A Cream for Eczema and Other Skin Conditions
Eczema has become a very common skin condition and mostly due to chemicals in our environment, food and cleaning products.
Do you know that one of the chief culprits is fabric softener? Replace it with the same amount of white vinegar.
Vinegar softens your clothes, is kinder to your skin, your washing machine and the environment, plus it is far cheaper.
And, don't worry, you won't smell like slap chips either!
Intolerance to certain foods, of which gluten seems to be a primary culprit, is another factor to consider. Cut out gluten for one month and see if it makes a difference.
This cream is made with three powerhouse herbs - comfrey for fast healing of the skin, chickweed to stop itching and calendula to heal the inflammation.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) has traditionally been known as 'Knit-bone' because of its ability to regenerate cells so quickly.
Chickweed (Stelleria media) is a common weed that soothes skin and stops itching.
Eczema causes extreme itching which, when scratched, makes the condition worse. When the patient stops scratching, it gives the rash a time to heal.
Chickweed is also rich in minerals and vitamins and makes a great addition to a salad or a smoothie.
Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most important and efficient skin herbs.
Use it for any type of skin ailment as a wash, cream, ointment or salve.
But, this herb is great for treating kidney infections, cystitis and fungal infections as well.
Definitely a herb to grow in any medicinal garden and it flowers in Winter so will add a splash of colour too
Eczema is usually treated with cortisone creams, which have several long-term effects, such as thinning skin.
This cream is a perfect alternative and soothes as well as heals.
Honey is used as a preservative and has moisturizing, healing and ant-inflammatory properties, as well as being perfect for sensitive skin
I like to use aqueous for eczema because it absorbs rather than creating a barrier.
This recipe uses fresh herbs. If you use dried, cut down the quantity to 1/2 cup of each.
Note: Although aqueous cream is not a natural product, it is easily available, affordable and simple to use. I would rather you use aqueous cream with herbs, than not use a herbal product because oils and beeswax are so expensive.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Comfrey leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Calendula flowers
- 1 cup Chickweed leaves
- 2 cups Aqueous cream, good quality
- 4 Tbsp Honey
- Place leaves and aqueous cream in a double boiler and cover with a lid
- When the water is boiling turn down to a simmer
- As the aqueous cream melts, stir so the leaves are covered.
- Once all of the cream is melted, cover with a lid and ‘cook’ for 30 minutes.
- Strain while still hot. First through a fine sieve and then through muslin cloth
- Add the honey and stir well
- Pour into clean glass jars and label with name and date
- Apply frequently to affected areas. Keep the skin uncovered if possible
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