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Recipe for an all-natural cream for irritated skin.
Skin conditions of any sort can be uncomfortable, but Eczema and Psoriasis are probably two of the most common and irritating. Both are genetic auto-immune skin conditions that result in flaky, inflamed skin that can itch terribly and leave you feeling helpless and even embarrassed. If you or someone close to you suffers from one of them then you’ll know just how much it can affect a person’s life.
Outbreaks are often red and swollen and can appear on any part of your body, from your hands to your knees to your face. While affected skin can often appear unsightly, it’s the pain and tenderness that can affect people’s lives for the worse.
There is no cure for Eczema or Psoriasis
Treatment of both is limited to simply controlling the severity of the outbreaks and soothing the symptoms. Keeping the skin clean and moisturised is the usual remedy however some of the prescribed medications and products can be harsh. One of these is the use of mineral oil and petroleum jelly on the skin. Both are by-products of petroleum (gas and petrol) production and while they do help the skin stay moist they clog the pores and prevent air from reaching your skin.
The other treatment which is more specifically for Psoriasis involves sitting in a bath with essence of coal tar which is literally the by-product coal being turned into coke. A close family member of mine has Psoriasis and I can still remember the smell of these baths – it’s similar to the
This cream could be used alongside other treatments but please speak to your dermatologist to get the go ahead first.
Neem oil comes from the Neem tree, which is native to India and Pakistan
Extracted from the fruits and seeds of the Neem tree, Neem oil is a thick red or green oil which is not only highly moisturising but is naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and can provide external relief from pain and itchiness.
Though its smell can be quite strong its medicinal qualities are impressive and it’s relatively safe to use as a self-prescribed treatment. In fact the Indian culture has been using Neem oil for thousands of years for anything from skin diseases and inflammation to fevers and insecticide.
Handmade Neem Balm*
Makes one 130g pot. Alternatively, you can purchase this similar product that I make myself.
40g /1.41oz Shea Butter
30g /1.06oz Cocoa Butter
20g /0.70oz Castor oil
30g /1oz Sweet Almond oil (alternative: Grapeseed or Sunflower oil)**
10g* /0.35oz*** Neem oil
1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
5-10 drops of Lavender essential oil (optional)
1. Place the Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Castor oil, and Sweet Almond oil into a double-boiler. You can also place them in a metal or glass bowl which can be floated in a pan of hot water. The point of the double boiler (also known as a Bain-marie) is that you want to heat the oils slowly, evenly, and through an indirect heat source.
2. Melt the oils over a medium heat until they are completely liquid. Stir well and place the bowl in the freezer for five minutes or until the oils thicken to the consistency of Castor oil and become slightly opaque.
3. Take the bowl out and beat it with a whisk, adding the essential oil, vitamin E, and Neem oil. The Lavender essential oil will help mask the scent of the Neem and is also useful for encouraging skin cells to regenerate. Lavender essential oil is also soothing and anti-inflammatory so safe for those with dermatitis.
4. Spoon the finished product into a container that is fitted with a lid. You can use the cream immediately after it has set.
Original article and pictures take http://lovelygreens.com/2012/05/handmade-healing-cream-for-eczema-and.html site
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