Gray hair and wrinkles can be a testimony of wisdom. But in a stressful world we often get caught up in equating our worth with productivity that could weigh on us post-retirement. Everyone, at every stage of life is a gift to the world. That said, aging does bring preventable and costly health challenges that we need to face squarely, from heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, dry skin, falling hair, cognitive decline, stroke and cancer. There is also the possibility of depletion, loneliness and ageism. So, how can we look after ourselves better to ensure we are physically and mentally stronger as we age? Ayurveda is a holistic mind-body science which supports people through a comprehensive approach to live a healthier life right into their sunset years. It emphasizes that aging ( Jara ) is a natural process just like the seasons. It does acknowledge natural degenerative changes but recommends prevention, building resilience and an anti-aging regimen through its br
Eczema
is a term used for several types of skin conditions known as
dermatitis. It is not itself a serious health condition, but can cause
psychological stress and self-consciousness. Eczema is also an
indication that the body is out of balance. According to modern
medicine, there is no cure for eczema, however Ayurvedic treatment is a
holistic approach that can manage eczema and sometimes cure it over
time. Below are some guidelines and common recommendations for Ayurvedic
treatment of eczema.
The Root of Eczema
Eczema
more common in Pitta types, and almost all eczema has a Pitta
component. Excess Pitta can overheat the blood and predispose the body
and skin to toxic conditions. Eczema is caused by poor digestion, toxins
in the bowel, incorrect diet, overuse of sour, salty, pungent, heavy,
or oily foods. It can be worsened by the overuse of cosmetics, perfumes,
and synthetic creams. Most skin issues arise at least in part from a
Pitta imbalance. However, eczema can be rooted in an imbalance in any of
the three doshas.
Eczema and the Three Doshas
An
imbalance in any of the three doshas can trigger eczema. Eczema is
usually related, at least in part, to a Pitta imbalance. It is not
uncommon for someone to experience elements of each type of eczema, as
would be the case when all three doshas are out of balance.
Pitta eczema
– Characterized by redness, blisters, bleeding, burning sensations,
infection. Those who are Pitta-dominant are prone to seborrheic and
contact dermatitis due to excess heat, especially in the armpits and on
the scalp. Skin is hot and inflamed and is aggravated by heat and
heating foods, exposure to the sun, and the application of most oils.
Kapha eczema
– Characterized by itching, oozing, thickening of the skin. Those who
are Kapha-dominant are prone to seborrheic eczema, especially between
rolls of fat and other moist, sweaty areas. Skin problems are often
accompanied by mucous congestion, lethargy, and a sluggish metabolism.
Skin tends to be cold, clammy, sticky, swollen, and itchy.
Vata eczema
– Characterized by dryness, scaling, exfoliation, itching, pain, and
throbbing. Skin tends to be rough, dry, hard, itchy, scaly (maybe
associated constipation, distension, anxiety, insomnia).
Eczema is a
constitutional disease, caused by a deep-seated bodily imbalance.
Medication with topical treatments can help to relieve symptoms, but
topical medications do not effectively treat the underlying cause.
Ayurveda attempts to cure eczema from its roots by bringing the body
into balance. Therefore, the treatment for eczema depends on the type of
eczema being experienced and relies on bringing the excess dosha into
balance.
Pitta-Type Eczema
Pitta-type
eczema is characterized by redness and burning sensations and is
aggravated by heat and heating foods. It is commonly found on the scalp
and in the armpits. Pitta imbalance plays a role in almost all types of
eczema, and it is useful to follow Pitta-balancing protocols for all
manifestations of eczema, even if the eczema presents primarily as
Vata-type or Kapha-type. Diet is the best place to start healing the
body through Ayurveda to treat eczema.
Pitta-Balancing Diet
Avoid
foods that aggravate Pitta, such as spicy food, or fermented foods like
alcohol, pickles, vinegar, tomatoes, and yeast. It is also important to
avoid nuts, bell peppers, eggplant, seafood, and sour foods. Refrain
from mixing incompatible foods such as milk and melon, milk or yogurt
with sour foods, or fruit with other foods.
Favor
green leafy vegetables, sweet fruits, and squash, or bitter foods such
as dandelion greens. Dark grapes, sweet pineapple, sweet apples,
mangoes, and figs are excellent choices that will help to balance Pitta
and cool the body. Diet is the best place to start to calm and heal
eczema with Ayurveda.
Topical Treatments for Pitta-Type Eczema
Pitta-type
eczema is aggravated by most oils. Cooling liquids and some cooling
oils are best and can be applied directly to irritated skin:
- Rose Water
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Gotu Kola Oil
- Sandalwood Powder (combined with water to form a paste)
Kapha-Type Eczema
Kapha-Balancing Diet
To
heal Kapha eczema with Ayurveda, avoid foods that aggravate Kapha.
These include sweet, heavy fruits like bananas, mangoes, dates, and
avocados, as well as nuts, seeds, dairy, meat, and excessive amounts of
salt. As with the other two doshas, refrain from mixing incompatible
foods such as milk and melon, milk or yogurt with sour foods, or fruit
with other foods.
Favor
all types of vegetables, aside from root vegetables, and consume plenty
of legumes (except for kidney, soy, black, or mung beans, and lentils).
Because eczema usually has a Pitta component, avoid Pitta-aggravating
foods as well, especially spicy, sour, or fermented foods. Nuts should
also be avoided, along with yeast and seafood.
Topical Treatments for Kapha-Type Eczema
- Triphala decoction – mix 1/2 tsp of triphala powder with 2 oz warm water and apply to affected area
- Neem Oil – Apply directly to the affected area
- Aloe Juice with Turmeric – Add a dash of turmeric to Aloe juice and apply to the affected area
Vata Type Eczema
Vata
type eczema is characterized by dryness, scaling, itching, pain, and
throbbing. This type of eczema is common in those who are Vata-dominant,
but is usually triggered by a Pitta imbalance. It is therefore
important to practice both Vata- and Pitta-balancing principles.
Vata-Balancing Diet
To
heal Vata eczema with Ayurveda, avoid foods that aggravate Vata, such
as raw vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, dried fruits, cranberries, corn,
and rye. Refrain from mixing incompatible foods such as milk and melon,
milk or yogurt with sour foods, or fruit with other foods.
Favor
fats and oils, which help nourish the skin and soothe digestion. Choose
cooked vegetables, especially asparagus, beets and carrots. Include
sweet fruits such as bananas, mangoes, cherries, and papaya. Flavor your
meals with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, or cumin.
Because
eczema usually has a Pitta component, avoid Pitta-aggravating foods as
well, especially spicy, sour, or fermented foods. Nuts should also be
avoided, along with yeast and seafood.
Vata
skin conditions can also be aggravated by dehydration. In addition to
following a Vata-balancing diet, it is also important to drink plenty of
water, eat soups and water-filled vegetables, and avoid alcohol,
coffee, salt, and other dehydrating foods.
Topical Treatments for Vata-Type Eczema
Medicated Ghee – Add one of the following herbs to ghee and apply to affected area:
- Triphala
- Manjista
- Neem
- Cardamom
- Vacha Root
Recommended Herbs
Diet
and lifestyle balance and stress management are the most important
components of using Ayurveda for eczema treatment. Herbal remedies can
be a great accompaniment to the lifestyle elements of healing. Below are
some commonly recommended herbs for treating eczema with Ayurveda:
Neem
Neem
is one of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers in
Ayurveda and clears toxins associated with most inflammatory skin
diseases. It is one of the most powerful herbs for reducing Pitta. Neem
clears away foreign and excess tissue and can be used as a medicated oil
as a healing and disinfecting agent for skin diseases.
Manjista
Manjista
is one of the best blood-purifying herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It can
be taken internally or used topically as a paste with honey for skin
inflammations.
Burdock Root
Burdock
is a strong cleanser of the blood and lymphatic system. It dispels
toxins from the skin to help heal inflammatory skin disease.
Gotu Kola
Said
to be one of the most important rejuvenative herbs in Ayurvedic
medicine, Gotu Kola is the main revitalizing herb for the nerves and the
brain cells. It is a powerful blood purifier and is specific for
chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
Guggul
Similar
to myrrh, guggul has strong purifying and rejuvenative powers. It helps
to heal the skin. It is usually used for chronic conditions, but can be
used topically for flare-ups. Guggul can aggravate Pitta when used in
excess, so use in limited quantities for treatment of Pitta-dominant
conditions such as eczema.
Sandalwood (Powder|Essential Oil)
Sandalwood
cools and calms the entire body and mind and is excellent for the
treatment of acute dermatitis. It is good for almost any inflammatory
condition and for cleansing the blood. Diffuse sandalwood essential oil
in the home to calm the body and mind. A paste made with
sandalwood powder can be used externally.
Preventive Methods
For
those who are prone to eczema, there are some methods that can be used
in concert with dietary and other ayurvedic strategies, to prevent its
occurrence.
- Avoid the use of soap, especially on affected regions. Some mild soaps can be used if necessary – Neem Oil soap is a good option if you must use soap.
- Do not use hot water for bathing – tepid or warm water is best.
- Massage dry skin with medicated ghee to prevent an eczema eruption – infuse ghee with Triphala, Manjista, Cardamom, or Neem
- Avoid blankets and sweaters made of wool, which can aggravate eczema. Choose soft fabrics instead, such as organic cotton.
Other Eczema Treatments
There
are other strategies for treating and soothing eczema. These can be
used alone or in conjunction with Ayurveda for eczema relief.
Probiotic Skin Care for Eczema
Air
pollutants, chlorinated water, toxic skin products, and harsh cleansers
can can damage the delicate balance of bacteria on the skin. Sometimes,
even a balanced body can continue experience mild eczema if the skin
microbiome is not restored to a healthy state. Probiotic skin products
are an excellent tool to help balance and restore skin bacteria.
Using
it after showering and before getting dressed gives the skin microbiome
a boost and over time can help bring skin microbiome into long-term
balance. If you live in a city or another area with a lot of air
pollution, it is good to use the mist regularly in order to maintain a
good bacterial balance on the skin and continue to prevent eczema
eruptions. This is best used in conjunction with ayurvedic treatment for
eczema, so that both the skin and the body as a whole can remain
balanced.
Avoid Most Skin Products
Most
conventional skin products are toxic and damaging to the skin.
Synthetic chemicals irritate sensitive skin and seep into the
bloodstream to cause imbalance and toxicity within the body. There are
safe ways to moisturize the skin, such as using coconut or jojoba oil.
If
you would prefer to purchase safe skin products instead of making your
own, there are some safe and effective options available ; Get Eczema products from iHerb
(*It
is always best to work with an Ayurvedic practitioner to work on a
treatment plan for any medical condition. The above are some common
recommendations for effective eczema treatment.)
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