Top 6 Herbs for Eczema and Psoriasis: Natural Remedies That Actually Work

The Hidden Truth About Eczema and Psoriasis

If you've been struggling with eczema or psoriasis, you already know how frustrating these conditions can be. The itchy, inflamed patches. The cycle of flare-ups and temporary relief. The creams that work for a while, then stop.

After treating hundreds of patients with chronic skin conditions over the past 22 years at Peninsula Acupuncture in Mountain View, I've learned one critical truth: your skin isn't the problem—it's the messenger.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western herbal traditions, eczema and psoriasis aren't viewed as skin diseases. They're signs that your liver, blood, or digestive system needs support. When these internal systems can't eliminate toxins efficiently, your body pushes them out through your skin.

The good news? When you treat the root cause with the right herbs, you can achieve lasting relief instead of just managing symptoms.

Why Standard Treatments Often Fall Short

Most conventional treatments for eczema and psoriasis focus on topical anti-inflammatory creams. While these can provide temporary relief, they rarely address why the condition is happening in the first place.

In my practice, I commonly see patients who've tried multiple creams and medications with only partial or temporary results. The pattern is almost always the same: initial improvement, followed by recurrence. Sometimes the flare-ups even get worse over time.

This happens because topical treatments target the symptom (the skin inflammation) rather than the root cause (internal imbalance). It's like mopping up water from a leaky pipe without actually fixing the pipe.

Understanding the Root Causes

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are linked to three main patterns:

Blood Heat (Liver-Related)
When your liver isn't detoxifying efficiently, metabolic by-products build up in your bloodstream. In TCM, we call this "blood heat." This often manifests as red, itchy, inflamed skin patches that feel hot to the touch.

Damp Congestion (Digestive-Related)
Poor digestion can lead to a buildup of dampness in the body. This shows up as weepy, oozing eczema lesions or thick, scaly psoriasis patches. If you struggle with sluggish digestion or constipation alongside your skin issues, this is likely a contributing factor.

Dietary Triggers
Coffee, alcohol, and dairy are common culprits—especially for those with sensitivities to milk proteins like casein or whey. These foods can worsen internal heat and congestion, making skin symptoms more severe.

The key insight: your skin is trying to eliminate what your liver and digestive system can't handle.

The 6 Best Herbs for Eczema and Psoriasis

These herbs work by supporting your body's natural detoxification pathways—addressing the root cause while helping clear skin symptoms.

1. Oregon Grape Root

Oregon grape root contains berberine, a powerful alkaloid that works as both an antimicrobial and liver stimulant. It enhances bile flow, helping your liver clear metabolic by-products that contribute to skin eruptions.

I often recommend this herb for patients whose psoriasis or eczema is linked to sluggish liver function. It's particularly effective for inflammatory skin conditions with heat signs (redness, itching).

How it helps: Stimulates detoxification pathways, reduces skin inflammation

2. Burdock Root

Burdock is a classic blood-purifying herb used in both Western and TCM traditions. It supports liver and kidney detoxification while also providing prebiotic fiber (inulin) that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

In my experience, patients with eczema or psoriasis often have underlying digestive issues. Burdock addresses both the toxic load in the blood and gut health simultaneously.

How it helps: Clears blood impurities, supports healthy digestion and microbiome

3. Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla has been used for centuries as a blood cleanser. It binds and neutralizes toxins circulating in your bloodstream while supporting liver and kidney function.

In TCM, sarsaparilla clears "blood heat"—making it especially valuable when skin symptoms include intense redness, heat, and itching.

How it helps: Neutralizes blood toxins, cools inflammatory heat

4. Yellow Dock

Yellow dock offers gentle but effective support for elimination. It stimulates bile production, supports digestion, and acts as a mild laxative—ensuring toxins are efficiently cleared from your body.

I recommend yellow dock for patients whose skin conditions are associated with constipation or sluggish bowel movements. Its cooling, cleansing action helps when the digestive system needs support.

How it helps: Enhances bile flow, promotes regular elimination, reduces toxic buildup

5. Calendula

While calendula is well-known for topical skin healing, it's equally powerful when taken internally. It offers anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits that work from the inside out.

How it helps: Reduces internal inflammation, supports skin repair

6. Chamomile

Chamomile is more than a relaxing tea—it's a therapeutic herb with anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and digestive-soothing properties. Many of my patients find it helps break the itch-scratch cycle common in eczema.

How it helps: Calms inflammation and allergic responses, soothes digestion

How to Use These Herbs Safely

While these herbs can be highly effective, they work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Here's what I recommend to my patients:

• Consult a qualified practitioner: An experienced herbalist or acupuncturist can create a personalized formula based on your specific pattern (blood heat, damp congestion, etc.).
• Start with quality herbs: Use organic, professionally sourced herbs from reputable suppliers. Quality matters significantly in herbal medicine.
• Be consistent: Herbal treatments work gradually. Most patients see initial improvements within 2-4 weeks, with continued progress over 2-3 months.
• Combine with dietary changes: Reduce or eliminate dairy, alcohol, and coffee while you're treating these conditions. These foods often worsen internal heat and congestion.
• Consider acupuncture: In my practice, I combine herbal formulas with acupuncture treatments for faster, more comprehensive results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results with herbal treatments?
Most patients notice initial improvements within 2-4 weeks, with significant progress over 2-3 months. Chronic conditions require patience and consistency.

Can I use these herbs if I'm taking medications?
Always consult your doctor and a qualified herbalist before combining herbs with medications. Some herbs can interact with prescription drugs.

Are there side effects?
When used appropriately, these herbs are generally safe. However, yellow dock acts as a mild laxative, so start with lower doses. If you have liver or kidney disease, work with a qualified practitioner.

Should I use these herbs topically or internally?
For best results, internal use addresses the root cause. Topical applications (like calendula cream) can provide additional symptomatic relief.

Do I need to take all six herbs?
Not necessarily. An experienced practitioner can determine which herbs match your specific pattern. A customized formula of 2-4 herbs is often more effective than taking all six.

Your Next Step Toward Healthier Skin

If you've been struggling with eczema or psoriasis that won't respond to conventional treatments, addressing the root cause through herbal medicine and acupuncture may be the solution you've been looking for.

At Peninsula Acupuncture in Mountain View, I've helped hundreds of patients achieve lasting relief by treating the underlying imbalances—not just the skin symptoms. Each treatment plan is customized to your specific pattern and health needs.

Ready to address the root cause of your skin condition? Schedule a consultation to discuss how herbal medicine and acupuncture can help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

Peninsula Acupuncture
2660 Solace Place, Suite B
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-564-9002

References

1. Yarnell, E. (2001). Clinical Botanical Medicine. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.
3. Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.
4. Wood, M. (2009). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books.
5. Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press.

About the Author: Ted Ray, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and founder of Peninsula Acupuncture in Mountain View, California. Since 2002, he has specialized in treating chronic skin conditions using Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and herbal formulations. Learn more about our approach to natural healing.