Traditional Chinese Medicine for Eczema
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, eczema can be caused by heat, wind and dampness in the body. Eczema caused by heat manifest as redness on the skin and often involved in inflammatory diseases. Eczema caused by wind often result in strong itching and easily spread to various parts of the body. Eczema caused by dampness may produce weeping sores.
TCM practitioners believe that eczema is not just a skin disease but a symptom of another illness. There are many different types of eczema. In TCM theory, skin and lungs are closely connected. They are both responsible for protecting the body from infection. The most common type of eczema is wind heat. It occurs when heat in the lungs combines with external pathogenic wind which invades the body through the skin. Another common type of eczema is heat in the blood.
Chinese Herbs for Eczema
After the type of eczema is identified, TCM practitioners will use an herbal formula based on your condition and constitution. For eczema caused by wind heat or wind dampness, Xiao Feng Wan, an herbal formula is often used. It has been traditionally used for eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash. It contains herbs include Dang Gui, Di Huang, Fang Feng, Chan Tui, Ku Shen and more. For eczema caused by heat in the blood, herbal formula used often contain Shu Di Hung, Dan Pi, Ku Shen, Bai Mao Gen and Huang Lian.
Eczema is common in babies and children. An herb formula for children eczema developed by Institute of Chinese Medicine CUHK can significantly improve eczema symptoms. The formula contains herbs include Jin Yin Hua, Bo He, Cang Zhu, Huang Bai and Dan Pi (1).
Chinese Herbal Bath for Eczema
Bathing 1 to 2 times a day (for 15 minutes) in a decoction made from the following ingredients:
30g Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizone)
30g Huang Bai (Phellodendron)
30g Bo He (Mint)
30g Gou Teng (Uncaria Rhynchophylla)
