Honey, essential oils, aloe vera: what natural remedies can relieve eczema?

In addition to its taste, honey is an effective anti-inflammatory and healing agent. Studies have demonstrated its benefits on lesions of eczema and showed that applying honey reduced lesions and relieved itching. In a trial with 21 participants with eczema who used a honey, beeswax, and olive oil treatment, researchers observed a 80% reduction in SCORAD After two weeks of daily application. SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) is a clinical tool that assesses eczema severity, extent, and impact on quality of life.

From a mechanistic perspective, honey stimulates B and T lymphocyte production, enabling antibody release. Honey contains phenolic and flavonoid compounds that lead to the suppression of proinflammatory activities of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These enzymes contribute to prostaglandin production, signaling molecules that promote vessel dilation and pain sensitivity. Elevated prostaglandin levels can cause redness and itching, as seen in eczema.

The aloe vera gel can soothe eczema and is considered a natural dressing. Applying pure aloe vera gel to lesions speeds healing while hydrating skin. Its healing properties stem from acemannan, a polysaccharide that stimulates angiogenesis and collagen and glycosaminoglycan production. The aloe vera gel inhibits production of certain proinflammatory cytokines, reducing redness and itching typical of eczema.

The benefit of aloe vera in eczema is twofold: it provides intense hydration while soothing the skin. Its polysaccharide-rich composition, with acemannan as the main component, enables it to form a hydrophilic film on the skin surface. This film reduces transepidermal water loss and restores skin barrier function often impaired by eczema. Acemannan also attracts and retains moisture in the stratum corneum. At the same time, aloe vera inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α by interfering with the NF-κB signaling pathway—a key route in the immune response. These mechanisms make aloe vera a useful natural complement for eczematous skin.

Several studies have examined complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches to reduce eczema symptoms. Although further research is needed, some show that aromatherapy may help. This method uses essential oils extracted from aromatic plants with therapeutic properties and benefits for physical and emotional health. Oils can be inhaled, ingested, or applied to the skin, pure or diluted. Regarding eczema, the most sought-after essential oils for topical application to soothe itching are tea tree oil (INCI: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil) and true lavender oil (INCI: Lavandula Angustifolia Oil), known for calming properties and ability to reduce proinflammatory cytokine production.

A study examined the effects of a cream containing 3% kanuka essential oil, an oil native to New Zealand, compared with the same cream without this ingredient. Eighty volunteers with moderate to severe eczema applied one of the creams twice daily for six weeks. At study end, the group treated with the essential oil formulation showed significantly greater improvement, as measured by the POEM (Patient Oriented Eczema Measure), which reflects patient-reported outcomes. In addition, a complete clearance of eczema lesions was observed in 90% of participants who used the kanuka essential oil.

Green clay is one natural ingredient used to ease eczema. This compound has anti-inflammatory and healing properties allowing it to soothe redness and itch associated with eczema. The clay is available as a powder that must be mixed with mineral water to form a smooth paste. The paste is left to rest then applied to itchy areas for about thirty minutes. Although studies confirm green clay’s properties, the effect of this type of poultice on eczema has not been scientifically proven.

The anti-inflammatory properties of clay depend on its ability to modulate the local immune response and adsorb certain pro-inflammatory molecules in skin tissues. Clay consists of hydrated aluminum silicates. Its layered structure provides high ion-exchange capacity. When applied to the skin, it acts as a semi-permeable barrier capable of binding specific pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, reducing their bioavailability in the inflamed area. Several studies in vitro have shown that clay can inhibit key inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2, involved in prostaglandin production.

Oat is another natural ingredient often used to soothe sensitive, irritated, or eczema-prone skin. Several studies have confirmed its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to beta-glucan, one of its key components. This molecule inhibits the activity of several inflammation markers, including interleukins 1, 6, 10, and 12 (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase (COX).

The effects of oat on eczema were examined in a recent study in which about thirty participants applied a cream containing 1% oat for fourteen days while another thirty applied a standard oat-free cream. At the end of the experiment, scientists observed a 51% reduction in the atopic dermatitis severity score among those who applied the oat-based cream. They observed improved overall skin hydration and barrier function.

Used as a natural antiseptic, sodium bicarbonate is cited as a solution to reduce eczema symptoms. Its alkaline nature may help rebalance skin pH, which could prevent inflammatory flare-ups and soothe redness. Sodium bicarbonate can be used as follows: mix three parts sodium bicarbonate with one part water and let the mixture rest overnight. The next day, you have a paste that can be applied for fifteen minutes to areas affected by eczema.

Despite its popularity, no scientific study has shown baking soda to be effective against eczema.

The chamomile, known for its soothing effects, has anti-inflammatory properties relevant to eczema. Recent research shows its volatile compounds modulate T-lymphocyte subpopulations by inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation – a subtype involved in several chronic inflammatory diseases, including eczema. This inhibition reduces interleukin-17 production, a key cytokine in the NF-κB and MAPK pro-inflammatory pathways. Consequently, production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6 declines, reducing flare-up severity.

The efficacy of chamomile in reducing eczema was tested in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The trial compared a cream with German chamomile extract and a 0.5% hydrocortisone cream, a compound prescribed to soothe eczema lesions. After two weeks of daily application, the chamomile cream showed a modest advantage over the 0.5% hydrocortisone cream.

The common sage (Salvia officinalis), also known as sacred herb, is a highly branched flowering plant from which one can extract an ingredient often used in skincare. Sage extract is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe sensitive skin, including skin prone to eczema. The soothing effects of sage extract stem from its richness in phenolic diterpenes, such as carnosol and carnosic acid, compounds capable of modulating the release of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines.

A recent prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated this extract and its anti-inflammatory properties. Areas on the backs of 40 volunteers were irradiated with a minimal erythema dose. These areas were treated occlusively with 2% sage extract in a hydrophilic ointment, with the same ointment without extract, or with 1% hydrocortisone. Erythema values were measured before irradiation and after 48 hours. Compared to placebo, sage extract significantly reduced erythema induced by ultraviolet radiation, to the same extent as hydrocortisone. The researchers concluded that these data suggest sage extract may be useful for caring for skin affected by inflammatory conditions, such as eczema.

Several plant oils benefit eczema-prone skin due to their richness in fatty acids and bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, reparative, and immunomodulatory effects. Among these, oils rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6, such as soybean oil, grape seed oil or sunflower oil, support skin barrier maintenance by strengthening the lipids of the stratum corneum. Eczematous skin shows ceramide and fatty acid deficiency, increasing skin permeability and promoting inflammation. Restoring these lipids reduces transepidermal water loss and limits external stressors. Some plant oils, such as nigella oil, are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to modulate the expression of COX-2 and iNOS enzymes, which are overexpressed in eczematous skin.

A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study was conducted in 32 adults with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis to evaluate the efficacy of an emollient enriched with esters derived from coconut oil and sunflower oil combined with 0.1% colloidal oat flour. After four weeks of application, results showed a significantly greater improvement in itching in the study group (65.6%) compared with the vehicle group (43.8%). Additionally, 56.5% of study participants achieved at least a 75% improvement in EASI score, which assesses eczema extent, versus 25% in the control group. The study also highlighted a reduction in topical corticosteroid use as early as week one in the study group (−24.8%), compared with the control group (+292.5%). Other trials using different botanical oils also indicate that these ingredients may help manage eczema.

Finally, turmeric, a spice used in India, may support eczema. Curcumin in turmeric powder has anti-inflammatory effects. It can inhibit prostaglandin production and prevent the synthesis of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins 1α and 6 and tumor necrosis factor. These effects limit redness and itching in atopic dermatitis. Turmeric shows healing potential in studies. Curcumin increases expression of the growth factor TGF-β1, which supports tissue epithelialization and promotes angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels

There are many natural remedies to help soothe eczema, such as shea butter, rooibos, oolong tea, etc.

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