inflammation in skin cells.

Highly concentrated calendula has effects similar to indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory medication. You might prefer it as a natural alternative. After trying calendula for eczema on her hands, one MyEczemaTeam member said, “I’m going with the herbal method. Calendula flower oil is helping my hands.”

Licorice Root

You may be familiar with licorice candy, but did you know that its plant source has therapeutic properties? Licorice root grows in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, and it has a long history of medicinal use.

When applied topically, licorice root may help reduce some eczema symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. One MyEczemaTeam member reported positive results from applying licorice root, saying, “I’ve felt much better since I decided to try licorice extract. It calms itchy skin.”

Turmeric

Turmeric is a key herb in both TCM and Ayurvedic medicine. When applied topically or taken by mouth, turmeric may offer several health benefits that help fight eczema symptoms.

While more research is needed to confirm turmeric’s effectiveness as an eczema treatment, it has some promising health effects for those with eczema. The active component in turmeric, curcumin, helps correct the imbalance in T cells caused by atopic dermatitis. T cells are white blood cells that are a key part of the immune system. During an eczema flare-up, T cells can cause inflammation and irritation in the skin.

As with other herbs for eczema, more research is needed to confirm whether turmeric is beneficial. However, turmeric is both safe for short-term use and affordable as a potential natural remedy for eczema symptoms.

Comfrey Root

Comfrey roots and leaves contain allantoin, which helps restore skin cells. Comfrey root also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in creams and ointments.

In the U.S., comfrey is only available in topical products because some components in the herbal medicine can cause liver damage. To avoid harmful side effects from topical comfrey ointments and salves, you should apply them for only four to six weeks per year.

Despite the potential risks of using comfrey root for eczema, some members of MyEczemaTeam report positive results from using comfrey along other natural remedies. One member shared, “I made a salve with an oil infused with comfrey, plantain, and yarrow (mostly comfrey), melted together with beeswax. It helps a lot with itching and dry skin.”

When To Consider Herbs for Eczema

Eczema can be tricky to treat because it affects everyone differently. Some people find relief with moisturizers and medications, but severe cases of eczema may not respond well to standard treatments.

If you’ve tried multiple treatments for eczema with little or no relief and are curious about herbal medicine, talk to your health care provider or dermatologist. They can inform you about possible interactions between herbal and conventional medications. They can also help you recognize any side effects of herbal medicines for eczema.

How To Use Herbs for Eczema Safely

Consulting your doctor is the most important step to take before using any herbal medicines to treat eczema. While using herbs for eczema, you should also:

• Report any side effects or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
• Use no more than the dosage recommended (by your provider or the supplement label).
• Educate yourself about specific herbs and herbal products.
• Use herbs in addition to, and not instead of, prescribed medications.

Finding a reliable source for herbs for eczema is crucial for safety, quality, and effectiveness. It’s best to buy from reputable herbalists, certified organic suppliers, or companies with strong quality-control practices.

The National Eczema Society recommends patch testing any new topical herbal product on your skin before using it on an eczema flare-up. It’s best to test on skin without eczema symptoms. Patch test the product for three to five days in a row, as allergic reactions can take time to appear.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 53,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Have you used herbs to ease eczema symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.