Itchy, irritated skin: the plants herbalism turns to for comfort

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Dry, rough patches on the cheeks, behind the ears, in the fold of an elbow or a knee — and the itch that comes with them. This page gathers what herbalism and naturopathy have long used to make irritated skin more comfortable: oat baths, sweet almond oil, chamomile compresses, calendula, shea butter, green clay. Which part, in what form, and what to watch out for.

What this condition is, in plain terms

• A common ailment that impacts skin, dermatitis can appear on newborns (when from a family with a history of allergy), teenagers and on adults.
• In developed countries, sanitary measures taken against it have risen several-fold over recent decades. This is the same increase as the trend for allergy.
• Often occurring in connection with asthma or other types of allergic reactions, dermatitis appears to result from a genetic and environmental disruption.
• It accounts for a large share of dermatology consultations, and touches a noticeable slice of the adult population too.

The two familiar patterns

• Contact dermatitis — usually in adults, after touching certain metals (fantasy jewellery) or chemical products such as detergents, rubber, cosmetics or sticking plasters. The symptoms of contact dermatitis are usually described by the patient as including red patches followed by itchiness and blisters, usually matching the portion of the skin that was set in contact with the allergy-triggering substance.
• Atopic dermatitis — often traced back, in nursing babies, to a change in diet. Additionally, there may be an influence of being prematurely exposed to food allergens.
• A family thread — identical twins very often both develop it, and many parents of affected children experienced it themselves.
• Environmental influence — as for what regards environmental influence, things like allergens, stress and sun are usually strongly related to dermatitis symptoms.
• Where it shows — indeed, after an allergic reaction has been triggered after exposure to innocuous allergens such as pollen, dust or animal hairs, the patient’s body shows dry, rough, red patches: cheeks, behind the ears, scalp, forehead, groin, torso, folds of the knees, wrists, face and underarms. These can weep fluid and form crusts.
• Sun and medicines — aside from stress, UV rays may trigger an allergic reaction; this is called photo-sensitive dermatitis. Certain medicines taken while out in the sun can set off a bout too.

What it is credited with

• Oats — the grain has a long reputation in home herbalism as an itch-soother; oat bath water is the classic family remedy for skin that will not stop prickling.
• Sweet almond oil — naturopathy credits it with softening and comforting rough, tight skin, which is why it is the standard base for a soothing massage oil.
• Chamomile — herbalists reach for it as a calming, moisturising wash for reddened skin, applied as a compress or diluted oil.
• Shea butter — traditionally massaged into dry, chapped and flaking areas to restore suppleness.
• Coconut oil — used in tropical traditions as an everyday skin grease, credited with keeping dry skin comfortable.
• Evening primrose (suncup) — a favourite of the organic beauty trade, credited in naturopathy with helping restore softness to a damaged epidermis.
• Borage oil — has a reputation among herbalists for comforting dry, itchy skin, used as a massage oil or in capsule form.
• French green clay — traditionally used as a drawing, mattifying poultice on irritated patches.
• Calendula marigold — one of the top favourites in herbalism and cosmetics for grazed, dry and angry-looking skin, as a paste or an infused compress.

How to use it

An oat bath, the evening classic

• Simmer a generous handful of rolled oats or whole oat grain in water for a quarter of an hour, then strain.
• Pour the milky liquid into a lukewarm bath — never hot, heat revives the itch.
• Soak for ten to fifteen minutes, pat dry without rubbing, and oil the skin straight away while it is still slightly damp.
• Easier still: tie the oats in a muslin bag, hang it under the tap and squeeze it in the water.

A soothing massage oil

• Base: sweet almond oil, or shea butter warmed between the palms, or coconut oil if you like a lighter feel.
• Enrich it with a small splash of borage or evening primrose oil, which are too precious to use alone.
• Apply with flat hands, in slow passes, morning and evening on dry areas — and always after bathing.
• Keep the blend small and use it up within a few weeks: seed oils turn rancid quickly.

Chamomile or calendula compress

• Infuse a small handful of dried flower heads in freshly boiled water, covered, for ten minutes. Let it cool completely.
• Soak a clean cloth, wring it lightly, lay it on the itchy patch for a few minutes, repeat two or three times.
• For chamomile essential oil, a trace diluted in a spoonful of carrier oil — never neat on the skin.
• Calendula also works as a ready-made cream or as a paste of infused flowers.

Green clay poultice

• Mix the powder with a little water into a spreadable paste, in a glass or wooden bowl — not metal.
• Spread it on the area, or wrap it first in gauze or a natural-fibre cloth before applying.
• Remove before it dries hard and cracks, rinse with tepid water, then re-oil the skin.
• Not for weeping or broken skin.

Taken internally

• Evening primrose and borage are also sold as oil capsules, taken before meals, following the maker’s instructions on the pack.
• Chamomile as a plain infusion is the traditional evening drink when stress is feeding the itch.

→ Often correlated: 5 plants to reduce pollen allergies

• Read also: how to grow almond trees
• Read also: growing chamomile and calendula marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

The one thing to remember: a lukewarm oat bath, then sweet almond oil or shea butter on skin that is still slightly damp — that is the simplest, gentlest routine tradition offers.

Which plant should I start with tonight?

Oats. Simmer a handful of grain or rolled oats, strain, and pour the milky water into a lukewarm bath. Soak for ten to fifteen minutes, pat dry rather than rub, then oil the skin immediately with sweet almond oil or shea butter.

Can I put chamomile essential oil straight on the skin?

No. Essential oils go on diluted — a trace in a spoonful of carrier oil — and never on broken or weeping skin. A cooled chamomile flower infusion used as a compress is the gentler option, and it suits the face better.

Are oat baths suitable for babies and children?

Oat bath water and plain butters are the traditional choices for young skin, kept lukewarm and brief. Essential oils and capsules are not for babies or children. For a newborn with patches, and for anything to do with an infant’s diet, talk to a health professional first.

Do borage and evening primrose capsules do anything from the inside?

Naturopathy credits both seed oils with helping dry, uncomfortable skin from within, taken before meals following the pack instructions. They are not a substitute for anything you have been prescribed, and they deserve a check with a pharmacist if you take blood thinners or epilepsy medication.

When should I stop and see someone?

If the patches spread, weep, crust or feel hot, if there is fever, or if nothing improves after a couple of weeks of gentle care. Feel free to ask a herbalist or pharmacist for advice, but a medical opinion is always welcome when symptoms persist.

This information is provided for general interest and reflects the traditional use of plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are on medication, pregnant, or in any doubt, ask a healthcare professional.