Role of Neem and Amla in Organic Skincare for Eczema

1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in the UK suffer from eczema. Characterised as a chronic disease, it affects so many in varying intensity. Widespread chemicals in skincare don't help this situation either. It is where Ayurveda demonstrates its thousands of years of insight into human skin and plant extracts. Among these, neem and amla play an exceptional role in natural eczema cream. Let's learn why. 

Understanding Eczema

Eczema affects individuals differently but has common characteristics, triggers and impacts. 

Definition: eczema is the collective term for a family of inflammatory skin conditions. There are 7 types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. 

Symptoms: the main characteristics of eczema are itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type. Infected eczema oozes and crusts. Inadequately treated patches of eczema become thickened and discoloured. It is more prevalent among children. Eczema is not contagious. It may run in the family.

Triggers: irritants include soaps, detergents, paraben, lanolin, ethanol, urea and chemical fragrances in skincare. Cold and dry weather, dry skin, stress, hormonal imbalances, dust mites, animals, pollen and moulds can also trigger eczema.

Impact on Daily Life: eczema reduces a person's quality of life. Sufferers experience discomfort, pain, disturbed sleep, disruption of activity, cosmetic concerns and feelings of self-consciousness.

Current Treatments: topical steroids, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, moisturisers, antihistamines and antibiotics are current treatments available for eczema. However, these aim to control symptoms and not the disease itself.

Benefits of Neem for Eczema

Since antiquity, the neem tree has been central to Ayurveda skin care. Used against infections and infestations, its leaves, flowers, fruit and bark contain various health benefits. It is known as the 'universal healer of all ailments' and nature's chemist. 

Neem leaves as a paste, oil and infused into natural eczema cream have proven benefits for eczema relief. Neem leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties, all reinforcing the skin's natural ability to heal itself. It also offers powerful hydration while stimulating collagen formation.

Neem Oil vs Neem Leaves

The virtues of neem are best harnessed as a paste or boiled. However, if you have dry skin plus a damaged moisture barrier, neem oil helps add extra emollients. The oil offers more versatility in quick and on-the-go skincare.

Benefits of Amla for Eczema

Amla, or Indian Gooseberry, is one of the components of Triphala, a tridoshic rasayana (an herbal formulation suited to all three doshas) in Ayurveda. The Amla tree is sacred to Hindus and has several origin stories. One in which it sprouts from spilt drops of Amrit (elixir of immortality) during the war between Gods and Demons. 

This vitamin C-rich miracle berry packs a punch with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains anti-bacterial compounds. Amla scientifically demonstrates effectiveness in treating eczema and its symptoms. Amla also nurtures, brightens & improves skin texture, aids cell regeneration and strengthens skin metabolism.

Internal vs Topical Use

Amla is a delicious drink that cools and rejuvenates the body. Its antioxidant properties help eliminate ama (toxins), a cause of eczema in Ayurveda. You can also have it in Triphala. Topical application of amla in a natural eczema cream offers skin essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and healing properties.

How to Use Neem and Amla for Eczema Relief

DIY Neem Recipes

Face mask - combine organic neem powder with rose water, coconut oil or honey. Add a teaspoon of turmeric for glow and more anti-inflammatory goodness. Apply and let it sit till dry. Rinse off with water, massaging the skin in a circular motion.

Neem oil bath soak - add some neem oil into your bath when doing a soak. Enrich the infusion with herbal bath powder. 

Neem lotion - add neem oil to shea butter, kokum butter, or aloe vera, and you have neem-infused lotion.

DIY Amla Recipes

Face mask - mix amla powder with aloe or honey. Apply and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse and feel the difference.

Amla and yoghurt pack - whip up amla powder, turmeric powder, yoghurt and honey. Apply to face. Leave it on to fully dry and wash off with cold water.

Amla oil for eczema scalp - pure amla oil reduces inflammation, bacterial growth and fungus. Amla juice mixed with warmed-up almond oil induces hair growth for eczema hair loss. Amla juice mixed with yoghurt is a great hair mask for a flaky scalp.

Authentic Ayurveda skincare products

Chaveda Extreme Moisturiser contains a polyherbal formulation with amla, neem and 18 other herbs. Chaveda Centella Face Cream infused with amla hydrates and enriches the skin.

Daily routine tips to manage eczema

• Hydrate internally and externally. Pay extra attention to the skin during cold, dry months. 

• Avoid using harsh chemicals on the skin. Use natural and mild ingredients whenever possible. 

• Use a dosha-balancing oil or herbal powder to cleanse instead of soap. 

• Apply aloe vera as a toner. 

• Drink liquorice tea, kokum sherbet, amla sherbet and Triphala. 

• Use turmeric in dishes and drinks.

• Stick to a dosha-balancing diet and avoid 'heaty' and overly sour foods.

• Choose natural fibres and materials for clothing and footwear. 

• Manage stress to achieve inner calm. 

Treating Eczema with Ayurveda Skincare