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Natural Remedies for Eczema | Natural New Age Mum



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 Eczema seems to be a rapidly growing problem in our society today.

It is the question I get asked most about and I can see the frustration and trauma this skin condition causes for families. Many people are interested in natural remedies and a permanent solution, rather than taking antihistamines, antibiotics or steroids.

I am not an expert in this field by any means, but I have collated some information from my Facebook community. Some of our natural, new age mums have kindly shared what has worked for them. I hope this resource will serve as a go-to guide for you. I have also asked Michelle Vogrinec from Gaia Skin Naturals to share her eczema story as well.

 

“Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition. The skin becomes red, dry, itchy and scaly, and in severe cases, may weep, bleed and crust over, causing the sufferer much discomfort. Sometimes the skin may become infected. The condition can also flare and subside for no apparent reason.” Eczema Association of Australasia

No-one seems to know the exact cause, but it does appear to flare up from stress, allergies and intolerances or you may have an inherited family tendency. Other things may irritate the condition like the weather, animal hair, pollen and grasses and chemicals.

It seems to be a commonly held belief that eczema results from an imbalance somewhere in your body. These are some suggestions other mums have used successfully to correct that imbalance:

♥ Testing. Get tested for allergies or intolerance. Gluten, dairy, soy, eggs and some salicylates and amines seem to be common culprits.

♥ Rebalance. Try natural therapies like naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractor, kinesiology, EFT and homeopathy.

♥ Gut Health. Naturopath, Alisha Lynch recommends fixing your gut health to treat eczema. Click here for her series of gut health information.



probiotoics

♥ Probiotics. Many of you mentioned that probiotics was one of the best remedies and first stops. I like this one from Changing Habits because it is wheat and dairy free.

♥ Clean Eating. Avoid chemicals, additives and processed foods.

♥ Zinc. Increase zinc in the diet in the form of supplements or zinc-rich foods.

♥ Apple Cider Vinegar. Add ACV to the diet as it contains enzymes that aid digestion.



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♥ The Eczema Diet by Karen Fischer. “The Eczema Diet includes all the facts and scientific research, as well as itch-busting treatments that offer immediate relief combined with a tried-and-tested diet – developed by nutritionist Karen Fischer over the past ten years through her work with eczema patients – that really gets results” Get in online from Fishpond here.

 

These remedies shared by natural, new age mums help to manage the symptoms of eczema.

♥ Avoid anything that contain sulphates, perfumes and alcohol.

♥ Keep the area well moisturized.

♥ Don’t have long, hot baths or showers as these are drying.

♥ Oats in the bath are very soothing on the skin.

♥ Coconut oil. Bathing in it and also applying to the skin. Get a good quality coconut oil though.

♥ Apple Cider Vinegar. Diluted and applied with an organic cotton ball or pad.

♥ Aloe Vera Gel. The sap or gel from a fresh plant is best.

♥ Organic shea butter.

♥ Wet wrapping. It’s An Itchy Little World has some great tips on how to do this.

♥ Chamomile. You can use tea bags, steep and then make a warm (not hot) compress and let it sit on the affected area for 10 minutes.

♥ Natural, soothing creams. The brands recommended are Gaia Skin Naturals, Grampians PureMoo Goo, Weleda, McArthur, Nature’s Dew and Queen Bee Secrets.

♥ Swimming in the ocean.

♥ Have a completely chemical and synthetic fragrance free home.



michelle_press

Michelle Vogrinec from Gaia Skin Naturals actually started her hugely successful business because of eczema! Have a read of her experience.

My personal experience with eczema is centered around my oldest child (who is just about to turn 14). He developed eczema when he was just 8 weeks old. The majority of the skin care products made his eczema worse, even the natural ones.

After being told cortisone was my only option by all manner of ‘specialists’,  I started to look into how I could find alternative options.  We lived on an organic product farm at the time and I started making up herbal baths with chamomile and lavender flowers, which helped a little bit.

Working with my naturopath, who is a vega tester, she was able to identify majority of the things that were causing his eczema. They included chemicals in every day skin care products (soap, artificial fragrance, a lot of foaming agents and  preservatives) as well as dust mites and mould.  It took around 8 months to work through products in our home that could be a problem and eliminate them.  In the interim, I studied skin physiology, aromatherapy and what natural ingredients would be of benefit and what ingredients would actually cause flare ups.

I then started making my own skin care and after several potions, some successful and some not, I found some combinations which worked well and I managed to keep his eczema under control.  This lead to the commercial creation ofGAIA Natural Baby!

Eczema can be managed and kept under control.  My tips on managing eczema:

·  Find out what causes or flares the eczema and avoid.

·   If you need help with this, try a vega testing naturopath or an allergist over a dermatologist who seems to just want to put cortisone on the skin rather than help find the cause.

·   Moisturising is key for managing eczema (it helps restore the skin’s barrier which is damaged for people with eczema).  Choose a product high in organic oils that are rich in essential fatty acids, which your skin needs to create adequate barrier functions.

·    Get a good skin care routine in place – bath, moisturise and soothe/protect.

·     Watch your laundry liquids – stick to mild gels (not powders that don’t break down and leave a residue in the clothes) and don’t use fabric softener.

·      Find what works and stick to it!

Michelle is kind enough to send out free samples of her Gaia products so you can try them out yourself. Just email to info@gaiaskinnaturals.com with “NNAM Free Samples” in the subject line and include name and postal address in the email so she can send you out the samples.

These are the Gaia products Michelle recommends for eczema:

Hair & Body Wash and Sleeptime Bath – both pH balanced, soap and sulphate free cleansers with organic oils to prevent dryness.

Baby Moisturiser with organic shea butter, evening primrose and rosehip oils (all skin loving oils) to keep skin hydrated.

Skin Soothing Lotion is a thick cream containing beeswax, zinc, castor oil and organic calendula and chamomile extracts to protect and providing soothing relief.

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Eczema seems to be a very individual condition with no one solution. Keep persevering and trying different things until you hit upon what works for you. I think the main message I keep hearing from mums is that both internal and external remedies are needed, as well as lots of patience!

I hope some of these ideas help you out. Please comment on this post if you have some more thoughts or experiences with eczema – the more ideas the better!! 

 



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How To Treat Eczema Naturally – Veria Living

In my private practice, some of the most difficult conditions to treat are those having to do with skin. Even though they are on the outside of the body, I find skin conditions require an astute clinical acumen to understand what is causing them from the inside.

Eczema is a good example. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a condition in which the skin develops areas of scaly and itchy rashes. It’s been known to develop as a result of an allergic reaction and can become a chronic condition if not treated in a comprehensive manner.

RELATED: How To Detox Your Skin

Eczema can occur on almost any part of the body but is most commonly experienced on the scalp, elbows, face, ankles and hands. It will often come and go, and sometimes accompany other allergic ailments like asthma. In some cases, certain soaps, detergents, metals, dust mites or animal dander can trigger eczema.

How To Treat Eczema Naturally

For some people, it is a food or lack of nutrients allergen that causes the reaction. Sometimes worsened by dry climates, eczema also can be brought on by exposure to water, temperature changes and stress.

Conventional eczema treatment usually consists of steroid or other types of creams that help relieve the subsequent itching and inflammation. In severe cases, an oral steroid might be necessary. However, these ointments and medications can have negative side effects such as skin thinning. Therefore, they are not recommended for long-term use.

MORE: Holistic Skin Treatments With Essential Oils

Newer prescription creams, called calcineurin inhibitors, are also available. They work by moderating the body’s immune response. Although these drugs don’t have the same side effects as steroids, their long-term safety isn’t yet clear.

How To Treat Eczema Naturally - Chamomile

As a natural medicine practitioner, I typically recommend a more comprehensive approach tapered to each individual. Here are some common examples:

  • I find that putting someone on a diet specific to their blood type helps to eliminate potential food sensitivities and triggers. I also encourage whole foods rich in essential fats, vitamin A and silicon.
  • Evening primrose oil at 4 to 6 grams a day for adults and 2 to 4 grams for children helps immensely with the inflammation and itching. (Allow 3 to 4 months for full effect.)
  • Quercetin at 500 milligrams three times a day between meals helps to stabilize mast cells, which react to allergens.
  • Chamomile is widely used in Europe for the treatment of skin irritation and topical chamomile creams work wonders for non-toxic relief from the itching and scabbing.

WATCH: Dr. Holly Gets Her Funny On With Laughter Yoga

Treating a skin condition like eczema is an “inside-out” and an “outside-in” job! Identifying and treating the cause while also replenishing nutrients and safely managing inflammation helps resolve eczema without the harmful side effects.

Dr. Holly

Dr. Holly

About The Author: Dr. Holly Lucille is an acclaimed expert in the field of natural medicine helping Veria Living readers break down the myths and misconceptions about health and health-related topics. She separates facts, fiction and fads.

How to Cure Eczema in 14 Days – Tips to Help … – About Eczema

Tired of dealing with eczema on a day to day basis? Sick of wondering how to cure eczema and eliminate it from your daily life? Want to know the truth about eczema and what you can due to put an end to it before it gets any worse? If this sounds like you, you’re about to realize how to cure eczema in a matter of days, stopping the cycle for good!

In order to cure eczema quickly, you need to get rid of the pesky prescription creams that you are most likely using right now to treat your eczema. While they do help relieve the symptoms associated with eczema, they don’t cure it or prevent it from returning. Not only that, but those same creams could be the main reason why your eczema isn’t fading away! So, if you’re using them to treat you, now is a good time to get rid of them.

How to Cure Eczema in 14 Days Using Natural Treatments

You may or may not already be aware, but natural eczema treatments have been proven to help eliminate eczema and aid in the prevention of its return. Many of those who were using traditional methods of treatment (such as prescription creams) switched to natural treatments and never went back! That’s how good they can work for you and your skin.

Stop trying to figure out how to cure eczema. Here are a few natural eczema treatments you can start applying today to watch your eczema fade in roughly 14 days:

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a natural oil that is used on eczema to help moisturize the skin and relieve pain. It soothes the skin and can be applied as often as needed (and is not harmful to the skin).

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another excellent natural cure for eczema. Simply place one cup of epsom salt into a bathtub and soak your body in the solution for roughly 30 minutes. This will help remove the dead skin from the surface of your skin. Apply almond oil afterwards for maximum benefit.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal works to help soothe eczema and relieve the intense itching often associated with it. It’s best used when mixed with warm bath water (2 cups of raw oatmeal flakes). Soak your body enough to let the itching subside (roughly 20 to 30 minutes will do). Also be sure to apply any natural oils to the skin once your finished.

The treatments above only scratch the surface. There are many more natural eczema treatments that exist and can cure eczema in a matter of days. Never ask yourself how to cure eczema again and start using natural eczema treatments for real results (and to prevent eczema from ever returning).


By Anonymous

5 things to help your dry scalp eczema or psoriasis | talkhealth Blog

If you’ve ever had scalp eczema or an itchy scalp you will know how maddening it can be. Sometimes you wonder if you might even have nits and the dry skin flaking is embarassing.   Because eczema on the scalp is harder to treat it can get out of hand, hiding unseen under your hair – how do you keep your scalp moisturised without leaving your hair greasy?
BareFoot SOS Dry scalp shampoo
Here are a few tips to save your scalp unecessary pain:

  1. Wash hair only when you need to. If it’s not greasy, try not to wash it. But if it’s particularly sore, bleeding etc. washing can help to clear up your scalp and help you feel cleaner.
  2. Don’t blow dry – if your scalp is particularly bad try to leave time for your hair to dry naturally if you can.  Hair dryers can really dry out your scalp and will exacerbate the problem.  Make extra time, get up earlier and towel dry instead. Drive with the windows open and just let it dry naturally.
  3. Use a scalp treatment – I find Betacap to be very effective but be warned. If you have broken skin on your scalp it does burn when you first apply it.  It hurts but the burning does subside and a few treatments with this stuff should really see off your scalp eczema.  Once you think it’s on the mend, do one or two more treatments so you make sure it’s completely gone.  Betacap is a liquid topical steroid and should be used sparingly but it doesn’t leave your hair too greasy so you can use it and not wash your hair the next day. I usually do prefer to wash my hair after using it – it does have quite a strong smell.  You will have to get Betacap on prescription.  Olive oil can really help psoriasis too but does make your hair greasy!
  4. Use gentle, natural shampoo – I’m trying BareFoot SOS dry scalp shampoo at the moment but there are lots you could try like Neutrogena, Faith in Nature or E45 dry scalp shampoo.  You could also experiment with soap nuts which are a truly natural alternative – more to follow on that soon when I’ve tried it myself. nb: Barefoot SOS products contain macadamia nuts – but even with a nut allergy myself I seem to be OK using this shampoo (I only spotted the nut ingredient after using the shampoo a few times)
  5. Throw away your sharp combs and brushes – This is a tough one.  A good sharp comb or brush can be absolute bliss for an itchy scalp but you can do huge amounts of damage when you are combing your hair… yeah we all know what you’re really doing.  Digging in the comb and having a really good old scratch of your poor scalp.  It may feel incredible but it’s not good. And having that nasty sharp comb lying around is too much temptation. Buy one that is soft smooth plastic, has wide tines and is not metal – it will be kinder to your scalp, even when you do give in and have a bit of a scratch…

So whether you have a dry scalp, excema or psoriasis on your scalp, these few tips here just might help. I may be teaching you stuff you already know but because it’s hidden under your hair it’s easy to ignore and not treat it till it gets quite bad.

What do you do when your scalp gets dry and itchy? How do you help eczema or psoriasis on your scalp heal quickly? What’s your top tip?

 

Natural Skin Solution, Probiotic Action Offers Consumers New …

Miami, FL (PRWEB) September 25, 2013

A recent article released this month by allergicliving.com shared information from contributing physicians on what items parents with children experiencing eczema should avoid. As the article was mostly targeted towards curing and preventing childrens eczema, may helpful tips were discussed for those suffering from the condition, no matter what age. As a leader in natural skin care solutions, Probiotic Action, formerly known as the best acne treatment, offers new skincare tips for those with eczema following, on how to prevent breakouts, what allergic reaction causing items to avoid, and new treatment options.

Most skincare experts will agree that each case of eczema varies from one individual to the next, for those suffering from skin irritation, or eczema, breakout triggers are normally found in everyday products. Recently, Probiotic Action gathered information on which everyday items may be causing skin irritation, and is now offering a treatment solution regardless of the severity of ones condition. From dish soaps, to laundry detergent, hand soap, and salicylic acid face wash, the team at Probiotic Action have ruled that most soaps, detergents, and mild body washes containing acids, or alcohols are more likely to produce skin irritation than others. As a solution to preventing and avoiding breakouts, the PA team offers their new probiotic cleanser, as a soap free, chemical free cleanser for the face, body, and hands of those with eczema, acne, or rosacea.

Using probiotics for skincare is a natural solution that may help protect against, and reduce breakout symptoms for several types of skin conditions, added Fernando Perez, a spokesman for Probiotic Action. The anti-inflammatory properties of probiotics, along with their ability to protect skin from bad bacteria, and irritators, make probiotics a chemical free solution to topical creams, lotions, as well as disruptive body washes, noted Perez.

For further insight on benefits of probiotics, why they are known as the best acne treatment, and information on using probiotics for eczema,rosacea, eczema, visit ProbioticAction.com. To stay in touch with Probiotic Action as they offer new products, like them on Facebook for reviews and product updates.

Probiotic Action is an advanced acne treatment that uses probiotics for acne containing the good bacteria that is naturally found on healthy human skin. By using probiotics, Probiotic Action is an effective treatment that restores the normal bacteria content on skin, while battling what causes acne. Probiotic Action will successfully clear skin when used as an adult acne treatment while protecting skin against bad bacteria, free radicals, and pollutants*.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Probiotic Action is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.





Tips for Eczema Treatment | About Eczema

You may have been suffering from eczema and have tried all sorts of eczema treatments known to you. However, you find that these treatments work only for a short period of time and just to relive you from the symptoms of the skin infection. You want a more effective means to control eczema with long-lasting result. Here’s how to find the right treatment for your eczema.

Eczema has been found to be different in different cases, and though there are some common and basic symptoms, they always vary from person to person. This is why it is always important to seek advice from a qualified practitioner regarding eczema treatments. Creams, lotions, ointments, bath oils and emollients can and should be used if eczema does affect someone.

Moisturizers are a very prominent over the counter treatment category. Moisturizers can protect and help the skin retain its natural moisture, which is necessary to reduce the symptoms of eczema. Since dry skin is a hallmark of eczema, moisturizers are of the upmost importance and should be included in the eczema sufferer’s treatment plan.

Turmeric and neem leaves. You can mix one table spoon of bitter neem leaves together with one table spoon of turmeric, then, apply this paste to the eczema area. This is considered to be a very effective natural eczema treatment method.

Epsom salt has been used to treat eczema for a number of years. It works to remove dead skin from the surface of eczema and help relieve pain. To use as a treatment for eczema, simply mix one cup of epsom salt with a tub of warm bath water. Soak your body in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Pat yourself dry with a towel afterwards and avoid rubbing your skin.

Probiotics are active microorganisms also known as healthy bacteria that are close to the fauna found naturally in the digestive system. Studies have concluded that probiotics can help in suppressing the count of bad bacteria, strengthen the digestive system, improve digestion, prevent bacterial infections and regulate the immune system.

Some of the best eczema treatment has been found through natural options. Identifying exactly what is causing your eczema is a worthwhile thing to do. Eliminating the known trigger of your eczema flare ups can give you control and freedom of the skin disorder for life. However, many find the task of identifying such triggers incredibly difficult.

Works wonders when it comes to treating eczema naturally. Best used when mixed with warm water in a bathtub. All that is needed are 2 cups of raw oatmeal flakes mixed into the tub to create a solution. Lay your body in the mixture for roughly 30 minutes. This helps relieve the itching that is associated with eczema, as well as help remove dead skin from the surface.

To use oatmeal effectively, simply take two cups of oatmeal flakes and dissolve them in warm bath water. Soak your skin in the solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Pat yourself dry when finished and moisturize your skin. Oatmeal works well because it helps refine the skin, eliminates the itch and helps bring back moisture, which your irritated skin desperately needs. If you want quick relief, oatmeal can do the trick!


By Anonymous

Easy Eczema Cures | Sri Lankan Students' Association in Japan

Eczema is without doubt an uncomfortable, distressing and stressful condition of the skin. Many sufferers have a constant battle when dealing with the many symptoms which include inflammation of the skin, rashes, blisters and even swelling. Despite the any treatments readily available on the market, most only offer short term improvement. Other treatments available are known to have relatively dangerous side effects.

eczema on handsIt comes therefore as no surprise that more and more eczema sufferers are looking towards a more natural approach as far as treating the condition goes. Most eczema patients will have tried and tested numerous treatments only to feel let down in the long run. This is because most readily available remedies do not treat the core of the problem.

The following tips are three of the most natural ways you can treat eczema, most of which will not cost you anything more than common sense.

Firstly, avoiding using any products that contain fragrances such as soaps, lotions and sprays and these will only irritate further your skin. It is far better to pay a little extra for a natural product and go without the luxury of a perfume than pay the price of irritated skin.

Secondly, avoid allergens and these are definite culprits when it comes to triggering off eczema symptoms. Keep your home as dust free as possible and avoid using any products that contain either wool or synthetic fibres.

And thirdly, revise your diet as it could be the foods you eat are causing the discomfort that appears on your skin. Dairy products, cereals, citrus foods and even chocolate are known to cause allergic reactions amongst eczema sufferers.

If you beloved this post and you would like to get more data pertaining to eczema herpeticatum ansteckend, kindly take a look at eczema-blog.iam-youare.com/.

Natural Topical Solution Creator, Probiotic Action Offers Eczema …

– 4 days ago @ prweb.com: As a leader in natural eczema and education, Probiotic Action, formerly best known for their probiotic acne treatment, offer the use of topical probiotics as a preventative treatment for eczema breakouts. (PRWeb September 09, 2013) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11102848.htm

– 1 day ago @ prweb.com: Probiotic Action, best known for their natural probiotic acne treatment shares insight on anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation associated with certain skin conditions. (PRWeb September 12, 2013) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11117267.htm

– 2 days ago @ prweb.com: Recent news from nutraingredients.com shared information on prolonging the life of prebiotics with the use of mushroom by-products. Probiotic Action shares their industry insight on how prebiotic lifespan contributes to the success of probiotics, and their product line. (PRWeb September 11, 2013) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11112485.htm

– 1 day ago @ prweb.com: Years of skin care experience, have made owner the owner at Envision Acne & Skin Care Center, Nikolett Ivanyi a strong advocate for exhaustively educating and empowering her clients to understand their unique skin condition. Here she shares her advice for preventing and treating acne. (PRWeb September 13, 2013) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11072674.htm

It's Time To Start Caring For Your Skin Right … – Tips for Skin Care

Having beautiful skin is something everyone wants. Most people aren’t sure how to achieve it. This piece is full of tips for elegant skin.

Relaxation can reduce stress. Your skin can actually be damaged from stress.Your complexion will clear up if you reduce environmental and emotional stressors. It will no doubt improve other areas in your life as well.

Using a moisturizer is the best tip for keeping skin healthy. Moisturizers are great at making you to maintain a youthful look and prevent your skin that’s healthy. You can use a moisturizer to keep your skin looking good by keeping it moisturized.

You can also put this moisturizer container into a warm water.

Eczema Symptoms

Here are a few things you can do to help alleviate some of eczema. Do not use any detergents or lotions that contain a strong perfumed scent. Wearing clothes made of cotton is one more helpful tip. Synthetic fibers or wool actually make your eczema symptoms worse. Use natural make-ups that contain no artificial dyes or additives. If you follow these tips, you will surely see an improvement in your eczema symptoms.

Use moisturizer after washing your makeup. While you may be unsure of its benefits, it can balance the oil production in your skin. If you have oily skin and then you dry the skin out with very harsh cleanser, you are sure to find that your skin becomes overactive in the production of oil in order to compensate.

It is best to choose skin care products with only a few ingredients as possible. If you suffer from sensitive skin, more ingredients increase the chance of a bad reaction.The ingredients might actually increase your redness.It may even cause a break out.

Drinking your daily quota of water is essential for proper skin care. Skin cells begin to suffer from dehydration when the body gets less than a gallon of water every day. When your skin does not get the water it needs, your skin may become dry, irritated and dry. To make sure this doesn’t happen, and to make sure your skin stays resilient, be sure to drink enough water regularly.

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching qualities. You can use the juice on your dark spots and scars to lighten them naturally.Although it is by no means permanent, this method allows you to achieve results without applying harsh, damaging chemicals.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a age old remedy for both skin and hair. Olive oil has been used for centuries dating back to Cleopatra’s time. This beauty secret is tasty as well.Olive oil promotes a radiant complexion, give your skin elasticity and to give your complexion a healthy glow. It can also be used to condition the hair shiny and soft.

Aloe vera can help you when trying to eliminate scars. Aloe has things such as Vitamin E and amino acids that aid skin repair. Just rub some aloe vera onto your scars each day after bathing. The earlier you start this treatment, the better your chances of removing it with aloe vera treatment.

As mentioned earlier, healthy, glowing skin is something most people desire. There are many different factors that go into caring for skin. Using the above advice will have you properly caring for your skin to make it looking great.

Soap Nuts: A Soothing, Natural Laundry Detergent & Soap for Eczema

I met today’s guest blogger online a few years ago when I was just starting the blog. I was reaching out to online support groups and found Heidi at her eczema FB support page and immediately loved her natural approach. We’d been using soap nuts for a while at that point, so when I saw she loved them as I did, we started chattering away about them. Eventually I asked her if she’d honor us with a story about why she started using soap nuts and she went a few steps further – including tips, facts, and even a recipe for making soap nut liquid!

And I’m happy to announce that The Eczema Company now sells soaps nuts here, wild crafted, Nepalese Sapindus Mokorossi to be specific. Although they are a different brand from what Heidi is able to find locally in the UK, they are of the Sapindus Mokorossi variety, which she refers to as the best.

Again, a big thanks to Heidi for her post!

– Jennifer

Soap Nuts: The Soothing Soap for Eczema 

By Heidi Carolan (see bio below)

Jayden's EczemaI want to share with you how great Soap Nuts have been for our son Jayden’s Eczema/Dermographism-Urticaria !!!  We’ve had extreme trouble with our son’s eczema since he was only three months old and he’s now almost four years old.  He seemed to react/flare up with most eczema creams/treatments, upon first application, prescribed or recommended by our GP/Dermatologist for moisturizing his skin and bathing.

I suspected he may have had a sensitivity to something in the creams and I tried to narrow things down, but as you know, it can be very difficult. But I strongly suspected paraffin. It seemed like months of seeing his skin weeping, peeling, scabbing over and getting infected, going back to the GP week after week to be given yet another cream to try and then the whole process started all over again! He was in so much distress and suffered countless sleepless nights with the itching, etc.

I found a solution: Soap Nuts!

I searched the internet for something 100% pure, no parabens, no SLS  etc  and I came across organic virgin coconut oil and soap nuts.  I began to use the coconut oil for moisturizing his skin and the soap nuts for our laundry and baths.  Around the same time, I also started up an Eczema Facebook Group  as I was new to eczema and I felt like talking/sharing information/experiences with others in the same situation would be really helpful. It’s been lovely ever since. The change in skin care was wondrous and the online support is great!!  I’ve met such great people online, other parents experiencing the same who have been of great support. Eventually, we discovered our son (through an allergy skin patch test) does actually have a sensitivity to all forms of paraffin as I suspected.

baby bathFor the past three years I have been using soap nuts for my son’s bathing, shampooing and laundry. They have been great for his skin and I can’t imagine our life without them!!!!

Information about Soap Nuts:  

Soap nuts are a dried fruit/husk (not actually a nut!!!) from the soap berry tree.  The soap nuts release saponin (soap) when they come into contact with water.

Soap nuts are:

  • 100% natural and biodegradable
  • Paraben and SLS free
  • Perfume free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Naturally anti-fungal & anti-microbial
  • Good for people with allergies and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
  • A good value as they can be reused multiple times and last ages!!
  • Great for multiple uses:  soap, shampoo, laundry, jewellery cleaner, fruit & veggie cleaner, pet shampoo, repellant for head lice, etc.

For more details on soap nuts, take a look at these FAQs.

Tips for buying soap nuts:

  • Make sure the inner seed/pit is removed (deseeded) or you will pay more as soap nuts are charged by weight.
  • Nuts should be a nice caramel color and not very dark or black in color.
  • New, unused nuts should also feel dry and not sticky to the touch.
  • Mukorossi soap nuts tend to be higher in saponin, and offer better cleaning abilities.
  • Here is an in depth article on buying soap nuts, although very long !!

Using soap nuts for doing your laundry: 

  • You can use your ready-made soap nut liquid (see below) and pour directly into washing machine,
  • OR place approx six whole soap nut shells into a small cloth wash bag (usually provided by soap nut retailer). Make sure the bag is tied up securely, I double knot.
  • For washes of 30C (86F) or colder, place the bag of Soap Nuts in a little hot water for a few minutes then add the liquid and bag to your wash.  This helps to release the saponins.
  • Optional:  Essential Oils. I use essential oils of lavender as its good for the skin. Add a few drops onto the wash bag and toss it into the washing machine.
  • After the laundry is done, dry your cloth wash bag and soap nuts and re-use.
  • Soap Nuts can be re-used approx 4 -6 times depending on what water temperature you use and the size of your wash. The hotter the temperature, the quicker the soap nuts will need to be changed.
  • After the nuts are all used up, toss them into your compost or distribute them around your plants to decompose.

Making Soap Nut Liquid for the Laundry:   (Heidi’s Method) 

Soap nut bubbles

Soap nut bubbles

  • Pour 6 cups of water into a saucepan.
  • Add 12-15 soap nut halves.
  • Boil these up in the saucepan for approx 20 – 25 minutes.
  • Add 1-2 cups of water to the saucepan after boiling.
  • Let the liquid cool.
  • Cover a colander with a muslin or cheese cloth and place over a bowl.
  • Drain your soap nut liquid through the cloth. You can reuse your boiled soap nuts – either re-boil, blend up or add to soap nut liquid to soak for heavier concentration.)
  • Pour the liquid into glass jars.
  • Optional – add a few drops of tea tree oil for more anti-bacterial power and for an essential oil scent that is beneficial for the skin.
  • Keep in fridge for 7 – 10 days or room temperature if using immediately. Lasts longer in the freezer. (A note from Jennifer: I like to freeze the liquid in ice cube trays. I then take out 1-2 cubes to use per load of laundry. I also add four drops of tea tree oil to each laundry load.)

How to Use Soap Nut Liquid:

  • Pour directly in the bath.
  • Pour into a soap dispenser and use as a liquid hand soap.
  • Whisk it up in a blender or hand mixer to make a foamy body soap and shampoo.
  • Use as a laundry detergent and pour directly into your washer.

I hope this is helpful for anyone having the same problems we had with our son and I hope you enjoy using soap nuts as much as we do!

Heidi Carolan & Jayden

soap nuts

Bio: A British full-time mom to six lovely children. Her youngest son, Jayden, suffers from atopic eczema and dermographism/urticaria, an allergy to parabens and paraffin, receptive/expressive language delay and hypermobility syndrome. She moderates a FB support group, please stop by and say hello! Eczema, Dermographia, & Liking Soap Nuts & Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.

A Note from Jennifer: Thank you Heidi! Can you tell she’s a big fan of soap nuts AND coconut oil? Yay for natural treatments that help eczema! Definitely check out Heidi’s support group on FB as mentioned above. It’s full of interesting information and it’s a great place to share your worries and concerns with others on the same emotional roller coaster as you.

If you’re looking for soap nuts, check out ours! They are wild crafted and are of the Nepalese Sapindus Mokorossi variety – only the very best!