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What makes the Chinese herbal
medicine so effective for eczema?
 In TCM term, eczema
is not only caused by the skin itself, It is also caused by internal pathogenic
heat, dampness, wind, or mixture of them. The differentiation of these
causes can be accomplished by the observation of the symptoms of affected
skin, the colour of tongue and its fur, and physiological reaction.
Different remedies are then
used specifically to treat
the symptoms. It can be treated successfully by taking several
sets of Chinese herbal medicine in normal cases although some chronic cases
may need longer treatment.
Its fundamental principle
lies in two aspects. Firstly, it takes the human body as an organic whole
and holds that the human body has very close and inseparable relations with
external natural surroundings. Secondly, it emphasises that the diagnosis
and treatment are based overall analysis of signs and symptoms rather than
on illness itself. This approach explained why Chinese medicine has started
to gain high popularity as an effective alternative medicine.
Dietary Assistance
It is also important in the
Chinese system of medicine to maintain an appropriate diet to assist the
medical treatment and to prevent the
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recurrence of the condition after treatment. As we know,
symptoms relating to heat
are easily observable with eczema patients. The affected parts of skin are
usually diffusely red with a sensation of burning, severe itching and sometimes patients feel
hot and thirsty.
A high proportion of eczema
is attributed to excess heat and dampness gathering inside the body
according to the Chinese system of medicine. It is therefore recommended to
consume fewer food and drinks whose natures are hot and damp. These foods
and drinks mainly include lamb, chilli, hot curry or sauce, onion, garlic,
alcohol, milk, cheese, chocolate and other dairy products.
 Pork
and beef are more or less neutral in nature and they generally do not
aggravate the condition. Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally neutral
or cold in nature and are therefore good for eczema.
Exceptions
are peach, tangerine (not orange) and grapes. Peaches and tangerine are
warm in nature and grape can produce excess internal heat if eaten in large
amount, although its nature is neutral.
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