Eczema Escape: 5 Nurturing Homemade Creams for Calming Troubled Skin

Recipes for 5 nourishing homemade creams

1. Calendula and Coconut Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)
• 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis)
• 1/2 cup beeswax

Preparation:

1. Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat.
2.  Add the dried calendula flowers and allow them to infuse in the oil for 2 hours.
3.  Strain the oil through a cheesecloth, discarding the flowers. 
4. Return the infused oil to the double boiler and add the beeswax.
5.  Melt the beeswax, stirring until fully combined.
6.  Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool completely.
7.  Apply a thin layer of the cream to affected areas twice daily.

2. Aloe Vera and Shea Butter Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis miller)
• 1/2 cup shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
• 2 tbsp jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Preparation:

1. Combine the aloe vera gel and shea butter in a blender, blending until smooth.
2.  Add the jojoba oil and lavender essential oil, and blend again until fully incorporated.
3.  Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. 
4. Apply a small amount of the cream to affected areas twice daily.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

3. Chamomile and Oat Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats (Avena sativa)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla)
• 1/2 cup shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)

Preparation:

1. Grind the oats into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. 
2. Boil the water, then remove from heat and add the chamomile flowers.
3.  Allow the flowers to steep for 15 minutes, then strain the liquid through a cheesecloth, discarding the flowers.
4.  In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until fully combined.
5.  Add the oat powder and chamomile-infused water, stirring until smooth.
6.  Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and allow it to cool completely.
7.  Apply a thin layer of the cream to affected areas twice daily.

4. Green Tea and Zinc Oxide Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green tea (Camellia sinensis) infused oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder
• 1/4 cup shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)

Preparation:

1. In a double boiler, melt the green tea-infused oil, beeswax, she a butter, and coconut oil, stirring until fully combined.
2.  Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3.  Slowly add the zinc oxide powder, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
4.  Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to a glass jar and allow it to cool completely.
5.  Apply a thin layer of the cream to affected areas twice daily. 
6. The zinc oxide in this cream offers a natural sunblock function, providing protection from harmful UV rays.

Photo by Lucio Patone on Unsplash

5.Licorice Root and Olive Oil Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup olive oil (Olea europaea)
• 1/4 cup licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 1/4 cup shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

Preparation:

1. In a double boiler, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2.  Add the licorice root and allow it to infuse in the oil for 2 hours.
3.  Strain the oil through a cheesecloth, discarding the licorice root. 
4. Return the infused oil to the double boiler, and add the beeswax and shea butter.
5.  Melt the mixture, stirring until fully combined.
6.  Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool completely. 
7. Apply a thin layer of the cream to affected areas twice daily.

Anticancer Properties

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been studied for its potential anticancer properties. While the main focus of this cream is to soothe eczema symptoms, the green tea infusion may provide additional benefits by contributing to overall skin health. However, it's important to note that these findings are preliminary, and more research is needed to fully understand green tea's potential anticancer effects.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use these creams on my face?

A: Yes, these creams are suitable for facial use. However, always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions before applying to your face.

Q: How long do these creams last?

A: Homemade creams typically last for 3-6 months when stored in a cool, dark place. If you notice any change in the cream's texture or smell, it's best to discard it.

Q:  Can I use essential oils in place of some of the ingredients?

A: Essential oils can provide additional therapeutic benefits to your creams. However, they should be used with caution and in appropriate dilution ratios. Consult a certified aromatherapist for guidance on essential oil usage and safety.

Q:  Are these creams safe for children and babies?

A: While many of the ingredients in these creams are gentle and natural, it's important to consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist before using them on children or babies, as their skin may be more sensitive.

Q:  Can I use these creams if I have a nut allergy?

A: Some of these creams contain ingredients derived from nuts, such as shea butter and coconut oil. If you have a nut allergy, consult with your doctor or dermatologist for guidance on safe alternatives.