Lavish Aromatic Botanical Products - Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, Natural Lotions, Hand-made Soaps, Perfumes and Massage Oils

Eczema is usually caused by an internal imbalance. Most cases are attributed to a defective conversion of linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that are needed for healthy skin).

Eczema likely has a genetic component and is more common in families with a history of allergies and asthma. Emotional stress, poor health, and topical irritants such as soaps, lotions and perfume often stimulate eczema. It is believed that bottle feeding may also trigger eczema. This is because cow milk based formula does not contain the same essential fatty acids that are found in breast milk.

Food choices will make a serious impact on the look and health of your skin. An abundance of refined, processed, high fat foods will impair the immune system and leave toxins in the colon. Toxins reabsorbed into the body often manifest as skin problems. In short, a healthy body leads to healthy skin.

Avoid these foods

fast-food
boxed food/packaged food
fried food
sugar (candy, cookies, cakes, granola bars, condiments, sweetened yogurt, breakfast cereal, honey, sweetened beverages)
soda
coffee
alcohol

Fast foods, boxed foods and processed foods are void of essential nutrients, fiber and vitamins that keep the body healthy and vibrant. They often contain dyes, preservatives and chemicals that tax the immune system and liver. Fried foods contain trans-fatty acids which interfere with essential fatty acid metabolism and clog the liver. This will aggravate eczema. A high sugar intake leads to lowered white blood cell activity, impaired function of the immune system and the likelihood of yeast overgrowth.

Purifying your diet may be challenging, but the health benefits are well worth it. Your resolution to live a healthier lifestyle will positively affect all areas of your health. Stick to it for at least 6 months before you draw any conclusions. Miracles won’t happen overnight.

Meal Suggestions:

Breakfast: Whole grain toast, whole grain/high fiber cereal (look for a cereal with less than 8 g sugar per serving), eggs, soy milk, goat milk, fresh berries, plain yogurt kefir, whole oatmeal

Lunch: Fresh fruit (berries, cherries and dark fruits are good), baby carrots and celery with peanut/almond butter, whole wheat crackers, cheese, sunflower seeds, sprouts, leafy greens (spinach, red leaf lettuce), chicken/tuna salad, green salad, turkey sandwich

Dinner: Chicken, fish (especially salmon), fresh steamed veggies, brown rice, baked yam/potato, green salad with flax/olive oil dressing. Use lots of garlic, onions and herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, etc.) to flavor your food. These ingredients are excellent for detoxifying the liver and boosting the immune system.

Drink plenty of natural spring water and caffeine-free herbal teas to eliminate toxins, cleanse the kidneys, and keep cells hydrated. Aim for 8-10 cups a day (64-80 oz). It’s really not hard to do! First thing upon waking drink 2 glasses of water. Buy a liter bottle of water and carry it with you throughout the day. Finish it by dinnertime, and then have a cup of tea at bedtime. Do not rely on soda, coffee or juices (which contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine) to stay hydrated. Try using fresh mint leaves or cucumber slices to flavor your water if you desire.

Do not drink chlorinated tap water. It can destroy polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, and can generate toxins capable of free radical damage. Chlorine also destroys healthy intestinal flora (bacteria), which can disrupt the digestive process and impair immune function.

People with eczema must supplement their diet with omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Most people’s diets are lacking in essential fatty acids as it is, and eczema sufferers need even more essential fatty acids than the average person. Essential fatty acids are primarily used to produce hormone-like substances that regulate a wide range of functions, including blood pressure, blood clotting, blood lipid levels, the immune response, and the inflammation of the skin and tissues.

Cold pressed flax seed oil or fish oil, or a combination of both will supply your body with omega-3 fatty acids. You will need at least two tablespoons daily. You can literally take it by the spoonful and chase it with a little water—very simple! Flax seed oil may be incorporated in salad dressings, or drizzled over food. Avoid heating the oil which will destroy the nutrients. Take borage or primrose oil capsules daily to get your omega-6 fatty acids.

A natural, food based multi-vitamin will ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs and will contribute to good health.

People with skin trouble should supplement their diet with a daily dose of Vitamin B Complex. In particular, vitamin B6 is needed to metabolize essential fatty acids, which may play a role in eczema.

A powerful anti-oxidant that is essential for healthy teeth, gums, bones, immune function and more.

Take a daily dose of probiotic capsules. These healthy bacteria including lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobaceterium maintain intestinal health and immune system as well as reduce unhealthy bacteria and yeast in the gut. Choose a formula that contains multiple strains of healthy bacteria. Find it in the refrigerated section at the health food store.

This vitamin-like substance plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell in your body. It helps circulation, gets more oxygen to your tissues and supports the immune system. Research has shown that it has the ability to counteract histamine and may be helpful for treating allergies, asthma and respiratory problems.

This herb naturally cleans, supports and strengthens the liver. It has been shown to protect the liver when taking strong drugs or medicines.

This herb is a strong, natural antibiotic that reduces inflammation and cleanses the body of bacteria, protozoa and fungi.

This herb strengthens white blood cells and helps your body make more T-cells which fight infection. It works against bacteria by inhibiting enzymes the bacteria secrete from breaking through mucous membranes.

Detoxifies the blood and organs, improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. It is rich in sulfur which enables the body to heal. Garlic is an excellent immune enhancer and very effective against fungal infections.

Avoid exposure to artificially scented and dyed products including body soaps, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving crèmes and laundry detergents. And of course, don’t spray perfume anywhere on your clothes or yourself!

Choose a detergent that is free of dyes and perfumes and skip dryer sheets and fabric softeners altogether. Chemical residue left on fabrics can create contact dermatitis and can lead to an outbreak. Hairsprays, gels and styling products left on the hair can cause a rash on the scalp, ears and neck.

Do not use products containing petroleum or mineral oil (liquid petroleum). Petroleum has no nutrient value, blocks pores and interferes with normal skin functions (sweating, shedding, breathing). Prolonged use can lead to dryness and chapping because petroleum doesn’t actually moisturize; rather, it coats the skin, creating a barrier. Always check a product’s ingredient list!

Lavish Aromatic Botanical Products are a healthy choice for people with skin trouble because they are free of synthetic dyes, perfumes and mineral oil. Lavish products are formulated with healing herbs, essential oils and plant lipids.

Eczema/Psoriasis Rx is Lavish’s line of body care products specifically formulated for people with these skin conditions.

A consistent routine of using these products will lead to
healthier, more vibrant and skin.

Lavish Eczema/Psoriasis Botanical Body Wash contains gentle plant-based cleansers that won’t irritate or dry out skin.

Lavish Eczema/Psoriasis Rx Botanical Lotion is rich in omega fatty acids, anti-inflammatory oils and healing essential oils. These natural ingredients will regenerate skin cells, relieve itch, reduce redness, intensely hydrate and improve visible scales or patches.

Lavish Eczema/Psoriasis Botanical Bath Tea is a weekly treatment to detoxify and soothe the skin. Herbs, oats and sea salt infuse the bathwater with healing minerals and phyto-nutrients. Excellent for flair-ups.

Chlorinated tap water is a definite skin irritant. It contains chemical compounds called trihalomethanes which are carcinogens resulting from the combination of chlorine with organic compounds in water. These chemicals do not degrade well, and are generally stored in the fatty tissues of the body where they can cause mutations by altering DNA, suppress immune function and interfere with the natural controls of cell growth.

Purchasing a de-chlorinating filter for your showerhead may improve the condition of your skin and reduce dryness and redness. Homedepot.com sells showerhead filter units for approximately $40. Avoid chlorinated swimming pools and hot tubs.

Yes. Do not smoke cigarettes. Do not drink alcohol. Do not do drugs. If possible, find natural alternatives to prescription medications and limit your use of over-the-counter drugs.