Eczema

Why it works: Traditional use for skin/“lymph” complaints. Cleavers has long been used by herbalists for inflammatory skin conditions and as a mild diuretic/“lymphatic” tonic. Modern summaries d...

Instructions: Tea/infusion (internal): Steep ~2–3 teaspoons (≈10–15 g) of the dried aerial parts in 250 mL hot water for 10–15 min; up to 3 cups/day. PeaceHealth. • Tincture (internal): ½–1 tsp...

Warnings: Skin irritation/allergy possible. The plant’s fine, hooked hairs and extracts can trigger irritant o...

Studies: No randomized trials for cleavers in eczema were identified...

Why it works: Immune modulation & antimicrobial defense. Vitamin D up-regulates antimicrobial peptides (especially cathelicidin/LL-37), which are often low in atopic skin and are important for c...

Instructions: Position in care. Major dermatology/allergy guidelines focus on moisturizers, topical anti-inflammatories, targeted biologics/JAK inhibitors, etc.; vitamin D is not a first-line th...

Warnings: Do not exceed the UL without medical supervision. Too much vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, hyperc...

Studies: Systematic reviews & meta-analyses2024 systematic review...

Why it works: Demulcent/mucilage effect: Marshmallow root is rich in polysaccharide mucilage that forms a soothing film over irritated tissues; this is thought to reduce itch and irritation and...

Instructions: Topical cream/ointment (studied regimens):. • Children (mild–moderate AD): Althaea officinalis 1% ointment on affected areas. • • Twice daily for 1 week, then three times per week...

Warnings: Overall tolerability: Topical preparations were well tolerated in the two trials (no significant adv...

Studies: Adults/adolescents: Randomized, double-blind controlled phas...

Why it works: Gut–skin & skin microbiome effects. People with eczema often show gut dysbiosis and Staph aureus overgrowth on skin; certain probiotic strains may shift immune signaling (↑T-regs;...

Instructions: Oral probiotics (adjunct):. • Pick studied strains. Adult trials most often used Lactobacillus species (e.g., L. salivarius LS01, L. plantarum IS-10506) sometimes with a Bifidobact...

Warnings: Although probiotics are often marketed as “safe,” serious infections are rare but real, especially i...

Studies: Cochrane systematic review (2018, updated page 2025): “Use o...

Why it works: Soothing + anti-inflammatory: Aloe contains compounds (e.g., salicylates; a carboxypeptidase that inactivates bradykinin) with anti-inflammatory activity, which plausibly reduces i...

Instructions: Patch test first: Apply a pea-sized amount to the inner arm for 24–48 hours; don’t proceed if you develop itch, redness, or hives. Medical News Today. Choose the right product: Use...

Warnings: Allergic reactions can occur: Aloe can cause allergic contact dermatitis or urticaria in some people...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind clinical trial (n=36, 6 weeks): A c...

Why it works: Occlusive + emollient barrier support. Coconut oil helps seal in water and soften the stratum corneum, which can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and itch—key problems in at...

Instructions: Use virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil—those extraction methods avoid residual solvents and preserve beneficial lipids. National Eczema Association. Patch test first. Apply a pea-siz...

Warnings: Allergy & contact reactions. Although uncommon, coconut allergy and contact urticaria/dermatitis can...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind pediatric RCT – VCO vs mineral oil...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & soothing constituents. Chamomile contains apigenin (a flavonoid) and essential-oil components such as α-bisabolol and chamazulene. In lab and animal work these...

Instructions: If you want to try chamomile as a soothing adjunct (not a replacement for doctor-recommended therapy), these are the posology ranges regulators endorse for skin uses. These come fr...

Warnings: Allergy risk (important): Chamomile is in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy). Hyp...

Studies: Small, older randomized trials of chamomile cream:A partiall...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, antioxidant & barrier-repair actions. Colloidal oatmeal contains avenanthramides and other phenolic compounds with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic...

Instructions: Choose product: Use a store-bought packet of colloidal oatmeal or make your own by grinding plain oats to a very fine powder that turns water milky. National Eczema Association. Wa...

Warnings: Allergy risk: Avoid if you (or your child) have a known oat allergy; rare cases of contact urticaria...

Studies: Mechanism & general efficacy (topical colloidal oatmeal)...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory action. The main actives (glycyrrhizin → glycyrrhetinic acid; plus flavonoids like licochalcone A) reduce inflammatory signaling and can potentiate your skin’s ow...

Instructions: The best-studied approach is topical, not oral.. Licorice gel during flares (short course):. • Formulation: 1–2% licorice extract gel.. • How often: 3 times daily.. • Duration: up...

Warnings: Topical use is generally well-tolerated, but oral licorice (teas, capsules, candies with real licori...

Studies: Topical licorice gel RCT (n=90 analyzable; 2% vs 1% vs place...

Why it works: Traditional (TCM) rationale. Xiao Feng San is a classic 13-herb formula used when eczema presents with itch, oozing/weeping, erythema, and heat signs—patterns often described as wi...

Instructions: Form & adult dose (granules/capsules). Commercial granule extracts commonly suggest ~4.5 g of granules mixed with hot water, 2–3×/day, or equivalent capsules (e.g., four caps 2–3×/...

Warnings: General: Use under professional supervision, especially if you have liver/kidney disease, are on imm...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Taiwan)....

Why it works: Pattern match in TCM: The classic indication is Blood deficiency with wind-dryness, presenting with chronic itching (often worse at night), dry/flaky skin, sometimes with lichenifi...

Instructions: Classical composition (common granule/decoction build):. Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Chuan Xiong, Sheng Di Huang, He Shou Wu (prepared), Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Bai Ji Li (processed), Huang Q...

Warnings: Because Dang Gui Yin Zi is a combination formula, safety reflects the whole and key constituents:. A...

Studies: Evidence summaries of TCM for AD (include DGYZ among commonl...

Why it works: Pattern-based rationale (TCM): Jīng Fáng Bài Dú Sǎn is a classic “release the exterior / dispel wind & damp” formula built around Jing Jie (Schizonepeta) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikov...

Instructions: Classical decoction method: JFBD San is typically decocted in water and taken twice daily. tcmwiki.com. Typical ingredient set (illustrative): Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Qiang Huo, Du Hu...

Warnings: Pattern mismatch risk: Sources explicitly contraindicate JFBD San in heat/damp-heat patterns because...

Studies: Mechanistic/animal data (herb pair): Ethyl-acetate extracts...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & anti-itch: Oats contain polyphenols called avenanthramides that inhibit NF-κB–mediated inflammatory signaling and reduce pruritogenic mediators; this translates...

Instructions: Everyday moisturizing. • Choose a fragrance-free moisturizer containing colloidal oatmeal (many use ~1%). Apply right after a lukewarm bath/shower (“soak and smear”) while skin is...

Warnings: Oat allergy / sensitization: Though uncommon, oat allergy exists; topical exposure can trigger conta...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind pediatric RCT (2017): 1% colloidal...