Herbal Medicine for Eczema & Skin Conditions: Treating the Root Cause

Skin Conditions We Commonly Support

• Atopic eczema (adults and older children)
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Rosacea and skin flushing
• Hormonal acne
• Urticaria (hives)
• Chronic dry or itchy skin with no clear diagnosis

The Herbal Approach to Skin Health

Medical herbalists use plants categorised as “alteratives” — herbs that improve the body’s capacity to eliminate waste, reduce systemic inflammation, and restore healthy immune function. Our goal isn’t to suppress symptoms topically, but to address the internal environment that’s driving the skin to react.

Key Herbs for Skin Conditions

• Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)A classic dermatological herb with anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic, and lymphatic-stimulating properties. Used for centuries for eczema and psoriasis, and supported by in-vitro evidence for anti-inflammatory activity.
• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)A bitter hepatic herb that supports liver function and bile production, important for fat-soluble toxin clearance. Particularly indicated where skin conditions are associated with digestive sluggishness.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine)A primary lymphatic herb used to support drainage and clearance of metabolic waste. Often prescribed in combination with burdock for chronic skin conditions.
• Mahonia / Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)One of the best-evidenced herbs for psoriasis. Multiple RCTs show topical Mahonia preparations significantly reduce psoriasis severity. Its berberine content has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. Nettle inhibits NF-κB (a major inflammatory signalling pathway) and suppresses inflammatory cytokines — relevant for both eczema and urticaria.
• Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)Topically and internally, liquorice has potent anti-inflammatory action. Glycyrrhizin modulates the immune response and reduces IgE-mediated allergic reactions involved in atopic eczema.

The Gut–Skin Axis: Why Your Digestive Health Matters

Research is increasingly confirming what herbalists have long observed: gut health and skin health are intimately linked. Disruptions to the gut microbiome (dysbiosis), intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and chronic gut inflammation are strongly associated with atopic eczema and psoriasis.

A 2018 systematic review in the Journal of Dermatological Science found significant evidence linking gut dysbiosis to atopic dermatitis, with microbiome diversity markedly reduced in eczema sufferers. This is why your consultation will always explore your digestive function in depth.

What Your Consultation Will Cover

• Full skin history — onset, triggers, patterns, previous treatments
• Digestive health, bowel habits, bloating, food sensitivities
• Immune health — history of allergies, asthma, hay fever (the atopic triad)
• Hormonal health (especially where acne or rosacea is a feature)
• Liver function patterns
• Stress and sleep — both are potent eczema triggers

We produce a bespoke herbal formula — typically a tincture for internal use alongside topical preparations where indicated — and give practical dietary guidance on pro-inflammatory foods and gut-supportive nutrition.