6 Herbal Teas to Soothe Your Eczema + Psoriasis Symptoms
Which Herbal teas are best for treating Eczema + Psoriasis?
Herbal teas have been used for thousands of years for their relaxing properties and natural health benefits. Most teas are made from dried herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices.
Herbal teas are becoming increasingly popular as we all focus on improving our well-being and health. Herbal teas are a great low-caffeine alternative to coffee. The sweeter teas can also replace sugary drinks if you have a craving for a sweet drink. If you find it difficult to get your 8 glasses of water a day, herbal teas can also help you stay hydrated.
There’s some research that suggests some teas are a safe + effective way to treat eczema or psoriasis. Herbal teas have been used to treat skin conditions for centuries.
Eczema + psoriasis are associated with stress. Taking measures to reduce stress can improve symptoms of skin conditions in some cases. Herbal teas can strengthen the immune system, and some teas can help promote relaxation.
When making your tea, do not use boiling water as this destroys the nutrients. Let the water cool down a bit before brewing. Use loose-leaf tea wherever possible. Teabags are a convenient option, but less beneficial. The process to manufacture tea bags involves exposing the leaves to oxygen and grinding them up. This minimises the benefits (much like cooking vegetables). Loose-leaf teas are unprocessed, and contain whole leaves, and therefore more essential oil.
Here are our top picks for the best herbal teas for treating eczema + psoriasis:
Green Tea – Drinking green tea comes with a host of health benefits. Originating in China, this traditional tea has been used for centuries to treat many ailments from indigestion to premature aging. The anti-inflammatory properties are also helpful for skin condition sufferers. For psoriasis sufferers, recent research has shown that green tea regulates the production of proteins, normalising skin cell production. Research carried out in South Korea has suggested that moisturisers containing green tea can be effective in treating dry skin conditions. Green tea is our top recommendation if you have eczema, as it contains the most tea polyphenols which fight inflammation. However, green tea is the most ‘raw’ herbal tea, so it can upset some people’s stomachs. Drink your green tea about 30 minutes after a meal and switch to another type if you notice any undesirable side effects.
Green tea capsules are a great alternative if you don’t like the taste of traditional green tea, as they contain 80% more polyphenols than regular tea. We recommend 100mg a day. We love Troo Green Tea Supplements, as they are a great price, and of exceptional quality.
Oolong Tea- Oolong tea is made from the same plant as green tea but is semi-fermented. A study in Japan found that eczema sufferers who drank 3 cups of oolong tea a day had less itching after just one week. After a month, half of the participants reported their eczema had improved. The scientists hypothesised that the reason for this is the anti-allergenic properties of tea polyphenols. Teapigs make a high-quality oolong tea, which is in bag form so super convenient.
Chamomile Tea- Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory effects and antimicrobial properties, making it a superb choice for treating skin conditions. Chamomile tea is a mild natural sedative and a gentle relaxant. For these reasons, the tea is excellent for reducing stress, which as we know, can play a large part in skin conditions. A cup before bed is also beneficial for a good night’s sleep- which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Nettle Tea- Nettle tea is derived from stinging nettle leaves. It can treat both eczema and psoriasis. Nettle tea is a natural skin beautifier as it has nourishing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is growing in popularity, and tea bags are now widely available in stores. Nettle tea helps balance sodium in the body. This tea can also flush out toxins and facilitate maintaining clear skin. We would recommend trying two cups a day.
Dandelion Tea- Dandelion tea has been used in herbal medicine for over 1000 years. Reports have indicated that dandelion tea has a beneficial effect on vesicular eczema, which is one of the toughest types to treat. We recommend a brand called Traditional Medicinals Everyday Detox which offers organic dandelion tea specifically for the detoxification of the liver and kidneys.
Peppermint Tea- Peppermint is one of the more popular herbal teas. Peppermint tea is best known for its digestive benefits. This tea may be a good option for skin condition patients, as it has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the redness associated with eczema + psoriasis.
In conclusion, there are some studies that support the theory that herbal teas are useful to heal skin conditions. Herbal teas are natural, great-tasting, and low-cost. Use them to compliment your other skin principles- to enhance your diet and self-care. Don’t expect quick results. Herbal remedies will take longer for benefits to manifest when compared to other treatments, such as topical creams. Do not use herbal remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have high blood pressure or a medical condition. Consult a doctor if you are unsure.
If you are drinking herbal tea to treat eczema + psoriasis, be aware of any potential side effects. Some teas may upset your stomach. Oolong tea is a good option for those with a sensitive stomach. Those who are sensitive to caffeine should avoid drinking their tea on an empty stomach (about 30 minutes after eating works well). To reduce any negative impact from caffeine, avoid drinking in the afternoon. Stick to a cup after breakfast, and a cup after lunch. If you do notice any side effects, stop drinking the tea immediately. If side effects persist, seek professional medical assistance.
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