Eczema is a word I have heard a lot recently. It affects adults and children alike and can cause almost unbearable discomfort. Eden suffered as a really young baby, before I discovered dairy was a problem for her, coming through my breastmilk. When I researched these irritated, inflamed red patches I learned that eczema is a general term used to describe varying skin conditions that result in inflamed and discolored skin; but what could I do?

It didn’t take long once we figured out the problems related to dairy that it wasn’t actually the eczema that needed treating, but her gut. However, in the meantime her upsetting symptoms did need relief. She did not seem to scratch, but the skin was sore and really inflamed and angry.

Bergamot is an essential oil that has balancing qualities related to both the digestive system and emotional healing, as well as properties to heal the skin.

Bergamot supports building confidence and enhancing mood. It is also used to kill bacteria, heal scars and minimize marks on the skin.

In traditional Chinese medicine, bergamot is used to help with the flow of vital energy so the digestive system can work properly. It’s also used to soothe indigestion and gas. So for Eden this was a GREAT choice of oil and I made her up a blend with Lavender, Melaleuca, Roman Chamomile, Oregano and jojoba oil.

Oils, however, are very subjective, what works for one person may not work for next, depending on what the person’s body really needs to heal.

So, with this blog I thought I would go through the best oils to alleviate the symptoms of eczema (inflammation, dryness, itching, etc.) while healing damaged skin and restoring general moisture in the affected areas if necessary.

1. Melaleuca Essential Oil

It seems whatever I am writing about (skin, hair, cleaning) that Melaleuca is at the top of my list! It is a strong oil though, so it’s not for everyone and it needs to be very heavily diluted for very small babies.

This oil is the one to choose if the eczema is ‘angry’, appears infected or again, you think the eczema is related to an imbalance in the gut; specifically an overgrowth in Candida Albicans.

Melaleuca is better known as tea tree oil and it has been used for centuries to soothe and help heal damaged skin. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties to help heal the skin.

The ancient aborigines of Australia bathed in Melaleuca to help heal their skin and ailments.  The lakes were known as golden, with mystical powers, which were later realised to be from the leaves of the tea tree oil plant, the Melaleuca Alternofolia, which had fallen into the water and mud, giving the lake its mystical healing power.

2. Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium is great for rehydrating dry skin, so if your skin is really dry and chapped, this is a great choice.

Geranium essential oil is taken from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant loved for its pink and red flowers. It is very balancing and nurturing and suits almost all skin types. It kills bacteria and other skin germs, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is often recommended for aging skin, as well as eczema, but can also help heal burns and clear head lice. It is a good essential oil for reducing cellulite. I wouldn’t be without geranium in my Essential Oil box and like other floral oils it is considered emotionally uplifting, so I use it a lot in my diffuser or in homemade perfume.

3. Lavender Essential Oil

I would choose this essential oil first and always include it in a blend for something skin related. Lavender is a powerful healer because it has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, calming, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. If applying lavender at night it really supports sleep.

Lavender essential oil comes from the steam distillation of the flowering tops of the plant.  dōTERRA’s Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is indigenous to the Provence region of France. The high altitudes at which lavender is grown results in the plant having higher ester and sesquiterpene alcohol content, thereby increasing its therapeutic benefits.

The oil suits most skin types. You can use it for acne, athlete’s foot, dermititis, burns, psoriasis, ringworm, stings and insect bites, as well as eczema. It is one of the few essential oils that is so gentle it can be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. So it is a great choice for children. Still dilute it for them though! Using lavender will reduce the potential of eczema to scar.

4. Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli essential oil comes from a herbal shrub that grows in the East. It is mainly produced in India, China, Malaysia and South America. It has a distinct earthy sweet smell that became popular in America in the 60’s and is often associated with the age of Aquarius and the hippie revolution! Many women and men would wear it as a perfume on its own.

Patchouli is really good for those eczema sufferers whose skin is actually predisposed to being oily. It won’t over hydrate your skin leaving it greasy or block up pores.

You can also use patchouli to heal burns and eliminate dandruff.

5. Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil comes from the sap (or tears) of the branches and wood of myrrh. The oil is mainly produced in Africa, India, and the Middle East. It is a versatile oil – good for dry/chapped skin and oily skin and can help reduce the look of wrinkles. It is also heals scars and wounds. Use myrrh for weeping eczema.

Apply a few times a day until healed.

6. Frankincense Essential Oil

If your eczema is very inflamed this anti-inflammatory essential oil is a great one to use. It also increases the potency of the other essential oils if you use it in a blend.

7. Helichrysum Essential Oil

This is a very effective essential oil for itching and pain. It is also anti-inflammatory and promotes skin renewal. Use it when eczema strikes acutely with severe discomfort. Add to blends for longer term use to encourage cell growth.

8. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Finally, this is another good oil to reduce inflammation and soothe dry, itchy skin. It’s a great choice (diluted) for babies and children because it also encourages sleep! I tend to add this oil to most blends I make for eczema.

If you would like a blend made up for your skin issue, please contact me nzessentialmum@gmail.com

You can source your doTERRA oils to get some relief from you eczema woes here!

I hope this blog has been helpful!

Don’t forget to share your successes in the comments!

Much love x x