A Cream for Eczema and Other Skin Ailments

Eczema has become a common skin condition, and mostly due to chemicals in our environment, food and cleaning products.  One of the chief culprits is fabric softener, which can be replaced with the same amount of white vinegar.  Vinegar softens your clothes, is kinder to your skin, your washing machine and the environment, plus it is far cheaper.

Intolerance to certain foods, of which gluten seems to be a primary culprit, is another factor to consider. Cut out gluten for one month and see if it makes a difference.

This cream is made with comfrey for fast healing of the skin, chickweed to stop itching and calendula to heal the inflammation.

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A Cream for Eczema and Skin Ailments

Eczema is usually treated with cortisone creams, which have several long-term effects, such as thinning skin. This cream is a perfect alternative and uses three powerful herbs. Calendula promotes healing and stops inflammation, chickweed calms the itching and comfrey closes the wound by increasing cell growth. Honey is used as a preservative and has moisturizing, healing and ant-inflammatory properties, as well as being perfect for sensitive skin

I like to use aqueous for eczema because it absorbs rather than creating a barrier.

This recipe uses fresh herbs. If you use dried, cut down the quantity to 1/2 cup of each.

Note: Although aqueous cream is not a natural product, it is easily available, affordable and simple to use. I would rather you use aqueous cream with herbs, than not use a natural product because oils and beeswax are so expensive.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time30 minutes mins

Materials

• 1 cup Calendula petals
• 1 cup Comfrey leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Chickweed leaves
• 2 cups Aqueous cream, good quality
• 4 Tbsp Honey

Instructions

• Place leaves and aqueous cream in a double boiler and cover with a lid
• When the water is boiling turn down to a simmer
• As the aqueous cream melts, stir so the leaves are covered.
• Once all of the cream is melted, cover with a lid and ‘cook’ for 30 minutes.
• Strain while still hot. First through a fine sieve and then through muslin cloth
• Add the honey and stir well
• Pour into clean glass jars and label with name and date
• Apply frequently to affected areas. Keep the skin uncovered if possible

Notes

Double Boiler

If you do not have a double boiler, simply place a glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot.

The bowl should overlap the sides of the pot to prevent condensation.