Herbal Cures: Skin Rashes

Many home remedies can successfully treat skin rashes, commonly called eczema or dermatitis. The best have shown the ability to cleanse and soothe the skin and help reduce inflammation. Some even mimic antihistamines and can interfere with the spread of rashes caused by allergic reactions. Applied as cool washes or ointments, these remedies provide comfort and healing effects.

Herbal Remedies

Goldenseal To make an astringent wash, pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons powdered root. Let cool. Apply four times a day. After each application, sprinkle a little powdered root on the rash.

Calendula For a soothing wash, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 heaping teaspoon dried petals. Steep, then strain. Apply up to four times a day.

Witch hazel Make a nondistilled extract by soaking 1/2 cup leaves in 1 cup water for 24 hours. Add 2 tablespoons alcohol as a preservative. Or use a standardized commercial extract. Apply up to four times a day.

English walnut Put 5 teaspoons dried leaves of Juglans regia in 1 cup water, bring to a boil; strain and let cool. Apply to the skin up to four times a day. Or use one part black walnut extract (J. nigra) in a dilution with five parts water.