Herbal Remedies for Eczema: Addressing the Root Cause Naturally

Eczema — medically known as atopic dermatitis — is one of the most common chronic skin conditions in the United Kingdom, affecting around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults at some point in their lives. For many, it is a lifelong cycle of flare-ups and remissions, managed primarily with steroid creams, antihistamines, and emollients that soothe the surface but rarely address what is driving the condition from within.

The conventional approach to eczema is largely suppressive. Steroid creams reduce inflammation locally and can offer significant relief during a flare, but they do not repair the underlying immune imbalance or strengthen the skin barrier. Many people find that when they stop using them, the eczema returns — sometimes worse than before. This rebound effect is itself telling: the root cause has not been addressed.

Herbal support for eczema takes an entirely different view. Rather than suppressing the immune response at the skin, it asks: why is the immune system reacting in this way? Why is the skin barrier compromised? And what can be done to restore balance from within?

What Is Actually Happening in Eczema?

Eczema is fundamentally a condition of immune dysregulation combined with a compromised skin barrier. In people with eczema, the skin’s protective outer layer does not function as effectively as it should — it loses moisture more readily and allows allergens, irritants, and microorganisms to penetrate more easily, triggering an immune response that manifests as inflammation, redness, itching, and in more severe cases, weeping and crusting.

At the immune level, eczema is associated with an overactivation of the Th2 immune pathway and elevated IgE antibodies — the same immune components involved in allergic responses. This is why eczema so frequently coexists with hay fever and asthma. They share the same underlying immune tendency.

Crucially, this immune imbalance does not originate in the skin. It originates in the gut.

The Gut-Skin Axis: Why Eczema Starts in the Digestive System

The gut houses approximately 70–80% of the body’s immune cells. The balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome plays a direct role in educating and regulating the immune system — including whether it tends towards overreaction or appropriate, measured responses.

Research has consistently shown that people with eczema tend to have less diverse gut microbiomes, with lower levels of beneficial bacteria. This dysbiosis contributes to the immune imbalance that drives eczema at the skin surface.

Additionally, a compromised gut lining allows partially digested food particles and bacterial components to enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic immune activation that can manifest at the skin. Healing the gut is therefore not a separate project from healing the skin — it is central to it.

Herbs Traditionally Used to Support Skin and Immune Health

1. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Burdock root is one of the most valued herbs in Western herbalism for chronic skin conditions. It is classified as an alterative — a herb that gradually improves the body’s ability to process and eliminate waste and supports the organs of elimination, particularly the liver and kidneys. It is a deep, slow-acting herb that works best over several months of consistent use.

2. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle has a long history of use in European herbalism. For skin conditions, it is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties — making it particularly relevant for eczema with a strong allergic component. Nettle is also rich in minerals, particularly silica, iron, and magnesium, which support skin integrity and overall tissue health.

3. Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Chickweed is most commonly known in its topical form — chickweed cream has been used for generations to soothe itchy, inflamed skin. Topically, it has a cooling, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch action that can offer genuine relief during a flare without the side effects associated with steroid preparations.

4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties that make it particularly valuable for eczema where the skin has become broken, weeping, or prone to secondary infection. Topically, calendula preparations help reduce inflammation, promote skin repair, and restore the integrity of the skin barrier. Internally, it supports the lymphatic system and immune regulation.

5. Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice root is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb used in both Ayurvedic and Western herbal traditions. It has a modulating effect on the immune system and is particularly relevant for eczema where there is a strong stress component — as cortisol and stress hormones directly influence skin inflammation.

6. Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare)

Barley grass is rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the body’s detoxification pathways. For eczema sufferers, its nutritional density supports the skin from within — providing the micronutrients needed for skin cell regeneration and barrier repair.

7. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

In the context of eczema, marshmallow root’s relevance lies in its ability to support the gut lining — reducing intestinal permeability and soothing inflammatory activity in the digestive tract that contributes to immune overactivation at the skin. It is often included in skin-focused herbal protocols because of this gut-skin connection.

The Role of the Liver in Skin Health

The liver plays a critical role in filtering the blood, processing hormones, and clearing inflammatory compounds. When the liver is overburdened, its capacity to clear inflammatory mediators is reduced — and this often manifests in the skin. Herbs that support liver function, including milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock, are frequently included alongside skin-specific herbs in protocols for eczema.

Dietary Considerations for Eczema

• Identifying and avoiding personal food triggers — common culprits include dairy, gluten, eggs, and soy, though triggers vary between individuals
• Prioritising omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, flaxseed, and walnuts to support the skin’s lipid barrier and reduce systemic inflammation
• Reducing refined sugar and processed foods, which promote inflammatory activity and disrupt gut flora
• Including probiotic-rich foods such as live yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut to support gut microbiome diversity
• Staying well hydrated to maintain skin moisture from within

A Note on Steroid Creams and Herbal Transition

A question that often arises is whether herbal support can be used as a transition away from steroid creams. Steroid creams should never be stopped abruptly without professional guidance, as topical steroid withdrawal can produce a significant rebound reaction. A qualified herbalist can work with you to gradually reduce dependence on topical steroids while building the internal support needed for the skin to maintain itself.

How Long Does Herbal Support Take to Work?

Chronic skin conditions like eczema typically require a longer timeframe. Meaningful improvement in skin health usually begins after six to eight weeks, with more significant changes emerging over three to six months of consistent herbal support and dietary adjustment. The skin regenerates on a cycle of approximately 28 days, so each cycle offers an opportunity for gradual improvement as the internal environment shifts.

Final Thoughts

Eczema is not simply a skin problem. It is a systemic condition rooted in immune dysregulation, gut imbalance, and compromised barrier function — and it deserves to be addressed at that level. Herbal support, when personalised and consistent, offers a way to work with the body’s own healing mechanisms to restore skin health from within.

If you would like to explore a personalised herbal approach to eczema, book a consultation with Anjela Jeganathan at Herba Naturalle, Croydon, Surrey. You can also explore the Barley Grass Plus and Berberis Plus formulations in the online shop.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health regimen.