Eczema is an itchy, inflamed nightmare that refuses to leave some people alone. While creams and steroids can help manage symptoms, they often don’t address the underlying issue. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a different approach. Instead of just treating the surface, TCM for eczema in Singapore looks at internal imbalances—particularly excess heat in the body. Cooling herbs play a big role in bringing relief, helping to clear heat and dampness from within.
The TCM Explanation: Heat, Dampness, and Your Skin
Western medicine labels eczema as a chronic inflammatory condition. TCM views it through a different lens, seeing it as the result of internal disharmony. Eczema often stems from excessive heat and dampness inside the body. This imbalance can be triggered by stress, diet, or even Singapore’s hot and humid climate. The body’s reaction? Red, itchy, and inflamed skin that just won’t calm down.
A TCM clinic in Singapore will assess a patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and diet to identify what’s causing the imbalance. Cooling herbs are then prescribed to bring the body’s internal temperature down and reduce inflammation from within.
Cooling Herbs for Eczema: Nature’s Remedy
Cooling herbs have been used in TCM for centuries to counteract excessive heat. These herbs help reduce inflammation, expel toxins, and calm irritated skin. Some commonly used herbs in TCM for eczema in Singapore include:
1. Huang Qin (Baikal Skullcap)
This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps clear heat from the liver and lungs, which are often involved in eczema flare-ups.
2. Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root)
This herb works like a natural coolant, clearing heat from the blood and reducing skin redness. Many TCM practitioners prescribe it for chronic inflammatory conditions.
3. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome)
Zhi Mu helps to nourish Yin while clearing heat, making it effective for eczema cases where dryness and inflammation go hand in hand.
4. Ku Shen (Sophora Root)
This herb has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful for eczema that involves weeping or infected skin.
5. Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Root Bark)
A go-to herb for damp-heat skin conditions, Bai Xian Pi is commonly used in TCM for eczema in Singapore to reduce itching and irritation.
These herbs are often combined into customised formulas at a TCM clinic in Singapore, ensuring they address a person’s unique condition rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Herbal Washes and External Applications
Cooling herbs don’t just work internally. Many TCM clinics in Singapore also recommend herbal washes or creams made from these herbs to soothe the skin externally. A herbal wash can be used in place of conventional soaps, helping to clean the skin without triggering further irritation. TCM practitioners may also recommend soaking affected areas in cooled herbal infusions to relieve itching and speed up skin recovery.
Diet and Lifestyle: Supporting Eczema Treatment
Lifestyle choices can affect the effectiveness of herbal treatments. Many people unknowingly worsen their eczema through diet. TCM encourages patients to cut back on heat-inducing foods like spicy dishes, fried foods, and alcohol. Cooling foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and mung beans can help reduce heat buildup in the body.
Stress is another major trigger. A TCM clinic in Singapore may also suggest acupuncture or relaxation techniques to keep stress levels in check. Since eczema is often linked to internal imbalances, addressing stress can go a long way in preventing flare-ups.
Is TCM Safe for Eczema?
One of the biggest concerns about herbal medicine is safety. Unlike conventional steroid creams, which can cause skin thinning with prolonged use, cooling herbs are generally gentle on the body. However, not all herbs suit everyone. That’s why it’s crucial to visit a reputable TCM clinic in Singapore for a proper diagnosis and personalised prescription. Self-medicating with random herbs may do more harm than good.
When prepared and administered correctly, cooling herbs offer a natural, long-term way to manage eczema without relying on harsh chemicals. Many people turn to TCM when conventional treatments no longer provide lasting relief.
Finding the Right TCM Clinic in Singapore
Not all TCM clinics are the same. When choosing one for eczema treatment, it’s essential to ensure that practitioners are well-trained and experienced in dermatology-related conditions. A reputable clinic will take a holistic approach, considering diet, lifestyle, and individual constitution before prescribing treatment.
If eczema has been making life unbearable, it may be time to consider a different approach. Contact Oriental Remedies Group to explore how TCM can bring you relief.
