Let’s get one thing out of the way: living with eczema or psoriasis is not just a matter of having “dry skin.” That’s like saying a migraine is just a “bad headache.” It’s deeper, itchier, redder, angrier—and often, emotionally exhausting. If you know, you know.
I’ve seen it firsthand. My sister used to wrap her arms in cold, wet cloths just to soothe the burning at night. She’d scratch in her sleep and wake up bleeding. Creams, steroids, oatmeal baths—you name it, she tried it. But it wasn’t until she started using herbal remedies that something finally shifted. Not cured, mind you, but managed. Comforted. Calmed.
So, here we are. If you’re searching for herbal relief, maybe it’s time to look at the garden instead of the pharmacy. Here are ten plants—herbs and fungi—that offer soothing potential for inflamed, itchy, stubborn skin.
Medicinal Herbs for Eczema
How These Herbs Help with Eczema & Psoriasis
| Herb/Mushroom | Best Use | Active Compounds | Primary Benefits | Internal or External |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula | Balm/Oil | Flavonoids, triterpenes | Reduces redness, promotes healing | External |
| Reishi Mushroom | Tincture/Tea | Polysaccharides | Immune modulation, anti-inflammatory | Internal |
| Burdock Root | Tea/Tincture | Inulin, polyphenols | Detoxifying, liver support | Internal |
| Chamomile | Soak/Compress | Apigenin, azulene | Calming, anti-itch | External |
| Gotu Kola | Cream/Serum | Triterpenoids | Skin regeneration, wound healing | External |
| Nettle | Tea/Tincture | Histamine, flavonoids | Reduces allergic response, detox support | Internal |
| Oregon Grape Root | Cream/Ointment | Berberine | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory | External |
| Turmeric | Food/Supplement | Curcumin | Anti-inflammatory, immune regulation | Internal/External |
| Licorice Root | Tea/Cream | Glycyrrhizin | Cortisol-mimicking, anti-itch | Internal/External |
| Aloe Vera | Raw Gel | Polysaccharides | Cooling, moisturizing, promotes healing | External |
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
You know those golden-orange petals that look like little sunbursts? That’s calendula. It’s been used for centuries—topically mostly—for healing wounds and soothing irritation. It’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and full of flavonoids. That’s science talk for “it fights inflammation and helps skin chill out.”
Apply calendula as a salve or oil. My sister uses a balm made with calendula and beeswax—it’s like a hug for angry skin.
2. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is sometimes called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” which sounds dramatic, but it’s earned its stripes. Internally, it’s an adaptogen—meaning it helps your body balance stress hormones and immune responses. Since both eczema and psoriasis are autoimmune-related, that’s no small thing.
It won’t fix everything overnight, but reishi tea or tinctures can help reduce flares over time. Think of it as herbal therapy for your overactive immune system.
3. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Earthy, bitter, and a little underappreciated, burdock is like the wise elder of herbal detox. Traditionally used to purify the blood (which sounds medieval, I know), it helps the liver process toxins and supports the lymphatic system.
That’s important because skin issues often stem from within. Drinking burdock root tea might not taste amazing, but your skin might thank you. (Add a bit of licorice root to balance the bitterness—it works.)
4. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Yes, the tea you sip before bed can also calm your skin. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory compounds—like apigenin—are gentle enough for babies but powerful enough to help with red, itchy rashes.
Try a chamomile compress or soak. Steep a strong batch of tea, let it cool, then apply with a soft cloth. It’s like giving your skin a lullaby.
5. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
This herb’s a big deal in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine circles—and for good reason. Gotu kola helps rebuild skin, supports collagen production, and reduces inflammation. It’s like a construction crew and therapist rolled into one.
Look for it in creams or serums, especially if your skin is healing from cracked, flaky patches. Bonus: it’s also a mild nootropic. Helps the brain while it helps the skin. Win-win.
6. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Ah, nettle—the plant that stings you if you brush against it in the wild. Ironically, it can soothe the very irritation it causes when used properly. Internally, nettle helps regulate the immune system and reduce histamine responses (those pesky things that fuel itching).
I like nettle in tea form, especially mixed with peppermint and lemon balm. Or in tincture form if you’re short on time.
7. Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)
Now here’s a hidden gem. Oregon grape contains berberine, a compound with powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies have shown it to be as effective as corticosteroids for mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Without the whole skin-thinning side effect thing.
Topical creams are where Oregon grape really shines. Try it directly on patches and see if your skin quiets down.
8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
No list is complete without turmeric. That golden powder in your spice drawer is more than a curry staple—it’s a potent anti-inflammatory, both inside and out.
Curcumin, its main compound, helps tame the inflammatory processes that drive psoriasis and eczema. Use it in food, take a supplement, or make a paste (just don’t wear white after).
9. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice doesn’t just taste nostalgic—it’s a strong anti-inflammatory and demulcent (read: it soothes and coats irritated tissues). It also mimics cortisol in the body, which means it can help reduce inflammation naturally.
Use it in teas, or look for creams with licorice extract for topical relief. Just be cautious if you have high blood pressure—it can mess with that if taken in large amounts.
10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Yeah, yeah—aloe vera feels like an obvious choice. But there’s a reason it’s in almost every “relief” gel in your pharmacy. Its gel-like interior is cooling, soothing, and full of polysaccharides that promote healing.
Keep an aloe leaf in your fridge, snap a piece off when needed, and smear that jelly straight onto itchy patches. It’s instant, natural relief.
In Conclusion: When Nature Speaks, Listen
So, what’s the takeaway here? Nature’s not just pretty—she’s potent. These ten plants and mushrooms aren’t miracle cures, and I’d be lying if I said they work the same for everyone. But they offer something pharmaceuticals rarely do: a gentler path. A slower, more intuitive kind of healing that works with your body instead of bulldozing it into submission.
If you’ve been stuck in the steroid loop—flare, cream, thin skin, repeat—you know how disheartening it can be. Herbal relief invites you to try something different. Something rooted. Ancient, even. And sometimes, honestly, that alone feels like a breath of fresh air.
It’s not about ditching modern medicine. It’s about complementing it. Listening to what your skin is trying to say and giving it the nourishment, not just the suppression. Try one or two herbs at a time. Journal your reactions. Pay attention to the subtleties. Healing isn’t always loud—sometimes it whispers.
And hey, if nothing else, you’ll come away smelling like chamomile and turmeric, which is a pretty decent consolation prize.
Here’s to skin that feels like home again.
Article Sources
At AncientHerbsWisdom, our content relies on reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to substantiate the information presented in our articles. Our primary objective is to ensure our content is thoroughly fact-checked, maintaining a commitment to accuracy, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
- Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone.
- Kroll, D. J. (2004). Review: Botanicals for the Treatment of Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis. Clinical Dermatology, 22(2), 175–183.
- Ernst, E. (2005). Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. Pharmaceutical Press.
- National Psoriasis Foundation – Oregon Grape studies: https://www.psoriasis.org
- PubMed Central: “Curcumin and Chronic Skin Disorders” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
- WebMD Herbal Database – https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/index