Eczema and Holistic Skin Care
What does Ayurveda say about it for the Black Community
Grand Day family!
We talk today about eczema and viewing it through the lens of Ayurveda.
In Ayurveda, eczema is known as Vicharchika and is primarily considered a skin disorder driven by imbalances in the Tridoshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—often involving the accumulation of toxins (Ama). Treatment focuses on removing toxins through detoxification (Panchakarma), especially Virechana (therapeutic purgation), along with dietary changes, herbal remedies, and external applications to soothe itching and inflammation.
-National Institute of Health (NIH)
Doshas, according to Kripalu are three fundamental bio-energies—
Vata (air/ether),
Pitta (fire/water), and
Kapha (water/earth)
that govern physical, mental, and emotional health. Every person has a unique, inherent combination, which is called a “Prakriti”. Balanced doshas promote vitality, while imbalance causes discomfort or illness, requiring personalized diet/lifestyle changes to restore harmony.
To start in taking care of the condition, one does not have to do all of the above, but check with your skin doctor, and begin checking out one of the above first.
According to National Eczema.org:
…Research suggests that certain ethnic groups are at greater risk, especially people of color. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which evaluates the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the U.S., found that 19.3 percent of Black children have atopic dermatitis, compared to 16.1 percent of white and 7.8 percent of Asian children. Another study found that Black children are 1.7 times more likely to develop atopic dermatitis than white children. Atopic dermatitis typically begins during infancy and early childhood (before age 5), but adults may also develop this condition…
Also:
Genetic and environmental factors influence one’s risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Typically, those with a family history of atopic dermatitis or other atopic diseases (asthma, hay fever) are more likely to have the condition…
…In addition, people who live in an urban setting or are exposed to certain environmental allergens (i.e. dust, mold) are at greater risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
Ways to help with Eczema
What can we do that is affordable, sustainable and perhaps less stressful in helping to care for eczema?
One way is to handle natural daily solutions of detergent, and daily agents with a natural solution. One solution is using soapnuts. These are widely considered good for people with eczema. They are natural, chemical-free, and a hypoallergenic alternative to commercial detergents which often contain irritating agents that can trigger flare-ups.
Other benefits of soapnuts are:
Gentle and Soothing: They offer gentle cleansing properties and are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness associated with eczema.
Traditional Use: Soap nuts have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural treatment for various skin and scalp conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
Versatile: They can be used as a natural laundry detergent, a liquid body wash, or even a shampoo, making them a multi-purpose option for those with sensitive skin.
While we are talking about Soapnuts, according to Soapnuts.co.nz
SLS/Sulfate Free
Parabens Free
Perfume Free
Bleach Free
Chlorine Free
Phthalates Free
Phosphates Free
Formaldeyde Free
Petro-chemical Free
Check out their website, where they also talk about growing your own Soapnut tree, how to store, how to use them.
And lastly, but certainly not least, according to Ayutherapy.com, Soapnuts also have the following Ayurvedic uses for them:
1️⃣ Natural Hair Cleanser: Make a shampoo by soaking soapnuts in water overnight, boiling the mixture in the morning, and straining it. Use the liquid to cleanse your hair, reducing dandruff and promoting shine.
2️⃣ Gentle Face Cleanser: Use soapnut water as a face wash to gently cleanse oily or acne-prone skin without harsh chemicals. This is especially effective for Kapha and Pitta types.
3️⃣ Body Wash Alternative: Mix soapnut water with a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree to create a natural, refreshing body wash.
4️⃣ Natural Detergent for Clothes: Place a few soapnuts in a muslin bag and toss them in your washing machine. This eco-friendly option is gentle on fabrics and skin, ideal for people with sensitivities.
5️⃣ Soapnut Paste for Skin Irritations: Grind soapnuts into a fine powder, mix with rose water, and apply as a paste to calm rashes, itchiness, or other Pitta-related skin irritations.
6️⃣ Anti-Dandruff Treatment: Boil soapnuts with fenugreek seeds, strain, and use the water as a rinse for dandruff and scalp health.
7️⃣ Jewelry Cleaner: Use soapnut water to clean gold, silver, or other precious metals. Its gentle cleansing action removes dirt and restores shine.
8️⃣ Natural Pesticide: Dilute soapnut liquid with water and spray on plants to deter pests without harming the environment.Dilute soapnut liquid with water and spray on plants to deter pests without harming the environment.
Check the resources above and more in my article on Soap Nuts and enjoy discovering a sustainable resource!
Peace and blessings.
