Skin complaints can be very painful, and many people seek alternative remedies such as trying a Chinese herb for eczema or other skin diseases. Chinese herbs are fast becoming a popular alternative remedy.
About Chinese Herbs
Chinese medicine has a long tradition, with some practices going back thousands of years. There is a growing awareness about the use of Chinese Herbs for eczema treatment. This treatment is said to show real benefits and many people prefer the thought of natural treatments rather than treatments full of chemicals. Before considering alternative treatments, it is important to visit a qualified practitioner.
How are Chinese Herbs Used?
Chinese herbs are used to restore the balance within the body. Chinese medicine defines five elements within the body and these are sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and salty. A qualified Chinese herbal practitioner will prescribe herbs that will restore the inner harmony of the sufferer. The herbs may be taken as pills, tinctures, creams, compresses or even teas.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin complaint that is experienced by many people. Eczema manifests itself as dry and itchy skin. It is known also by the name dermatitis. Dermatitis is used to describe the inflammation of the skin. Eczema is not contagious, however it is believed to be hereditary.
Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema. This is a type of eczema that is exacerbated by external factors. People who suffer from this form of eczema may see it worsened or bought on by exposure to things like cat or dog hair, pollen, wool and feathers. They may also see the condition worsen when consuming food such as milk and other dairy products.
Eczema is extremely common in children and the numbers of young children suffering from the disease is rising. It is so common in children that according to SkinCarePhysicians.com between 10 percent and 20 percent of children globally will be affected at some time during childhood.
Children normally experience patches of eczema and these can commonly be found behind the knees and elbows, though they may occur elsewhere on the body.
Treatment
Eczema cannot be cured, therefore treatment seeks to relieve the pain and discomfort rather than stop the disease from appearing. Many people who go to the doctor with eczema will be prescribed creams and lotions that will combat some of the unpleasant symptoms such as itching.
Treatments fall into three categories. The most common are emollients which are moisturizers. These include soap substitutes (soap can be harsh on sensitive skins), bath oils and general moisturizers. Creams containing steroids called topical corticosteroids are often prescribed for flare-ups.
Some eczema rashes become infected and therefore antimicrobial treatment and antihistamine tablets may be prescribed. These also help with sleep disturbance caused by itching.
Where the eczema is more severe and therefore more difficult to treat, there may be a need for oral corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs such as ciclosporin and azathioprine. Other treatments include light treatment, or light treatment plus medication.
Alternative Treatments Including Chinese Herb for Eczema
Given the range of chemical treatments available, many people seek out alternative remedies and these include Chinese herbs. There is more than one Chinese herb for eczema. The list includes:
- Chinese gentian - Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Gentianae
- Chinese wormwood
- Peony root
- Rehmannia
More Information
As the interest in this alternative treatment practice is growing in popularity, many websites offer extensive information about Chinese herbs and how they can help in the treatment of different types of eczema. This is useful for anyone wanting to find out more about Chinese herbs, read about other people's experiences or read more about how they can help particular skin complaints. Websites that offer more information about Chinese herbs for eczema include:
Professional Advice about Chinese Herbs and Medicines
When considering any form of alternative medicine it is important to take professional advice. This is as relevant to Chinese medicine as it is for any other alternative medicine. As Chinese herbs and medicines are largely unknown to westerners, it is important to take the advice of a practitioner with a good reputation to avoid disappointment.
There are some organizations that are set up to help promote and monitor the use of Chinese medicines and these can provide useful information about Chinese medicine and its use today.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine TCMWorld.org
- Chinese Medicine Institute and Register CMIR.org.uk
- American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Online.
Eczema is an unpleasant and irritating disease and it is understandable that sufferers and the families of sufferers will seek out the best way to treat the symptoms. Finding out more about alternative treatments including Chinese herbs for eczema may provide another option.
