Essential oils for eczema are all the rage today. But which essential oils for eczema are right for me? Will it even actually help me? How do I even use it?
Well, look no further because all your questions will be answered below!
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are extracts from the plant themselves made from various parts including flowers, bark, leaves, and/or fruit. During the extraction process, the fragrance compound is concentrated and captured.
The three ways you can use essential oils for eczema are aromatherapy, topical, or ingestion.
Aromatherapy is the popular way of using it. A few drops are added to a diffuser filled with water which then lets out the fragrance via steam. This method can bring relief to headaches and help lift your mood during times of anxiety and depression.
You’ll see diffuser and essential oil bundles all over social media. But be careful of buying any essential oils off the internet. You want to make sure you do your research and find a trustworthy brand whose been in the game for a long time.
When applied topically, it must be diluted with a carrier oil (coconut, castor, jojoba, etc) before applying it to your skin. The essential oil in its original state is usually too strong to be applied directly to the skin. Essential oils are also being added to creams and balms.
The last way to use essential oils is to add them to your tea or on your tongue, but again, it should always be diluted. Some are even poisonous when ingested. So as a rule of thumb, until you are comfortable with the world of essential oils, do not ingest them.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is one of my favorite ones! I usually try to find products that incorporate Tea Tree into them. I have shampoos and balms that both use Tea Tree as one of their main ingredients.
Tea Tree is produced by distilling oil from the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree that is native to Australia. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties which makes it excellent for eczema and topical steroid withdrawal symptoms.
Tea Tree oil can be very irritating when applied directly to your skin. So make sure to dilute it with coconut oil, jojoba oil, or castor oil.
Note: Tea Tree oil should not be ingested.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another popular essential oil that is used in aromatherapy and in balms and lotions. It is actually quite well known to help with dryness and flakiness which are both common symptoms of eczema.
Lavender has been used for centuries by the Egyptians and Romans. They’ve used it for baths, relaxation, cooking, and even as a perfume.
So the next time you are looking for a new eczema balm or cream, keep an eye out for lavender as a potential ingredient.
You can even add a few drops to a salt bath or diffuse to help you relax.
3. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is extracted from the resin of a tree called Boswellia that is found in regions of East Africa, China, and the Middle East.
It is commonly used to treat bruises and sores. However, it can also help soothe irritated skin when properly diluted in a carrier oil.
Frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine practices because it may promote healthy cellular function.
The Egyptians used it in their perfumes and salves to help soothe irritated skin.
This also needs to be diluted with a carrier oil.
4. Calendula Oil
If you’ve been following my journey, you know that I’m a fan of anything Calendula! It is also known as Calendula officinalis, which is a marigold plant.
It has been historically used to treat wounds and skin conditions such as eczema.
The active ingredients in the calendula flower have been associated with an increase in collagen synthesis.
This increase then helps and enhances new tissue growth which is needed for wound healing and also decreases inflammation.
5. Neroli Oil
This essential oil is retrieved by steam distilling the flower from the Bitter Orange Tree, or Citrus Aurantium. It is most popular in aromatherapy for reducing stress and enhancing mood.
It is also used in skin conditions like eczema because the oil is known to eliminate free radicals and bad microbes in our bloodstream. These benefits then end up reducing inflammation and triggers.
Because the fragrance of itself is known to reduce stress and anxiety, this is also a benefit to eczema.
Remember to always dilute it with a carrier oil and do a patch test before applying it to affected areas.
How Do I Use Essentials Oils for Eczema?
Well, the easiest way to use it is through aromatherapy. You can buy a diffuser and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Let the fragrance help ease your anxiety and stress during your flare-ups, intense itch sessions, or when trying to go to sleep.
The next best way is topically but I highly recommend buying these as creams or balms first.
Before you start making your own skincare products, first buy a product and do a patch test.
If you are good with your hands, you can definitely make your own using shea butter, coconut oil, and one of the essential oils above.
Always make sure to dilute it and add a few drops first. There are some great instructions on YouTube on how to make your own, so definitely check it out.
Is there something else I can do other than essential oils for eczema?
Do not rush out and buy all these essential oils for eczema. Buy one and diffuse it or use it as a balm or cream.
These essential oils on their own will not cure or heal your eczema.
It is a great addition to have on your healing journey though.
The fragrance itself helps me to relax when I’m feeling down. When used as a cream or balm, I’ve seen some improvements.
But along with essential oils for eczema, you need to address your eczema through your diet and lifestyle.
Because if you are still stressed out and have poor eating habits, essential oils will be a waste of money.
This is why it’s important to work with a healthcare professional like your Doctor, Naturopathic Doctor, or Certified Nutritional Practitioner.
They will guide you on your healing path.