DIY: Chamomile and Oat bath for dry itchy skin
Managing a dry itchy skin condition can be difficult; conditions such as Atopic dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis are often chronic and are influenced by genetic and environmental factors as well as diet, infection and stress, it is for this reason I always advocate for a holistic approach to healing. This DIY bath recipe aims to address one part of the healing process by soothing itchy, dry and inflamed skin.
Part of the healing process is repairing the skins barrier function. Eczema patients tend to have an increased loss of water through their skin reducing skin hydration levels leaving you with dry itchy skin. This defective skin barrier function allows irritants (such as those in the air, on our clothes, in our personal care products) to penetrate the skin, which can further drive the already inflamed skin condition.
This recipe is designed to help reduce irritation and itchiness in dry skin conditions whilst improving skin barrier function. It’s simple and easy to make and safe to use on any age skin.
Oats (Avena sativa) have long been studied for their benefits in helping to heal dry itchy skin conditions, they contain compounds known as Avenathramides, which have an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant effect on the skin. They assist with barrier repair and moisturising the skin, soothing itchy skin conditions.
Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-itching compounds and can assist with wound healing, it as been used topically for a variety of dermatological conditions.
When making this recipe it is best to use organic ingredients to ensure there is no further irritation to the skin by hidden nasties:
Ingredients:
(Makes 4 bath bags)
120g Organic Oats
6 Teaspoons Organic Chamomile Flowers
Muslin cloth (you can purchase this from fabric stores or re-purpose old baby muslin wraps, you can also use cheesecloth folded over a few times)
Method:
Place oats in a food processor and blend from 1 minute to break up oats, if you do not have a food processor you can skip this part.
Combine oats with Chamomile flowers.
Cut a 20cm square of cloth and place 4 teaspoons of the combined mixture into the cloth and secure closed with string.
To use:
Run a full bath and place a bath bag in the water for a few minutes, for adults you may wish to use two bags. When bathing gently rub the bag on the skin – avoid any open wounds or highly irritated skin, instead you can just bathe in the water. Continue to drop the bag into the water and squeeze out the milky contents into the bath and directly onto the skin, this will help moisturize and reduce irritated itchy skin.
Discard after bathing.