Naturally Heal Skin Irritations Like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Hives

In Chinese medicine, skin rashes are a type of pathogenic heat, which often combines with dampness (like fluid retention, but just under the skin) or dryness.  Whether it’s eczema, psoriasis, *shingles, **rosacea, or allergic dermatitis, we need to clear the pathogenic heat and then either drain dampness or moisten the dryness.  

Our skin reflects what’s happening on the inside. 

A diet that doesn’t agree with our constitution may result in a skin outbreak.  The best nutrition for healthy skin is a little bit different for every-body, but there are some things that stay fairly consistent across the board:

Food-based Vitamin E 

The best food sources for vitamin E are pure oils like wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds and their oil, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and even broccoli, spinach, mango and tomato have some vitamin E.  Of course, if you have an allergy to any of these nuts, seeds, or their oil, eating them will probably not help your skin! 

– Foods like sugars, processed grains, food chemicals (non-foods made in a laboratory), food dyes, processed dairy, food hormones (found in non-organic meats and dairy products), and hydrogenated oils (vegetable oils heated at high degrees like in fried foods) build up heat and toxicity in your body and your skin will not like that.  

Skin Loves Water

Drink pure water throughout the day to allow your body to detox naturally.  Things that dehydrate your body – and skin – include caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), medications and other drugs, and alcohol.  

The Role of Calcium

Skin breakouts need calcium to fully heal, especially in a *herpes or shingles breakout.  Take Calcium Lactate with an Omega-3 Fish Oil (for better absorption) every 4 hours as needed until the breakout clears.  

Food Allergies 

The likelihood in cases of allergic dermatitis, eczema, or hives being caused by food allergies is quite high.  The most common offenders are wheat, eggs, milk, and pork.  If those seem to be aggravating the condition, it’s recommended to avoid them for the time being.  Some allergies can be addressed with NAET, but sometime food allergies require a lifetime of avoidance, unfortunately.  

Liver and Colon Health 

Eczema may be more related to the Intestines, and Psoriasis to the Liver and Gall Bladder.  There are many herbs that help us do that including:  Zymex (a probiotic for balancing the yeast population in the gut); burdock; dandelion; turmeric; milk thistle; globe artichoke; and golden seal.  

The Best Diet for Skin

A diet rich in antioxidants (read:  fresh fruits and vegetables) is necessary for clear skin.  Herbal antioxidants also include hawthorn, schisandra, ginkgo, cat’s claw, turmeric, thyme, rosemary, olive leaf, bilberry and mik thistle.

Immune Factors

Some rashes are due to fungus.  Anti-fungal herbs are very potent and should be prescribed by a natural healthcare practitioner so they’re taken in the correct way and don’t make things worse. 

Some herbs you can use topically in a fairly safe manner for fungal infections, like tea tree oil.  Oregano oil is good, but it causes a burning sensation, so dilute it in coconut oil before using. 

Internally, zinc, garlic, and probiotics will help your immune system ramp up its defenses against fungus.  Peppermint and green tea are good to take on a regular basis to help eliminate fungal waste products from your body.    

**Rosacea

The redness and blisters associated with rosacea indicates a need for the part of the natural Vitamin C complex (NOT ascorbic acid) called Vitamin P. 

Vitamin P strengthens the capillaries and oxygenates the skin.  Some good sources of Vitamin P and C are buckwheat and carrots.  These are found in Standard Process’ Cataplex A-C-P and Cyruta Plus.  

Topical Solutions

Topical solutions for skin irritation are soothing for the immediate symptoms.  One of my favorites is Emily's Skin Soothers, made by an acupuncturist.  

Many people swear by Coconut Oil too, which is inexpensive and all-natural.  

Manuka honey is a specific type of honey that can be used internally and externally for healing.  

Aloe vera of course, is very soothing for any skin irritation as well.