Your Stories - Herbal Treatments and Natural Remedies

Hope's Relief Cream helped my daughter - Charlotte, London, UK

My daughter suffers from eczema, and I have tried, as no doubt many other parents has, cream after cream, in hope they worked. I have finally found one which works. Hope's Relief cream has transformed her skin. Hope's is completely natural, has specific homeopathics and antibacterial manuka honey. Her skin flared up initially, as the homeopathic ingredients got to work, this is normal, but after 4 days, it settled again, and now,after 6 weeks, I just maintain her skin. It feels more supple and moist.
(July 2007) Contact Charlotte

I made my own product - Jennifer, Arizona, USA

I have an 11 month old baby who developed eczema on her face and torso. I hated to use prescription products, but it started to itch her so badly, she had scratches all over her. I tried Vaseline only, Aquaphor, Eucerin, all sorts of other OTC lotions/creams with no success. Reluctantly, I used low dose steroids while I researched other options. Taking into account everything I read, I couldn't find a product to buy that had all the ingredients I wanted, with no fragrance or preservatives. So, I bought all the ingredients, combined them, and within a week, she was completely better. If I don't use this lotion twice a day, her skin suffers. I combine raw unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, evening primrose oil, neem oil, emu oil, jojoba oil and hemp seed oil. In the evenings I put Eucerin cream over - the Eucerin is thicker, and helps my cream stay put. I just wanted to help those who want a natural remedy. I haven't had to use any steroid cream or anything other than this for over a month. (March 2007)


False Sense of Security with Chinese and Herbal Treatments - Clio, London

Hello, I have had atopic eczema since six months old. I previously asthma and hayfever which I have now grown out of. I would like to say to people do not be lulled into a false sense of security with Chinese or any other herbal medicine. Remember herbs are very potent and natural does not equal "safe" Also don't rule things such as steroids or Protopic as these can be very effective when used properly by someone who knows what they're doing. Any medicine is dangerous if misused. Whatever path you choose be it conventional or complementary, above all quality of life is paramount. (February 2006)

Cure of Severe Eczema - James, Cochin, India

I am an Ayurveda Vaidyan practicing herbal remedies in India and I belong to a family of this same stream for many generations. (Vaidyan means traditional Indian Ayurveda practitioner) I have attained from ancestors a wide knowledge to identify right kind of plants, formulation process, enrichment and application of resultant medicine. I usually spend many days and weeks in Southern Indian forests - Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary, Kodai Mountains and Chathuragiri Malai regarding collection of rare species of medicinal plants and intermittently coming back to Cochin where my Vaidyasala is. I successfully treat people having very severe eczema, terminal stage leukemia, case of acute bone-marrow infection (Osteomylitis) facing amputation, Sinusitis, extensive Gangrene, severe joint pain, Osteoarthritis and many more different afflictions.

During the period of intaking of these formulations one should adhere to certain strict dieterial restrictions. There are different formulations made by us in our vaidyasala (the place where vaidyan prepares formulations and treats patients who visit him) to be used by patient as per the directions given by Vaidyan. Curative rate for Eczema is almost 100%.

Now I am mailing this from Portland, Oregon, USA. I am in the US since the last week of September for a short visit. I came here at the invitation of some of my patients. Next week I will be in NY from 19th Oct. to 24th Oct., 2005. I will also stay in Campbell, CA for a few days. I would like to offer my services to all those who may benefit by these unique remedies.

While being here in America for a short while, I am very eager to meet people who are willing to associate with me in my venture to promote this unique remedial system of ancient India, known as Ayurveda and who can support in my effort to organize a herbal garden aiming to preserve rare species of medicinal plants seen only along the "Sahya Parvada" mountains (part of India’s "Western Gnats" in Southern region)and facing extinction. (October 2005) Contact James

Sea of Life Products have worked for me - Lea, Tel-Aviv, Israel

I am writing tell you how happy and relieved I am to have found the SEA OF LIFE products for my eczema...

By chance while on travel by plane, I read in the newspaper an advertisement concerning Sea of Life Products. Having tried dozens of creams, including cortisone, I couldn't believe the relief I got from the natural treatment with Mineral Butter, Aloe Vera Gel and Mud Cleansing Gel (following their advice!) - almost immediately I stopped scratching (which went on all day long) and I always had my legs bleeding...

For two months I use it each morning and my legs have healed - and I'm not trying to hide them!!! I can't speak highly enough of it and tell all the people who suffer of skin problems about - so you can go to see by yourself at www.qumeran.com and there to find your happiness you too...
(October 2005) Contact Lea

A natural flower remedy - Laura, Salisbury, UK

I have had eczema since I was a small child. It used to be very bad and red and raw. I got medication from the doctors which seemed to get rid of it after trying a range of products over the course of about 3 years. I am now 14 and have been getting it again all over my face which is awful because I wear makeup and it stops me from going to school because I don't want to be seen looking awful. Today my mum bought me a lotion which is all natural flower ingredients. It seems to be working very well if you would like to try this product go on www.barefoot-botanicals.com hope this is a help for you and I know how you feel but keep on going things could be worse. (September 2005) Contact Laura

Soothing Cream seems to work - Susan, Hertfordshire, UK

My daughter is 8 months and has recently developed fairly mild eczema. It appeared as thicker red patches on the backs of her arms to start with and now has spread, causing rough patches of skin on her back, shoulders and tummy too. I'm lucky at the moment because it doesn't seem to bother her. My friends baby had a much worse case of eczema and was recommended a natural cream, which I have now started using. This has almost totally cleared up my daughters skin in 2 days. It has worked for all the babies my friend knows. The cream is called Soothing Cream and contains Chamomile, Calendula, Yarrow, Arnica and Anti-Fungal Herb Extract. It can be purchased for £23.50 from The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has also used this cream so that I can find out whether it's likely this cream will continue to work.
(September 2005) Contact Susan

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil! - Rachel, Frederick, USA

Nothing works like it. For people with chronic psoriasis and eczema, consistent application will heal and rejuvenate the skin unlike any cream and steroid use can be prevented totally. It works, it works, it works. It is a simple and God given remedy. Cradle cap disappears in a weeks time. (September 2005) Contact Rachel

Goats Milk Cream Works for my daughter - Sharon, Swindon, UK

My daughter is 14 months old and has suffered from eczema from the age of 8 months. It has been 6 months of pain and stress for my poor baby. My tip is Goats Milk Cream, we have tried numerous emollients which don't even touch it and steroid creams which worry me using long term. I apply the cream to her skin 2 to 3 times a day and it is the only thing that keeps the eczema at bay. We have seen a dermatologist and are waiting for any news on whether it is caused by an intolerance/allergy but in the mean time this is working for us. (August 2005) Contact Sharon

Flaxseed Oil was the culprit! - Jan, Wesley Chapel, USA

I have been battling full-body eczema for 4+ years. In that time I succumbed to 200+ PUVA treatments, medications, and topical ointments, only achieving mediocre results. Last year I was tested for food allergies, which identified 9 reactive foods, dairy being the worst. Seven months ago I eliminated these foods from my diet, and even though I started seeing some clearing 2 weeks into my new diet changes, I suffered a severe herxheimer reaction. My whole body exploded with new eczema, I had constant chills, then sweats, canker sores, pink eye, severe depression and a chest cold that ultimately lasted 32 days. With the grace of God, I survived this ordeal. Seven months into my diet changes, my skin became increasingly worse and I couldn't understand why. And then I realized I had doubled-up on the amount of flaxseed oil I was taking for the past 4 weeks. I apparently have an allergy to flaxseed oil! And that's suppose to be good for people with eczema, right? NOT for me! I immediately stopped the flax oil and within 2 weeks my skin completely cleared. Something else I discovered while I spent a week down in the Virgin Islands is the "salt" water, the "salt" water will heal all the damage you do to your skin by scratching. I hope my experience will help a fellow sufferer. This is the first time in over 4 years that my skin is almost 100% clear, and most of that insane itching is gone. (June 2005) Contact Jan

Suave's Natural Oatmeal Bodywash - Jackie, Pasadena, USA

My 23 month old son has had severe eczema since he was 3 months old. When I recognized how serious his eczema was I took him to a dermatologist. I was told by the dermotologist that my son had the worst eczema she had seen in 10 years. She said that if my son wasn't african american his skin would literally be bright red everywhere. She recommended using vaseline, which my husband and I were already using, along with aveeno body wash, and a steroid medication, triamcinilone. She advised us to start using Elidel during the week once the eczema began to heal. We used this method for over a year and his eczema continued to come back once we stopped using the triamcinilone. I recently started buying Suave's Natural Oatmeal bodywash and to my surprise it has restored the moisture in my son's skin, he doesn't scratch anymore, and I very rarely have to apply any medication to his eczema patches. I searched for remedies on various websites and I know the frustration and pain that comes along with having a child with eczema. I highly recommend this product for adults and children with any type of skin conditions.
(April 2005) Contact Jackie

Porridge Oats in the Bath & Ready Brek for Breakfast! - Deborah, Grays, UK

My baby had eczema all over his face. It was infected several times. He spent 6 months on antibiotics. Numerous amounts of cream. He looked like his face had been burnt. He was stared at and odd questions were asked. He scratched so much he would make himself bleed. He is now under the hospital after kicking up a fuss. I treat him with Liquid Puriton twice a day/now only once before bed. Treimovate cream twice a day. I changed washing powder from Ariel to Fairy and I only wash the carpet with fairy washing up liquid. We have no nylon bedding or clothes/sleeping bags for the family and no fluffy blankets or clothes. I have to wash new clothes before wearing them as they irritate the skin. I mustn't let him get too hot. He can't eat cheese. I use Dermol 500 and 600 for moisturising. One in the bath every other day and wash with the other 2/3 times a week all over. The breakthrough however was porridge oats in the bath water every other day. I'm also feeding him Ready Brek for breakfast. Now I can see his face and what he looks like. He is now 18 months old and we are looking forward to taking some really nice photos of him, as we missed out on a lot of the early photos. He is much happier and the blood stained washing is no more than a tiny spot now and then. He is one beautiful little boy and we love him very much.
(March 2005) Contact Deborah

Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion - Sandra, St Helier, Jersey

I had follicular eczema for 3 years. None of the many creams I tried made much of a difference. I think I must have bought every moisturiser ever made. My doctor perscribed different creams every few weeks! Two years ago I tried Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion & within 6 days my skin was clear, & has been since! I have used it ever since, it smells lovely & is really light & non greasy! It also cleared up any flare ups my daughter has had, although ironically it brings my son out in a rash!
(March 2005) Contact Sandra

Mangosteen juice worked for us! - Jude, Australia

At 3 months of age one of our twins (Thomas) started to develop what we thought was cradle cap - he was mainly bottle feeding & part time breast feeding. Gradually his skin had worsened and we did some investigation to find out he had atopic eczema, we made appointments with a dermatologist who suggested putting a prescribed ointment (aqueous) & bathing in qv oil or similar. This did not appear to help whatsoever, we returned to the dermatologist to find out we were doing all we could and were told he would eventually grow out of his condition.

His condition was worsening all the time to the point where his arms & legs were weeping, excessive itching prevented him from sleeping for more than 3 hours at a time, his body was hot compared to the other twin who showed no problems at all & he would drink nearly twice as much than normal, we mainly treated his skin with all of the creams, ointments & oils we could find out about - I can supply if you would like !!! We found bathing him twice a day in a QV bath oil, helped with itching the best, and found pawpaw cream the best to keep his skin moisturised.

We found his eczema would vary the most by what type of milk we gave him, ie... S26 formula, rice milk, goats milk, oat milk, HA low allergy formula & soy formula. His eczema would be quite severe with some of these milks, but soy had the most easing result.

We finally were able to assume he might have allergies with his oral intake, so we found an eczema specialist in Melbourne & arranged an appointment. But we had to wait 5 weeks, so we continued to find a remedy, we found 2 things that helped the most "a plant called prairie sage boiled and put in his bath" began healing his skin, but then went back to where we started. The other was a juice derived from a fruit called mangosteen, which a friend of mine had good results treating her child's eczema so we began using, by giving 30 ml. per day in his milk, results were amazing within 1 week his eczema had improved 30 % , the weeping stopped, his itching reduced & he started to sleep through the night, we had our appointment with the eczema specialist, Thomas had a prick test to find out he had allergies to "egg, peanuts & soy " so we have since changed his formula to a prescribed low allergy one, a cream to apply to the weeping skin areas called "advantin" fatty ointment, up to today his skin continues to improve. We cannot recommend this juice more highly & wish to let people know how to help their children with this horrible disease. (March 2005) Contact Jude

Oilatum Natural Repair Cream - Gail, UK

I have discovered this cream after months of trying prescribed ointments, etc, which had little effect on my 10 year old daughter's facial eczema. She developed this last October for no apparent reason and it was severe at times. It has a fairly short list of ingredients and seems to contain no alcohol. I am not a chemist, but the ingredients list appear to be natural. You can buy this over the counter at Boots for about £7+. After a few weeks constant use, my daughter's facial eczema has disappeared. I don't know if the cream has done this or if she is just lucky. It did not sting as much as other creams (including Simple moisturers).

I thought I should let you know about this as another moisturing possibility for sufferers. I spent a lot of time surfing eczema sites and trying various products until I discovered this on the shelves at Boots. I am aware how desperate sufferers/parents can become looking for relief. (March 2005) Contact Gail

Allergenics - Pamela, Lisburn, N Ireland

My daughter suffers from really bad eczema. I have had all sorts prescribed by the doctor for which I have to add does not really work. I heard about this natural product called allergenics. It's fantastic, my daughter does not have any eczema on her body for the first time in 5 months. It comes in an ointment and body lotion and I also think bath products. I will now be asking my GP if this will be available to me on prescription. (January 2005) Contact Pamela

Honey and Propolis Cream is "Magic Cream" - Julie, Gillingham, UK

I have a 7 year old who has suffered with eczema since birth and when less than three months old was prescribed steroids. I did use them as I didn't know better. I was given a pot of Honey and Propolis cream by a friend who had used it on her own child with great results. I did use the cream and it did indeed have a positive effect on my son's eczema. So much so that he calls it magic cream! It is made by Honeycomb Cosmetics they make it by hand and the best thing is that it contains no steroids so it is safe to use on babies and as often as required. Since the summer before last my son has been almost free of eczema apart from the old patch which gets treated with this cream. The web address for this fabulous company is www.honeycombcosmetics.com and the freephone number 0800 0430807 They also do a range of other great skincare products which are just as good. (January 2005) Contact Julie

EcDermaid Herbal Remedy - Debbie, Stockton, USA

Have had eczema my entire life, also asthma, and hayfever. I'm told they are linked somehow? Anyway I am getting ready to try another herbal remedy, it's called EcDermaid, an ancient Chinese herbal secret capsules and spray. The theory is to detoxify my body and use the spray for the itch. It is expensive around $70.00 for a two week supply. Has anyone tried this with success? (October 2004) Contact Debbie

Reiki - Graham, Huddersfield, UK

My mother recently had a huge (and revelatory!) experience with Reiki and I've just been sending an email to as many people on here I thought it might help when I realised it might make more sense to send it here instead!

Basically, she had horrendous eczema as long as I've known her (all my life, funnily enough!). Skin like leather and when it got really dry cracking until it looked like a desert riverbed, but one that bled a lot. She went to GPs, specialists and later on herbalists and Chinese practitioners, most of which aggravated the problem as opposed to helping.

Living a much less-stressed life now me and my bro have left home and getting plenty of exercise and holidays in nice places, she doesn't drink at all, doesn't smoke, cooks all her own food from fresh ingredients. As things got worse she was being prescribed immunosuppressant pills and antibiotics but no effect at all.

Eventually a friend persuaded her to visit a Reiki practitioner (spiritual healing, energy and all that). She is not inclined to this sort of thinking at all and thought of it along the lines of 'why not, I've tried everything else' but being firmly skeptical all the time. After just four weekly sessions all her skin literally fell off (she was changing clothes two or three times a day) and is now (2 months later) left with baby-smooth skin and no sign of recurrence (sickening, eh?).

I am now visiting the same lady as I have all-over atopic eczema which is exceedingly bad due to stress at work. No results as yet, although my mother did note that she saw absolutely no change until after the last session.

I hope a few people try out this treatment and indeed hope it can help us all understand this bizarre existence a bit more - it's totally opened our eyes to the possibility that life isn't just everything we can touch, see, hear, etc. Seeing is believing and I've never seen anything like this before, especially given my understanding of the problems she was facing. And I also hope it can help cure a few people as it is definitely a problem with us internally, which it seems can be fixed. Totally bizarre experience all round...

May the force be with you!! (September 2004)

My own recipe - Christin, USA

I am a naturopath and I have come up with a "concoction" that has helped me with my eczema battle immensely, it has also helped heal my husbands scar from a major surgery.

I combine in a microwavable plastic container two parts vegetable shortening (like Crisco) one part Unrefined shea butter(must be unrefined for the best benefit, the refining process strips out many of the nutrients) one part hemp seed oil, a few drops of tea tree essential oil and a few drops lavender essential oil. Vitamin e oil (2 capsules broken open or oil)

melt the shortening in a double boiler, add the shea butter, hemp seed oil, and stir until the shea is melted. As the oil mixture begins to cool, add your essential oils and the vitamin e oil. Mix well. Allow to cool. Cover and store for up to a week. This does feel a bit greasy when you apply it. I usually warm this a bit and apply it immediately after showering and towel drying. Once applied I go to bed and the next day my skin is so much softer and clearer. The Lavender will also help relax you as you use this which makes it a lovely bedtime ritual as well. (The lavender will also mask the smell of the tea tree and unrefined shea(which can be kind of strong) you can also add a little rosemary if you like.

Hemp seed oil and Unrefined shea butter are both very naturally healing to the skin. I have never found a commercial product that works like pure shea and hemp seed oil. They are a bit pricey to purchase, but worth it as a little bit goes a long way. The Tea Tree oil is very potent, but acts as an anti-fungal germicidal type ingredient. It also has healing properties and is used to treat minor cuts/scrapes etc. The Vitamin E is essential for skin health and also acts as an all-natural preservative to give the mixture a bit of a shelf life. (March 2004)

Vinegar with meals - K Phelps, Grand Rapids, USA

I developed eczema as an adult. I SUFFERED for 4 years with the blisters, cracking, bleeding, oozing and not to mention the ITCHING! It was on my hands and feet. Wearing shoes was unbearable. I would have liked to take a belt sander to my feet. I tried at least 6 prescriptions and probably 30 old wives tales. I tried it all. I had told my aunt and she mentioned it to the owner of a health store. He copied a page for me and it said that a tablespoon of vinegar with meals would help digest the food. Being desperate for a solution I wanted to try this, but I could not stand the vinegar idea. I looked it up and found there were digestive enzymes out there. I ordered betaine hydrochloride. I used it for 3 weeks and new signs of eczema were gone. The itching stopped within one week. 1 month later no signs of eczema existed. I am no doctor, I can only say this worked for me. I don't know of any side effects. Check with a health professional if concerned. Good Luck!! (March 2004)

Ayurvedic medecine - Valerie, London, UK

Having suffered since the age of 13 with chronic eczema, I, like thousands of other sufferers, have tried every possible treatment under the sun with little or no positive long term effects. Only last year, my Mum was given a contact name of a doctor of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine originated in India thousands of years ago and is practiced all over the world. After only a few months I have improved 60%. And if you had seen the state of my skin (all over my body) you would be amazed at the result. Treatment time varies from individual. I strongly advise anyone who suffers or knows of sufferers to look this up on the Internet and try to find a doctor who practices near you. They are all over the country. Like Homeopathy, it will get worse before it gets better. There was a point during treatment where the pain was unbearable but I had gone through 10 years of a chronic skin condition that I knew mentally that I can get through this, and I did. I have been off Cortisoids for nearly a year, using nothing on my skin but Vaseline, which to me is a miracle. I hope that whoever reads this will take it seriously and spread the word. It will work and that is a guarantee.
(March 2004)

Evening Primrose Oil - John, Brisbane, Australia

I have suffered from eczema all my life (27 years). These days I mainly get outbreaks in inner elbows, armpits, back of knees, ankles and back of neck.

I have been to a few doctors and they always given you a steroid based cream which looses it effectiveness over time and only works once you have an outbreak. I really was looking for a cure. I found it in Evening Primrose Oil tablets. I take 1 or 2 each day and it keeps my skin oily and therefore the eczema was not become itchy. I still occasionally get outbreaks so I cut a tablet open and squeeze the EPO straight onto the area. Clears it up overnight. Flare ups are caused by stress, cleaners, grass. My eczema no longer rules my life. (September 03)

Elena's Nature Collection Creams - Helen, Co Durham, UK

Thank you so much for your information on your web page regarding
Elena's Natural Collection. My 3 year old daughter, Rebecca, has suffered terribly from severe eczema on her hands and the only thing that would work was the dreaded steroid cream, until now that is. After sending an email to Elena describing her hands, the next morning arrived a free sample of her soap and cream for me to try. The results that day were amazing. I then ordered the Trinity Triangle regime as recommended and the results are truly outstanding. After having to use steroids at least twice a week to control the eczema I haven't needed to use it since starting the creams etc. In fact Rebecca's hands are as soft and smooth as a baby's bottom and there's no indication that she even had a problem. Amazing. Elena and her assistant Annie were available to talk to and to give very sound and caring advice over the telephone. I was even going to purchase more products initially but was told by her not to as the Trinity Triangle would be sufficient. This proves that her primary concern is to stop the problem rather than taking money from you unnecessarily. She really is amazing. Thank you for listing Elena in your last newsletter. I hope others have contacted her too and have found the 'magic creams' have worked for them too. (August 03)

Borage Oil - Shirley, Lyman, USA

I just wanted to tell someone my suggestion. It WORKS me. I have been to many doctors and have been given all kinds of Prescriptions and none of them worked for me. I found on the Internet the use of Borage oil. I break open the gels and apply the oil directly to my scalp and leave it on for at least 1/2 hr. Sometimes I have to put it on 2 times a week. I have found a remarkable difference doing this. You have nothing to loose, it has no side effects, not with me. (August 2003)

Herbal products helped - Steve, Cardiff, UK

My little boy of eight has suffered with eczema for the last 2 years or so, and it seemed to be getting progressively worse. We came across a supplier of herbal products through a friend of ours, who has been extremely helpful. Rather dubiously, we tried a herbal supplement specifically for children, and changed the bathroom regime. We were quite shocked to learn that many bathroom products contain some quite nasty ingredients that can have long term effects not only on the skin but also on eye tissue. It was a real education. Now we use SLS free products in the bathroom. Needless to say, our little one has seen an 80% improvement since we made the changes, with nobody more surprised than my skeptic self. (July 03)

Hemp Oil helped my son's eczema - Lisa, Fareham, UK

My son who is now 8 months old, has had severe wet eczema since 6 weeks old. I have tried absolutely everything on him to try and help, and tried excluding things from his diet etc, all with no benefits. We had been wet wrapping him which was helping but by no means clearing it. I then read up about hemp oil and its benefits and brought some hemp body butter to try on him. I tried it in patches to begin with, and within two weeks his body had cleared. I couldn't believe it. He had it head to toe, even on his eye lids. His face still suffers a little bit and he gets a few patches on his body but we haven't had to wet wrap him for over a month and his skin is just fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I also get discoid eczema myself, and its been marvelous for me too. I can't tell you how wonderful it is. (January 2003)

The natural way worked for me - Vicki, Cumbria, UK

Since I was 3 or 4 I have had eczema behind my ears, on my face, sometimes on my scalp, behind my knees and on my elbows. I was prescribed E45 cream and was to put it on the affected areas at least twice a day. We soon returned to the doctors proving that no difference had been made and so was prescribed a stronger cream: Hydrocortisone. This tended to work behind my ears but not anywhere else. Nothing in my diet seemed to be causing it and swimming didn't affect it either. I became a vegetarian at 9 and the eczema on my knees and elbows went. When I turned 10 I became quite self-conscious about it, and it didn't help being constantly told I had 'Dandruff' because I knew it looked like it but it wasn't. In my first year at senior school my face became red and blotchy with eczema which looked like I had scales. People asked me If I had had a nosebleed and I just told them to go away. This on my face really got to me and hydrocortisone didn't work neither did E45. My local doctors and healthshops couldn't give me anything for it. Last summer I went on holiday to Holland. I swim a lot on holidays, this made my skin crack and it was sore to move my face or touch it. It was hurting me so much my mum had to take me to a chemist. As soon as I showed her it she knew just what it was and gave me a cream, she said all the ingredients were natural and organic. Within 2 weeks my eczema had healed and was normal. Yippee.The natural way works best and my eczema on my face is gone for good. This website is really great and I wish I had looked at this long ago. It will hopefully help many people with skin conditions like mine. My advice: Stay strong no matter what and keep looking for cures. (October 02)

Themba herbal cream - Michele, Perth, Australia

Cream that I have found to be very effective is THEMBA herbal balm....a natural product from an African plant. Many friends and others have had amazing success in the past year. Available in the UK and NZ, and they will post to Australia. Company is called The Little Herbal Company. Definitely worth a try. (July 2002)

Herbal remedy, food and intolerance - Rosie, Toronto, Canada

I have a beautiful 22 month old daughter, she is incredible and she teaches me a lot about life. When she was about 3 months she had blotchy skin but nothing too bad then my doctor told me to start feeding her some pablum and veggies. I later found out that it's way too soon to feed solid at that age. Well this combined with the fact that I also received a prescription for her thrush on her tongue just made her eczema explode. She has never really been able to overcome it. I have tried everything, homeopathy, naturopathy and I can say that now I have finally found an herbalist that knows what he's talking about. He made me understand that a lot of diseases especially eczema are caused primarily by emotional upset. And some cases can simply be treated with a good quality acidophilus, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acid like flax or hemp seed oil, and an antifungal like grapefruit seed extract to kill any candida you may have in your intestinal tract. My herbalist explained how the energy in our body can transform our health, I knew that this existed but you never really quite believe it until it happens to you. I wonder if it rings true for anyone else who has their child living with eczema. Part of my daughter's therapy is to be calm and not nervous and to live a "simple life". He recommended that she eat foods that will balance her body or ("chi"). The Chinese believe that rice, especially organic brown and wild rice can do this. I make a big pot full of rice and black beans. I soak the wild rice and black beans overnight and the next day it cooks for about 1 hour and a half. It must be soft and mushy. This is the staple of her diet and she is now gaining weight beautifully and has better sleep. She is taking 3 different herbal remedies and she is so much more calm than she used to be. Most importantly her eczema has overall dramatically improved and will still have good and bad days until her system is completely healed. Anything that is worth something, takes time. If you're patient and calm all good things will come. Most important keep your life and heart and soul very happy. This is the most important step to good health. No actually GREAT HEALTH!!!!!!!! All the best. (March 2002)

Wau Wau cream con - Hiren, London, UK

Hi, just responding to a message that was written by a gentleman called Malcom regarding wau WA cream. I too have tried this cream being fooled into thinking it's a herbal remedy. I can say that this cream is available through some people in Peckham Market. If anyone who has legitamate power, please investigate. When I stopped this cream, the eczema returned ten fold. I am finding it difficult to write this as my hands are covered for the first time with this disease and I find it difficult to move. I hope someone can investigate and bring an end to this con. (March 2002)

Wau Wau cream is a con - Malcom, London, UK

Hi I would like to inform you that I had an eczema cream for my son. Its name is 'Wau WA The sellers of this cream are selling it and saying that it is herbal but actually it is not herbal. There is hydrocortisone medicine mixed in it. These people are fraudsters. I want to inform all talkeczema members about it and if they find anyone selling it they should report them to the Medical Control Agency, Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQ. (January 2002)

Beware! Wau WA cream contains cortisone!- Martin, North Somerset, UK

My 6 year old daughter has suffered badly with eczema from birth. We have tried traditional medicines (emollients, hydrocortisone creams and wet wrapping) through our GP and through referral to a dermatologist. We have also been referred to a Homeopathic consultant who has prescribed any number of homeopathic remedies. Unfortunately neither of these approaches have made much impression. However, about 6 months ago, like Jackie (letter in "Herbal" treatments) we were advised by a friend to try Wau Wau cream with Alata soap. Within two days the improvement in my daughter's skin condition was clearly visible, and within 2 week all that was left was scaring. At last, we had found the miracle cure... or so we thought. Once the eczema had cleared we found that we only needed to apply the cream a few times a week to keep it under control. However, we were troubled that we didn't know more about this "magic" cream so we started to make enquiries. To cut a long story short, after some investigation by or GP and our Homeopath (who were both initially very excited that we had found a cure) we were told that the cream contains a high level of cortisone and that we should not continue to use it. Alas, now we are back to square one with my daughters skin. (October 2001)

Not all alternative treatments work - Carla, Norfolk, UK

I am 34 and have always had really bad eczema - some patches are years old. It improves in warm countries and when I wear few clothes, it gets worse in winter. I have four children and during 3 of the 4 pregnancies I got a lot better - during the last I was worse. I eat a wheat and yeast free diet - which has helped and is now so routine it is not a problem. I take 1000mg of Starflower oil each day and this helps quite a bit. I can only briefly shower every other day. I live a full life, we travel a lot and I do not let this affect me anymore. I wear T-shirts and shorts now and if people stare I explain that I have eczema and that it's painful and a bit embarrassing but that I'm still me and I understand why they are looking. I have used every prescribed cream/drug possible - I decided a year ago to cut out steroids gradually and have only very recently been able to stop using them - they have severely reduced my skin's capacity to heal but it is important to recognise that they gave me respite when I was feeling so dreadful and worried about being seen in such a mess. At times I could hardly walk when the blisters which appear on the soles of my feet got bad. I recently bought some cream which was heavily marketed/recommended in a major national Sunday newspaper. It cost £30 for 100ml and after I had no reaction to a patch test, I used it for two days. It BURNT my skin badly and when I looked into the ingredients I saw it contained synthetic preservatives which are possibly irritant - it was also highly perfumed. One would think after all these years of trying different 'cures' I would have got wise and insisted on samples first but 'the desperate clutch at straws.' The moral here is never buy anything if the company does not OFFER to send out a sample first and always check the ingredients carefully before 'splashing it on all over'. Yesterday I sent a letter to the London HQ of this company to ask for a refund - we shall see. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who purchased the featured cream, all those of you out there know who you are (mail me).

Two weeks ago I contacted Elena at Elena's Collection and she sent me some samples to patch test and try out. After I had a positive reaction, I bought some. I am just trying 3 months of Elena's Trinity wash, body oil and creams which have been tested and used for 14 years now. I'm not making any recommendations here but after 3 days my skin is healing and not itching so much. Recently I have been staying awake until I know I can drop then taking Piriton to help me stop itching and sleep. Last night I slept without taking it for the first time in ages after using the cream. Today some of the sores which have just not healed for years are closing up a bit. I have been despairing and embarrassed for so long I have desperately bought anything that promised to help and wasted probably thousands of pounds on alternative treatments - most things did nothing much except relax me a bit (which does help my skin) and leave me poorer. As I said no recommendations yet - I'm trying 3 months first and keeping a diary - I will be back. (October 2001)

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Last update: 9 July 2007