Eczema

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It is a long-term (chronic) condition in most people, although it can improve over time, especially in children.

FOODS TO EAT MORE OF

Fruits: apples, blueberries, cherries, pears
Vegetables: beets, cabbage (red), carrots, kale, spinach, turnips
Legumes/Beans, brown rice, wheat germ & oats
Fish (especially salmon, sardines, trout)
yogurt, miso
Flaxseed oil, saffron

FOODS TO AVOID OR MINIMIZE

Can be related to food intolerance - try an ELIMINATION DIET. (Most common food sensitivities for those with eczema are dairy, soy, gluten, coffee, nuts, fish & shellfish).
Avocado, grapes, oranges, kiwis, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, soy sauce & dried fruits
Processed meats , eggs and other dairy products, and excessive sugar

ESSENTIAL OILS

For Dry Eczema: Roman chamomile, geranium, hyssop, rosemary (on location, bottom of feet).
For Wet Eczema: Roman chamomile, hyssop, myrrh, lavender, juniper (on location, bottom of feet).

HERBAL

Internally (teas or added to food/beverages): black walnut (in small doses), Burdock, chamomile, dandelion, lemon balm, licorice, red clover, skullcap, stinging nettle, wood betony, yellow dock
Externally/On location (creams/lotions/etc): Borage, chamomile, calendula, chickweed, jewelweed, licorice, evening primrose oil, gotu kola, lavender, marigold, chickweed, stinging nettle
Sarsaparilla, Red Clover, Cleavers and Wild Oat have also shown to be beneficial.
Varicose eczema (related to poor circulation and more common in the elderly): Ginkgo, ginger, galangal and cinnamon

NATURAL

Flaxseed Oil: 1 Tablespoon (14 grams) daily (can be mixed with food; take in the morning).
Witch Hazel: Apply cream to affected areas 3-4 times daily.
Add cooked oatmeal to skin cleansers (or add uncooked to bath water).
Add 2 cups baking soda to bath water at a moderate temperature (not too hot). Soak for 10 minutes, pat skin dry gently and immediately apply a moisturizer.

SUPPLEMENTS

Evening Primrose Oil: 1,000 mg 3 times daily (can substitute 1,000 mg borage oil daily)
Fish Oil: 10 grams daily
Grape Seed Extract: 100 mg twice daily (should contain 92-95% proanthocyanidins)
Vitamin A: 25,000 IU daily for up to 10 days to treat flare-ups; reduce dose to 10,000 IU for maintenance therapy. (pregnant women should not exceed 5,000 IU/day)
Vitamin E: 400 IU daily (check with your doctor if taking anticoagulant drugs)
Zinc/ Copper: 30 mg zinc (add 2mg copper if using zinc longer than 1 month)

MIND-BODY CONNECTION

Represents how safe you feel in your life (aka in your skin).
May indicate a need to separate yourself from your family (either biological or social) and developing your own self-esteem/independence. It may help to identify negative thoughts that you've inherited from this "family" and replace them with positive alternatives.

FOOD MEDICINE
Not all recipes are nutritionally perfect, but the options below are a great way to start incorporating beneficial foods into your diet in delicious ways. Always try to buy organic, and feel free to make substitutions to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, etc diets.

Abbreviation Definitions:
LC = Low Calorie (under 400 for breakfast, 600 for lunch/dinner, and 200 for beverages/sides/snacks)
GF = Gluten Free
KT = Keto / Low Carb
VG = Vegan
VT = Vegetarian