Native American Eczema Remedies

Native American remedies treat more than just the eczema.

Native American eczema remedies have been used for centuries. These remedies are plant-based and continue to be used by those seeking alternative treatments for eczema. Witch hazel bark, burdock root and calendula flowers are all useful for treating eczema. These medicinal plants are available in drugs stores in various forms.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is rich in tannins and astringents, two substances that make it ideal for treating skin problems. It's a deciduous tree that grows to roughly 15 feet in height and has gray-brown bark. The bark and lop-sided, shallow-toothed leaves are ground down into a poultice or cream and applied topically to any affected areas. The tannins found in witch hazel create a protective shield over the inflamed skin and promote healing. In modern times, tinctures (a liquid solution of alcohol and witch hazel) are readily available at drug stores. Apply the liquid directly to the skin using a cotton ball or spray bottle.

Burdock Root

Only the root of a burdock plant is necessary for treating eczema. It's a biennial plant from the daisy family with a long, tapered root. Come winter, all the plant's nutrients are stored in the root, so the dormant months are the best time to harvest it. Burdock root is a diuretic and helps improve people's skin on two levels. The root improves digestion and food absorption that not only aids overall health, but also helps skin appear healthier. Along with treating the body has a whole, burdock root speeds healing in skin tissue. The effects of burdock root aren't automatic. Ingest the root as a tea three times a day and you'll see improvements after a few months have passed.

Calendula Flowers

The calendula flower blooms once every month and is among the longest used medicinal plants in the world. It's a member of the daisy family and can be taken either as a topical cream or as a tincture. The flower is commonly referred to as "marigold," but not all garden-variety marigolds can be used to treat eczema. Tagetes erecta, the brightly colored marigold found in most garden centers, has no medicinal properties. Calendula officinalis is the flower that's been used the world over to treat skin problems. Unlike some remedies that treat only the cause or symptoms of eczema, calendula can treat both.

References

• Health 911: Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
• Planet Botanic: Calendula
• Planet Botanic: Burdock
• Witch Hazel