Seven natural, effective eczema treatments: these work!

If you suffer from eczema, you've probably spent a lot of time and money on doctor's visits and expensive medications without results. Here we've got seven natural, old-time eczema treatments that don't cost an arm and a leg and are quite effective.

1.1.Echinacea is an herb best known as a cold preventative, blood cleanser and immune system booster. However, a little known benefit of Echinacea is that even long-standing cases of eczema respond well to Echinacea tablets (available at health food stores) within several days.

2.Amaranth tea is another effective eczema treatment. Here's the formula: you'll need two teaspoons of amaranth seeds and, if available, 1 teaspoon of amaranth leaves. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, add the amaranth seeds and simmer for five minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and add the leaves. Steep for 30 minutes. (If you can't find the leaves, don't worry it's not essential, but does increase the effectiveness.) When cool, use as a wash, twice daily.

3.Here's another natural eczema treatment which, while being a bit unusual, is highly effective. For each treatment, combine one tablespoon of peeled, raw, grated potato with 2/3 teaspoon of uncooked, granulated quick-cooking tapioca. Add just enough water to make a thick, sticky paste. Spread the paste on several layers of gauze and fasten to the affected area with medical adhesive tape. Change every day, repeating until relief is obtained.

4.Watercress tea for an eczema treatment? You bet! Thoroughly wash 1 large bunch of watercress and place in a stainless steel saucepan, with just sufficient water to cover the greens. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, simmering slowly until the watercress is quite tender. Strain the cress well, through a few layers of cheesecloth and refrigerate. Bathe the affected area(s) a few times each day, with a piece of soft cloth. For comfort's sake, a soft linen works best.

5.Would you believe that horseradish root can treat eczema? Yes, indeed and quite effectively. Grate a 3-4 inch piece of fresh horseradish root, put it into a glass bottle and cover with apple cider vinegar. Set the covered jar on a sunny window ledge for 10 days. Strain the horseradish root out and refrigerate the remaining liquid. For each application, dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water and apply daily.

6. Some cases of eczema respond well to warm water combined with a couple of teaspoons of blackstrap molasses. Soak the affected area frequently in this bath each day. In addition to the soaking, take a teaspoon of molasses by mouth, several times a day. Note that diabetics should not use this treatment!

7. Our last natural eczema treatment is for dry eczema only, as it will make weeping eczema worse! Take 1 capsule of propolis twice daily, for 3-4 days, then follow up with one application of the propolis cream daily, until the eczema is relieved. (Propolis capsules and cream are available at health food stores.) Note that about 1 in every 2,000 persons have an allergic reaction to propolis. Should you develop a rash, discontinue use. The rash will disappear upon discontinuing the propolis.

You'll surely agree that eczema is no fun! One of these natural eczema treatments will work well for you and you'll save time and money, too!