Eczema is a skin condition that can be extremely frustrating to deal with. Not only does it cause physical discomfort, but it can also take a toll on your mental health. If you are looking for a natural way to treat eczema, look no further than essential oils!
In this article, we will discuss the 10 best essential oils for treating eczema. We will also provide some tips on how to use these oils safely and effectively.
How To Use Essential & Medicinal Oils?
There are a few different ways that you can use essential oils to treat eczema. You can either:
- Dilute the oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Add the oil to your bathwater.
- Diffuse the oil in your home.
When using essential oils, it is important to remember to:
- Start with a small amount of oil and increase as needed.
- Do a patch test before applying the oil to a large area.
- Avoid getting the oil in your eyes or mouth.
Now that you know how to use essential oils, let’s take a look at the best ones for treating eczema.
The Best Essential Oils For Eczema
There are many different essential oils that can be used to treat eczema. Here are the top ten:
#1 – Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin.
To use coconut oil for eczema, simply apply it to the affected area as needed. You can also add it to your bathwater or diffuse it in your home.
Coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil to dilute other essential oils that cannot be applied directly to your eczema-affected skin.
You should opt for cold pressed or virgin coconut oil that are free of harmful chemicals to prevent further irritation on your skin.
#2 – Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that can help to heal wounds and clear up infection.
To use tea tree oil for eczema, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. You can also add it to your bathwater or diffuser.
Undiluted tea tree oil has active ingredients that may irritate your eczema affected skin if used topically.
Hence, dilute it in an appropriate carrier oil such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil and use it according to the directions provided with the product.
#3 – Neem Oil
Neem oil is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can help to soothe eczema flare-ups.
To use neem oil for eczema, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. You can also add it to your bathwater or diffuser.
As with tea tree oil, neem oil is also potent and can cause skin irritation. Hence, always dilute it before using it topically on your eczema affected skin.
#4 – Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-three fatty acids, which can help to reduce eczema inflammation.
You can either take flaxseed oil internally or apply it topically on your skin.
If you are applying it topically, mix a few drops of flaxseed oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil and apply it on the affected area.
You can also add flaxseed oil to your diet by adding a tablespoon to your smoothies or salad dressings.
#5 – Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe eczema flare-ups and prevent infection.
Dilute a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply it on the affected area.
You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater.
Or, make a compress by soaking a clean cloth in water mixed with lavender oil and placing it on the affected area.
Do this several times a day until you find relief.
You can also diffuse lavender oil in your home or office to help relax your mind and body and prevent eczema flare-ups.
#6 – Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe eczema flare-ups and prevent infection.
It also contains a compound called eucalyptol, which has been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis.
Dilute a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
Or, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bathwater. Do this once or twice a day until you find relief.
You can also diffuse eucalyptus oil in your home or office to keep your skin moisturized and prevent eczema flare-ups.
#7 – Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which can help to heal dry, cracked skin.
It also contains fatty acids that can help to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.
Apply almond oil to the affected area a few times a day. You can also add a few drops of almond oil to your bathwater.
Do this once or twice a day until you find relief. Almond oil is safe for all skin types. However, if you are allergic to nuts, avoid using them.
#8 – Castor Oil
Castor oil is another oil that is rich in fatty acids.
It can help to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.
Apply castor oil to the affected area a few times a day. You can also add a few drops of castor oil to your bathwater.
Do this once or twice a day until you find relief. For best results, leave it overnight or dilute it with another lighter oil for better absorption.
#9 – Calendula Oil
Calendula oil is extracted from the calendula flower.
The oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
It can help to soothe dry, cracked skin.
Apply calendula oil to the affected area a few times a day. You can also add a few drops of calendula oil to your bathwater.
Do this once or twice a day until you find relief. If you are pregnant or when breastfeeding, avoid using calendula oil or products containing it.
#10 – Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is derived from the jojoba plant.
The oil is similar to the sebum that is produced by our skin.
It can help to moisturize and protect the skin.
Apply jojoba oil to the affected area a few times a day. You can also add a few drops of jojoba oil to your bathwater.
Do this once or twice a day until you find relief. While it is safe to use this oil topically on your skin, avoid ingestion.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know suffers from eczema, the information in this article can provide some relief. The next time you have a flare-up, try using one of these 10 essential oils or plant oils.
Not only are they natural and effective treatments for eczema, but they also smell great! Do you have any experience treating eczema with essential oils? Share your story in the comments below.
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