By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Eczema
Herbal creams for eczema are topical treatments that combine natural herbs with moisturizing properties to soothe and calm eczema-affected skin.
These creams help to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness associated with eczema. Examples of herbal creams include aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil-based creams.
By using these creams, individuals can experience relief from eczema symptoms, leading to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence in their daily lives.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for eczema, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Calendula officinalis
- 2. Aloe vera
- 3. Matricaria chamomilla
- 4. Echinacea angustifolia
- 5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 6. Althaea officinalis
- 7. Ulmus rubra
- 8. Arctium lappa
- 9. Taraxacum officinale
- 10. Plantago major
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for eczema?
- What ailments similar to eczema are treated with herbal creams?
1. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The plant's active compounds, including triterpenoids and carotenoids, have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema. The cream also promotes wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis and improving skin elasticity.
Additionally, its soothing and calming effects can help alleviate itchiness and discomfort, making it a popular natural remedy for managing eczema symptoms and promoting overall skin health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with eczema.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritation associated with eczema, promoting a more comfortable skin environment.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in Calendula, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce redness, itching, and skin damage caused by eczema.
- Phenolic acids: These phenolic acids exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, helping to control the growth of bacteria and fungi that can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for eczema.
- Flowers: The flowers of Calendula officinalis are commonly used in creams for eczema due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are used in creams because they contain antioxidants and other compounds that help soothe and calm eczema-prone skin.
- Seeds: The seeds of Calendula officinalis are used in creams for their emollient properties, which help to moisturize and protect dry, irritated skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for eczema.
- Infuse 2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the infusion through a cheesecloth into a clean bowl and discard the solids immediately.
- Combine 1/4 cup of beeswax, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Add the infused calendula liquid to the beeswax mixture and heat until fully incorporated and melted.
- Pour the mixture into glass jars and allow to cool and set for at least 2 hours.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as calcium and potassium. These nutrients help to calm and moisturize the skin, reducing redness and itching associated with eczema.
By promoting skin hydration and reducing inflammation, aloe vera creams can provide relief and comfort to individuals suffering from eczema, promoting a healthier and more balanced skin condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with eczema.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin is a anthraquinone compound that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which help reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritation associated with eczema.
- Aloe vera polysaccharides: Aloe vera polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that have been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis, promote wound healing, and reduce inflammation, all of which are beneficial for eczema-prone skin.
- Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins, specifically acemannan, are a type of polysaccharide that have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, which can help reduce the symptoms of eczema, such as redness, itching, and skin thickening.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for eczema.
- Leaves: Aloe vera leaves are widely used due to their high content of aloe-emodin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties helpful in soothing eczema.
- Gel from leaves: The clear gel inside Aloe vera leaves is also commonly used due to its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate eczema symptoms.
- Juice from leaves: The juice extracted from Aloe vera leaves is used to make creams for eczema because of its high content of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help to calm and moisturize the skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for eczema.
- Gather 1 cup of aloe vera gel from mature aloe vera leaves that have been harvested at the right time.
- Combine 1/4 cup of coconut oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax in a heat-resistant mixing bowl.
- Melt the coconut oil and beeswax mixture in a double boiler for 10 minutes at medium heat.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of vitamin e oil and 2 tablespoons of essential oil into the melted mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and solidify at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The active compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to reduce redness and itching associated with eczema. By calming the skin and reducing inflammation, chamomile creams can provide relief from eczema symptoms, promoting healing and skin rejuvenation.
This natural remedy can be a valuable addition to a treatment plan for individuals seeking to manage eczema symptoms and improve overall skin health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with eczema.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and swelling associated with eczema.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid exhibits potent antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
- Α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing the severity of eczema symptoms and promoting wound healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for eczema.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high content of apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to relieve eczema symptoms.
- Leaves: They are used for their mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm and soothe irritated skin.
- Seeds: They are used for their high content of essential oils, particularly chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to reduce eczema symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for eczema.
- Harvest 10-20 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers from a trusted supplier or your garden when they are in full bloom.
- Combine the dried flowers with 100 grams of distilled water in a double boiler and gently heat for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container to separate the solid particles.
- Mix 100 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine the herbal infusion with the beeswax and coconut oil mixture and stir until it thickens into a smooth cream consistency.
4. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with eczema because it's rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
These properties help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing inflammation and redness associated with eczema. The cream also helps to lock in moisture, preventing dryness and itchiness.
Additionally, Echinacea angustifolia's ability to stimulate the immune system may aid in healing and repairing damaged skin, making it an effective natural remedy for eczema sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with eczema.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritations associated with eczema, thereby providing relief from symptoms such as redness and itching.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Echinacea angustifolia exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and modulate the immune response in eczema-prone skin.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides, particularly cichoric acid, have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which may contribute to their potential in treating eczema by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for eczema.
- Roots: The most commonly used part in creams for eczema, as they contain high concentrations of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Leaves: Leaves are also used due to their ability to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for eczema.
- Harvest the roots of echinacea angustifolia in the fall when the plants are dormant for 2-3 hours.
- Dry the harvested roots in a single layer at 35 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 10 minutes.
- Mix 10 grams of the ground root powder with 50 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and whip it into a creamy consistency for 10 minutes.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The active compound, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema. It also has a moisturizing effect, helping to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further irritation.
By reducing inflammation and promoting hydration, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams can provide relief from the dry, itchy, and inflamed skin characteristic of eczema, promoting a smoother and healthier complexion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with eczema.
- Licorice saponins: These triterpenoid saponins have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpene saponin has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, which can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing eczema symptoms.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the skin from damage, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in eczema-prone skin.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for eczema.
- Roots: Used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Leaves: Used for their emollient and moisturizing properties, which help to calm and hydrate the skin.
- Flowers: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and protect the skin from damage.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for eczema.
- Harvest 100g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots that have been stored in a cool dry place for 6 months.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
- Combine 50g of the ground powder with 20g of beeswax and 10g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally to create a smooth consistency.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken before transferring it to a jar for storage.
6. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with eczema because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The root of the plant contains mucilages, which are complex carbohydrates that form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing irritation and inflammation associated with eczema. By providing a moist environment and shielding the skin from further irritation, Althaea officinalis creams can help to calm and comfort eczema-prone skin, promoting a smoother and more even skin tone.
This natural remedy can be a valuable addition to any eczema treatment plan.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with eczema.
- Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of skin lesions associated with eczema.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling, and protect the skin from further irritation and damage.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help regulate the immune response and reduce the symptoms of eczema, including itching and skin lesions.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for eczema.
- Roots: They are rich in mucilage, a thick, protective, and soothing substance that helps to calm and moisturize the skin.
- Leaves: They contain similar mucilage properties as the roots, which helps to soothe and calm irritated skin.
- Stems: They are also a source of mucilage, providing anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits for eczema-prone skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for eczema.
- Infuse 100g of althaea officinalis root in 500ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes to create a decoction.
- Strain the decoction through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.
- Combine 300g of beeswax and 200g of shea butter in a double boiler to melt and mix them.
- Gradually add the althaea officinalis decoction to the melted beeswax and shea butter mixture while stirring constantly.
- Pour the cream mixture into sterile containers and allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature.
7. Ulmus rubra
Ulmus rubra, also known as slippery elm, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The cream's mucilaginous compounds help to calm and protect the skin, reducing redness and itching associated with eczema. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, locking in moisture and preventing further irritation.
Additionally, Ulmus rubra's antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals that can exacerbate eczema symptoms, promoting a healthier and more balanced skin environment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra creams that help with eczema.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce redness and itching associated with eczema.
- Phenolic acids: They exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help protect the skin from damage, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing in eczema-prone skin.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate itching, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health in individuals with eczema.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make creams for eczema.
- Leaves: The leaves of Ulmus rubra are used to make creams for eczema due to their soothing and anti-itch properties.
- Buds: The buds of Ulmus rubra are used to make creams for eczema due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for eczema.
- Harvest ulmus rubra leaves and roots in late summer or early fall when they are at their most potent.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a warm dark place for 2 weeks to prevent spoilage and preserve properties.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of dried plant material with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a double boiler and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then add 1 teaspoon of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of shea butter.
- Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it thickens to a creamy consistency and is ready for application.
8. Arctium lappa
Arctium lappa, also known as burdock, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The root of the Arctium lappa plant contains inulin, saponins, and other compounds that have been shown to soothe and calm irritated skin. By reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin regeneration, Arctium lappa creams can help alleviate the symptoms of eczema, such as redness, itching, and dryness.
Regular use may also help to prevent future flare-ups and promote long-term skin health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arctium lappa creams that help with eczema.
- Inulin: Inulin, a type of polysaccharide, may help soothe and calm eczema symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Arctiopicrin: Arctiopicrin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate eczema symptoms by reducing redness and itching.
- Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides, a type of phenolic compound, may exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help regulate the immune system and reduce eczema symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of burdock used to make creams for eczema.
- Roots: Rich in inulin, a prebiotic that helps soothe and calm irritated skin.
- Leaves: Contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for eczema treatment.
- Seeds: Rich in essential fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic burdock for eczema.
- Harvest 100g of dried arctium lappa roots in late summer or early fall when the tops have turned brown.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
- Combine the ground powder with 100g of coconut oil and 10g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally until the beeswax has melted.
- Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool and solidify completely before use.
9. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with eczema because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and itching associated with eczema. The cream's moisturizing properties also help to hydrate and protect the skin, promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Additionally, Taraxacum officinale has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and promote skin regeneration, making it a potential natural remedy for eczema sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with eczema.
- Taraxasterol: This triterpene has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with eczema.
- Taraxasteryl acetate: This triterpenoid has shown potential in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors in eczema development and progression.
- Kaempferol: This flavonoid has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing eczema symptoms such as itching and redness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for eczema.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe eczema symptoms.
- Roots: They are used because they contain inulin, a prebiotic that helps regulate the gut microbiome, which can contribute to eczema development and severity.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high concentration of sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help calm and protect skin affected by eczema.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for eczema.
- Harvest fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers by hand to prevent damage and contamination.
- Steam distill 100g of taraxacum officinale flowers in 1 liter of distilled water for 30 minutes.
- Combine 10g of the distillate with 90g of cold-pressed jojoba oil and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Stir the mixture continuously for 10 minutes to ensure even melting and blending.
- Allow the cream to cool and thicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour before packaging.
10. Plantago major
Plantago major, also known as plantain, creams helps with eczema because it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, particularly allantoin, which soothes and calms irritated skin.
The cream's anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds also help to reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema. Additionally, plantain's natural emollient properties moisturize and hydrate the skin, promoting a healthy skin barrier and reducing the severity of eczema symptoms.
This makes plantain cream a popular natural remedy for eczema sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major creams that help with eczema.
- Apolipols: These complex polysaccharides have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling associated with eczema.
- Flavonoids: As antioxidants, flavonoids in Plantago major creams can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing itchiness and irritation caused by eczema.
- Saponins: These natural surfactants have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate eczema symptoms by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make creams for eczema.
- Leaves: Plantago major leaves are commonly used in creams for eczema due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Roots: Plantago major roots are often used in creams for eczema due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce skin irritation.
- Seeds: Plantago major seeds are used in creams for eczema due to their rich content of mucilages, which provide a protective barrier and soothe dry, irritated skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for eczema.
- Harvest 1 cup of plantago major leaves and flowers in a clean environment to avoid contamination.
- Dry the harvested plantago major in a warm oven at 150°f for 2 hours to preserve potency.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried plantago major in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes to create a tea.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of beeswax with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a double boiler at 180°f to melt.
- Combine the plantago major tea with the melted beeswax mixture in a ratio of 2:1 to create a smooth cream.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for eczema?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with eczema is Aloe vera and tea tree oil mixed with calendula and chamomile.
Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin, while tea tree oil reduces inflammation and fights off bacterial infections. Calendula promotes healing and reduces itching, and chamomile calms and cools the skin. This blend can be applied directly to affected areas, providing long-lasting relief and promoting a healthy, balanced skin ecosystem.
Regular use can lead to improved skin texture and reduced eczema symptoms.
What ailments similar to eczema are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to eczema/creams.html">eczema/creams.html">eczema that are treated with herbal creams are psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and calm skin irritations, reducing redness and itching. They also promote healthy skin regeneration and improve the appearance of skin lesions.
These natural remedies can provide effective relief from chronic skin conditions without harsh chemicals or side effects.