Your New Spin On Tea Time: The 4 Best Teas For Skin Health
Runner, dancer, baker, adopted dog mom, wisecracker
You might still associate drinking tea as a favorite pastime of British monarchs, a habit pregnant women typically take up or the only free thing you get to do at a trendy meditation center. Girlfriend, it’s time to change your thinking!
It makes sense that tea has been consumed since the dawn of time because it has some powerful healing abilities. Not a fan of the taste? No problem the best teas for skin health work just as well topically.
Can Tea Tree Oil Worsen Eczema
Yes, allergic contact eczema can occur with tea tree oil use or worsen existing eczema. Adverse effects are usually related to higher concentrations and overuse, however. Possible side effects in such cases include allergic skin rashes, dryness, itching, skin irritation, and swelling.
If you experience a skin rash after applying this essential oil, stop using the product and speak to a doctor.
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and immunity-stimulant properties . This essential oil is a part of various over-the-counter creams, lotions, and ointments. It is also used as a massage oil. in a diluted form.
But is tea tree oil used for babies? In this MomJunction post, we tell you about the use of tea tree oil for babies, its benefits, and the potential side effects.
What Does Green Tea Do To Your Skin
Green teas anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritation, skin redness, and swelling. Applying green tea to your skin can soothe minor cuts and sunburn, too. It can soothe irritation and itching caused by psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea, and it may also be helpful for treating keloids.
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The Tea Tree Oil Eliminates Dandruff And Seborrheic Eczema
The antifungal properties of the tea tree oil help in the reduction of the yeast activity that leads to seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. A seborrheic dermatitis is a protracted form of eczema that is marked by scaly patches on the scalp.
Research has proven the effectiveness of the tea tree oil application in the treatment of dandruff and Seborrheic eczema. It is imperative to take precautions when preparing and applying the tea tree essential oil on the affected skin, considering that high-dose applications may induce adverse reactions in some people.
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Good Foods For Eczema Sufferers
Today I wanted to have a look at 13 good foods that can help treat eczema naturally.
Eczema, or Atopic Dermatitis, is a condition which causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated. While extremely common in children, still affects around 10% of the adult population totaling over 30 million people in the United States alone.
Sadly, the first line of defense when one displays signs of eczema is the prescription of steroid creams. While temporarily helpful, this medication, like all medication, comes with many potential side effects with prolonged use linked to skin atrophy, adrenal suppression, stunted growth, immune suppression, Cushing syndrome, and addiction to name a few.
The significant role of diet and health is widely known, however is often overlooked when it comes to naturally treating conditions such as eczema.
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Straight Tea Tree Oil
Full strength tea tree oil application for eczema usually gives relief from burning and itching associated with eczema. Just add 3-5 drops on a cotton ball and put onto the outbreaks. Severely irritated skin can react adversely to undiluted tea tree essential oil. It is recommended to dilute tea tree oil with some carrier oil, for example, olive or almond one, before application. As the skin is usually dry in case of eczema the dilution of tea tree oil with carrier oil is even preferable. Add tea tree oil to olive oil moisturizer.
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Why Healthy Foods Can Be Unhealthy For Eczema: Th2 Explained
This information may be the opposite of what many bloggers recommend for eczema. And it’s a common mistake practitioners have been making for years when treating eczema and other types of skin inflammation.
In fact, I made some of these mistakes when I first became a health practitioner many years ago, mainly because the research I am discussing is new. Like all scientists, I’m willing to be wrong in order to get to the truth. But often we get stuck ‘defending our herbal prescriptions’ rather than changing them when the new research demands it.
As I’m a nutritionist specialising in eczema, I receive hundreds of emails from eczema sufferers and I’ve noticed this: eczema sufferers are confused and more itchy than ever because there is so much conflicting information available.
So I’m hoping to get the word out about eczema and my advice is this: stop following general health advice. Eczema is a special condition and you need special advice. This sums it up perfectly:
One man’s medicine is another man’s sleepless night itching!
Here is a sample of the information I will be teaching at my eczema workshops throughout the year, and it’s a good start to understanding your eczema…
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Treat Eczema With Oolong Tea
A staple in Chinese pantries, oolong teat tastes like a cross between robust black tea and more bitter green tea. In a month-long study in Japan, people with eczema who drank three cups of oolong tea felt relief from their itching in just one week.
Although its health effects are not yet fully understood, drink green tea for these potential benefits.
Let The Seasons Be Your Guide
Everyones atopic dermatitis is different. I have patients who flare in the winter due to dry indoor air and others who get worse in the summer because of outdoor allergens like grasses and trees. Treatment differs by the season: In winter, cut back on long, hot showers, which can be drying. But in the summer, you may need to shower as soon as you come in from outside, to wash off pollen and other allergens.
— Amy Kassouf, MD, dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic
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Wrap Up In Cold Weather
Cold, harsh winter winds can dry out the skin and cause eczema flares.
Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs in this body region.
While many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, always speak with a doctor before using them.
The following home remedies and tips may help:
Foods That Make An Eczema Itch Disappear
Dry itchy skin thats discolored or reddish looking can mar your appearance and be extremely exhausting to deal with. Unfortunately, for the millions of people living with eczema in the United States alone, this is a reality that they know all too well. Which is why alternative therapy including the use of therapeutic foods and herbal remedies can go a long way in improving the condition, easing symptoms, and making life more comfortable for those with eczema.
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What Ingredients Do You Use In The Herbal Medicine
Majority of the Chinese herbs we use are derived from roots, twigs, leafs and flowers, and occasionally we may use the shells of cicadas which are collected after the cicadas had shed them naturally . The shells of the cicadas have a effective anti-itch property. However, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, we have many other anti-itch herbs that are just as effective.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe To Use For Babies Or Young Children
To date, there isnt any research on the safety or efficacy of using tea tree oil to treat infant eczema. Its best to talk with your childs doctor or pediatrician before use.
If you do use it, it should never be on an infant younger than 6 months. You should also dilute the oil at twice the usual rate, mixing 12 drops of carrier oil for every 1 drop of tea tree oil. Never apply the blend near the infants mouth or hands, where they might ingest it.
Also, boys who havent gone through puberty yet shouldnt use tea tree oil. Some research has linked tea tree oil to prepubertal gynecomastia. This rare condition can result in enlarged breast tissue.
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Home Solutions For Eczema
1. CLEAR BLAND DIET:
- ELIMINATE wheat, corn, sugar, dairy, and soy from your childs diet for at least 40 Days
- REDUCE/ELIMINATE completely foods that may cause phlegm and are difficult for your childs underdeveloped digestive system.
- REDUCE/ ELIMINATE: Bananas, Orange Juice, Cows Milk, and Nut Butters.
- INTRODUCE a Clear Bland Diet: well-cooked complex carbohydrates, veggies, fruit, and a small amount of animal protein.
2. HERBAL TEA: BARLEY, MUNG BEANS, DANDELION, AND CORN SILK
- Simmer the ingredients together for 45 minutes, strain, and drink the remaining liquid.
- Consult your local herbalist to find out the correct dosage needed for you or your child, as dosage varies depending on weight and other constitutional factors.
3. EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS:
- BODY WASH made of equal portions salt and borax dissolved in warm water, applied 2-3 times per day.
- POULTICE of raw grated potato, held by gauze and changed every 3 hours.
** Its important not to use any oil-based applications, as this may make the condition worse by pushing the pathogenic dampness further into the surrounding areas.
*This entry was written by Naomi Campbell L.Ac, one of the acupuncturists at Sesen Skin Body Wellness. If you have any questions about this blog or about acupuncture..please contact us at 720-443-2715.
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Where On The Skin Can You Apply Tea Tree Oil
It is generally considered safe to apply this essential oil topically to any external area of the body. Areas commonly treated include the scalp, feet, arms and hands.
If applying the oil to your face or scalp, you may use a pure, diluted oil or choose products specifically designed for these areas. One study found that a 5% tea tree oil shampoo worked well to clear up dandruff without adverse effects.
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Best Herbal Tea Recipes For Eczema
You can easily find loads of herbal teas, but we are only focusing on some incredibly beneficial green teas, which are more than just sufficient to reduce the severity of eczema. Lets underline some best herbal tea for treating eczema.
To increase the effectiveness of these herbal teas, we are going to talk about some beneficial recipes as well. In addition to learning to prepare some tea for consumptions, we will also try to learn how to make some herbal tea for topical application.
#1 Lemon Tea
Lemon is one of the most favorite ingredients when we talk about herbal tea. Lemon Tea provides a refreshing zing to your mood, and its vast quantity of vitamin C helps in healing of inflammation caused due to eczema.
- Take ¼ cup of lemon balm, ¾ cup of lemon grass and 1 ½ tbsp. of any natural sweetener.
- Mix all the ingredients properly with a lid.
- Add 1 tbsp. tea strainer for every cup.
- Pour in hot water and let the tea steep for up to 10 minutes.
#2 Lavender Tea
This wonderful intoxicating tea can calm your mind, improve your digestive system as well as can bring restful sleep. It is excellent to combat depression as well.
- Take 2/3 tbsp. dried lavender, ¼ cup fresh mint leaves and 3 cups hot water.
- Combine mint and lavender properly and pour into cups.
- Add hot water, honey or any other sweetener.
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#3 Peppermint Tea
#4 Red Bush Tea
#5 Black Tea
#6 Chamomile Tea
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#7 Calendula Tea
#8 Lemongrass Tea
Eczema And Your Immune System: Why Teas And Spices Could Be Making You Crazy Itchy
While some ingredients such as turmeric and green tea are healthy, if you have a Th2 dominant condition such as eczema, they can actually worsen your skin. Let me explain…
What is Th2?
In a healthy immune system, the two types of T-helper Cells are called Th1 and Th2.
Th1 and Th2 do several jobs:
Now this ‘balance’ can be likened to a seesaw, you want both Th1 and Th2 to work synergistically, and not have one type of T-helper cells take over and dominate on a long-term basis.
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The Tea Tree Oil Relieves Itching Skin
Itching is probably the most significant indication of eczema. Any effective anti-eczema treatment should, therefore, have the property of reducing itching.
A 2006 review of the literature on the use of the tea tree oil for eczema treatment and other cutaneous medical conditions showed that the essential oil was an effective remedy for an itchy rash on the skin, which is characteristic of eczema.
The application of a skin shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil showed significant improvements in the itchiness of the skin in patients suffering from the disease. These findings have been corroborated by multiple studies, further suggesting that eczema is a practical solution for the itchy skin.
Safety Considerations When Using The Tea Tree Essential Oil
The tea tree oil is generally safe for topical use, but certain precautions should be considered when using it to optimize the results and prevent adverse reactions. First, expectant and lactating mothers should not use the tea tree oil applications, except with the guidance of their physicians.
Also, there is no conclusive research evidence that the tea tree oil is safe for use by infants. Moreover, the tea tree oil for eczema treatment should not be used orally. When the oil is ingested, it causes rashes, drowsiness, hallucinations, diarrhea, confusion, and loss of motor control.
Different people react differently to various treatments. It is imperative to seek the input of a doctor before taking or administering the tea tree oil applications for the treatment of eczema.
Generally, the tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years to treat eczema, among other skin complications. There is a growing body of research that shows that the tea tree oil applications are effective in reducing the itchiness of the skin, preventing and alleviating fungal, viral, and protozoan infections, and treating allergic reactions. When used with proper precautions, the tea tree oil can be a powerful remedy for eczema.
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Fermented Foods And Yogurt
Probiotics can help give your immune system a boost, helping prevent and control atopic eczema.6 As you improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut or intestinal tract, you should see inflammation subside. Research suggests it can help counter inflammatory responses beyond the intestine as well.7 As a result, your system wont overreact when exposed to allergens, bringing a more measured response and less likelihood of eczema. So stock up on that yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Treating Eczema With Chinese Medicine
Eczema is an autoimmune condition that affects 15 million Americans. Its a general term for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. It can affect people of all ages, but it most often affects very young children. Nearly half of them outgrow it or have significant improvement as they get older. It is also most common in people who have a personal or family history of asthma and allergies.
Conventional treatments include external creams, pharmaceutical drugs, or injectable medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or in severe cases immunosuppressants, which turn down an overactive immune system when skin conditions result from an autoimmune condition.
In Chinese medicine, the proper function and nourishment of the skin is derived from healthy respiratory, digestive, and immune systems. When any one of these systems is out of balance, the skin manifests signs and symptoms. Poor diet, weak immunity, erratic lifestyle, stress, genetic makeup, and environmental factors all play a part in causing skin conditions.
How does Chinese medicine treat autoimmune conditions such as eczema? Acupuncture has been found to modulate immune function within the human body. If an immune system has been hyperactive, as in the case of autoimmunity, acupuncture will down-regulate it to normal. But if the immunity is low, as in a weakened or suppressed immune system, it will up-regulate it to normal.
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Does Tea Tree Oil Work For Eczema
Tea tree oil is extremely helpful in treating eczema. The benefits of the oil are mentioned below.
- It contains terpinen-4-ol which is antibacterial in nature. It stops the infection from spreading
- It is anti-inflammatory which reduces the redness on the skin
- It easily penetrates deep into the skin and stops the itching and allergens.
- The anti-oxidants present in tea tree oil, help to protect the skin from free radicals and also repair the skin that has been damaged.
- It is a proven antiseptic and protects the skin from any infection.
- It makes the skin soft and smooth
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Q: What Do Atopic Dermatitis Patients Need To Know Before Trying This Type Of Therapy Who Is It Appropriate For
A: Patients should know that it is not, so far, reimbursable by insurance. The medicines are approved as supplements, not FDA pharmaceuticals. They should also know that the drugs are manufactured by reputable Chinese hospital pharmacies and tested for purity and consistency by WHO/FDA-approved laboratories. They are NOT to be lumped in with the kind of brand-name supplements that have been getting attention in the press.
TCM is appropriate for patients who have really exhausted all conventional therapies. It is also appropriate for those whose eczema is co-morbid with severe food allergies and asthma. In time, however, as these herbal treatments come into wider use, we may be able to treat people before they resort to steroids. We have done very well with small children who already have bad eczema.
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