Ayurvedic Herbs, Medicines, and Home Remedies for Eczema (Vicharchika)

Root-Cause Treatment for Long-Term Relief

Author: Dr. Shreya, BAMS
Ayurvedic Skin & Panchakarma Specialist

Dr. Shreya has clinical experience in managing chronic skin disorders and Panchakarma-based detoxification therapies.

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Sumana Patwardhan, MD (Ayurveda)
Consultant – Kayachikitsa & Panchakarma

Dr. Sumana Patwardhan specializes in Kayachikitsa and Panchakarma with expertise in chronic metabolic and inflammatory conditions.

Introduction: What Is Eczema (Vicharchika)?

Eczema, clinically referred to as Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense itching, redness, dryness, oozing, thickened skin, discoloration, and recurrent flare-ups. Over time, eczema can severely affect sleep quality, emotional well-being, confidence, and overall quality of life.

In Ayurveda, eczema is described as Vicharchika, classified under Kshudra Kushtha (minor skin disorders). Classical Ayurvedic texts clearly explain that Vicharchika is not merely a localized skin disease, but a systemic disorder arising from:

• Impaired digestion (Mandagni)

• Accumulation of metabolic toxins (Ama)

• Blood impurity (Rakta Dushti)

• Dosha imbalance (Pitta–Kapha predominance, Vata in chronic cases)

• Immune dysfunction (Ojas Kshaya)

Hence, Ayurveda focuses on root-cause correction, not temporary symptom suppression.

Classical Ayurvedic References

Vicharchika is extensively described in authoritative Ayurvedic texts:

• Charaka Samhita – Kushta Chikitsa

• Sushruta Samhita – Twak Vikara & Rakta Dushti

• Ashtanga Hridaya – Kushtha Nidana & Chikitsa

These classics emphasize a three-pillar treatment approach:

• Shodhana – Systematic detoxification

• Shamana – Dosha pacification

• Rasayana – Rejuvenation and immune strengthening

This ensures sustainable skin health and recurrence prevention.

Common Triggers of Eczema

(Ayurveda + Modern Correlation)

Eczema flare-ups are often triggered by internal and external factors:

• Food intolerances (milk, gluten, processed foods)

• Frequent use of antibiotics or antacids

• Chronic stress, anxiety, poor sleep

• Chemical soaps, detergents, cosmetics

• Environmental pollution

• Seasonal and climatic changes

• Repeated or prolonged steroid use

• Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut

Ayurveda identifies these as Nidana (causative factors) that weaken Agni, increase Ama, and vitiate Doshas, leading to repeated flare-ups.

Ayurvedic Diagnosis & Clinical Evaluation

Ayurvedic diagnosis of eczema is holistic and individualized. A physician evaluates:

• Prakriti (body constitution)

• Dominant dosha imbalance

• Digestive strength (Agni)

• Presence of Ama

• Signs of Rakta Dushti

• Chronicity and recurrence pattern

• Stress levels and sleep quality

• Diet, lifestyle, environmental exposure

• Past medication and steroid history

This ensures personalized treatment, not generalized skin care.

Differential Diagnosis

(What Eczema Is Not)

Before confirming Vicharchika, Ayurveda differentiates eczema from:

• Psoriasis (Ekakushtha)

• Fungal infections (Dadru)

• Scabies

• Allergic rashes

• Contact dermatitis

• Autoimmune skin disorders

Correct diagnosis is essential for safe and effective treatment.

Medical Investigations (When Required)

Although eczema is primarily diagnosed clinically, investigations may be advised in selected cases to ensure safety and rule out complications:

• Complete blood count (infection, anemia)

• Serum IgE (allergic tendency)

• Liver function tests (especially steroid-dependent cases)

• Stool tests (gut imbalance, chronic Ama)

Ayurvedic Pathogenesis (Samprapti) of Eczema

Eczema develops through a defined disease pathway:

1. Weak digestive fire (Mandagni)

2. Formation of Ama (toxins)

3. Circulation through Rasa and Rakta Dhatu

4. Vitiation of Pitta and Kapha
   (Vata involvement in chronic cases)

5. Lodgment in skin (Twak)

6. Micro-channel blockage (Srotorodha)

This leads to:

• Kandu – Itching

• Raga – Redness

• Srava – Oozing

• Pidika – Lesions

• Shyava / Vaivarnya – Discoloration

Gut–Skin–Immune Axis in Ayurveda

Ayurveda clearly explains the interconnection between:

• Digestive health (Agni)

• Gut integrity (Grahani)

• Immune strength (Ojas)

• Skin health (Twak)

When digestion is impaired, Ama circulates through the blood and manifests as chronic skin inflammation. This explains why external creams alone fail and why internal detoxification is essential.

Role of Rakta Dhatu & Liver in Eczema

The liver and blood (Rakta Dhatu) play a central role in skin diseases:

• Rakta Dushti causes redness, itching, pigmentation, inflammation

• Liver overload increases Pitta and toxin burden

• Hence therapies like Virechana and Raktamokshana are crucial

Dosha-Wise Presentation of Eczema

🔴 Pitta-Dominant

• Redness, inflammation

• Burning sensation

• Heat and sensitivity

Learn more about Pitta Dosha

🟡 Kapha-Dominant

• Thickened skin

• Sticky or oozing discharge

• Chronic, slow-healing lesions

Learn more about Kapha Dosha

⚪ Vata-Dominant

• Extreme dryness

• Cracks, scaling

• Severe itching, dark discoloration

Learn more about Vata Dosha

Stages of Eczema (Clinical Progression)

• Acute Stage: Redness, oozing, burning, intense itching

• Sub-Acute Stage: Reduced oozing, scaling, moderate itching

• Chronic Stage: Thickened skin, pigmentation, dryness, fissures

👉 Ayurvedic treatment is strictly stage-specific.

Signs & Symptoms of Eczema

• Persistent itching (worse at night)

• Dry, rough, scaly skin

• Red inflamed patches

• Oozing or weeping lesions

• Thickened or leathery skin

• Skin discoloration

• Cracks and fissures

• Secondary infections due to scratching

• Sleep disturbance

• Emotional stress and anxiety

Types of Eczema (Ayurvedic Correlation)

• Atopic Dermatitis – Pitta-Kapha

• Contact Dermatitis – Agantuja

• Dyshidrotic Eczema – Vata-Pitta

• Nummular Eczema – Vata-Kapha

• Seborrheic Dermatitis – Kapha-Pitta

• Stasis Dermatitis – Rakta Dushti

• Neurodermatitis – Stress-induced Vata

Ayurvedic Treatment Principles for Eczema

Ayurvedic management is supported by classical texts and long-standing clinical practice. While outcomes are documented clinically, large-scale randomized trials may be limited, and treatment is individualized rather than protocol-based.

Ayurveda follows three core objectives:

1. Shodhana – Elimination of toxins

2. Shamana – Dosha pacification

3. Rasayana – Skin and immune rejuvenation

Treatment is individualized based on:
Prakriti, dosha dominance, chronicity, age, strength, and digestive capacity.

Panchakarma Therapies for Eczema

Ayurvedic management is based on classical textual evidence, clinical experience, and individualized assessment rather than one-size-fits-all protocols.

Patient adherence to diet, lifestyle, and follow-up is essential for successful outcomes.

(Physician-Supervised Only)

• Vamana – Removes excess Kapha

• Virechana – Eliminates Pitta toxins, purifies blood

• Raktamokshana – Useful in inflamed, oozing eczema

• Basti – Balances Vata, heals gut-skin axis

• Abhyanga & Parisheka – Reduce dryness, itching, inflammation

Read a detailed blog on Ayurvedic treatment for Eczema 

Ayurvedic Herbs for Eczema

Internal Herbs

Neem, Manjistha, Khadira, Guduchi, Haridra, Sariva

External Applications

Neem-based formulations, turmeric pastes, and aloe vera preparations

Classical Ayurvedic Medicines

(Prescribed After Consultation)

• Mahamanjishtadi Kashayam
• Khadirarishta
• Gandhaka Rasayana
• Panchtikta Ghrita
• Arogyavardhini Vati

Dosage and combinations depend on individual assessment.

Ayurvedic Oils for Eczema

• Jatyadi Tailam
• Eladi Tailam
• Neem Tailam
• Kumkumadi Tailam
• Cold-pressed Coconut Oil

Ayurveda-Approved Home Remedies

• Neem + turmeric + aloe vera paste (15–20 minutes)

• Herbal bath with neem, turmeric, oats

• Coconut oil + aloe vera as moisturizer

• Detox decoction of manjistha, neem, ginger

Ayurvedic Diet for Eczema

Pathya & Apathya

✅ Recommended
Warm freshly cooked food, bitter vegetables, green gram, barley, old rice, small quantity of ghee, coriander, cumin

❌ Avoid
Curd, cheese, paneer, fried food, excess salt and spice, sugar, seafood, alcohol, smoking

Lifestyle & Daily Regimen

• Avoid scratching

• Keep nails short

• Wear loose cotton clothing

• Avoid chemical soaps and cosmetics

• Maintain regular sleep

• Practice yoga and pranayama

• Stress management is essential

Eczema in Children vs Adults

Pediatric eczema treatment requires age-appropriate dosing and gentler therapies. Panchakarma procedures in children are modified or avoided unless clearly indicated and supervised.

• Children: Kapha-dominant, faster response

• Adults: Pitta-Vata dominant, detox required

• Elderly: Vata-dominant, nourishing therapy needed

Seasonal Care (Ritucharya)

• Summer: Cooling, Pitta pacification

• Winter: Intensive moisturizing, Vata control

• Monsoon: Detox and immunity strengthening

Steroid-Dependent Eczema

Sudden discontinuation of topical or oral steroids can cause rebound flares. Steroid tapering should always be done gradually under medical supervision.

(Ayurvedic Approach)

Ayurveda supports:

• Gradual steroid tapering

• Liver detoxification

• Gut-skin axis healing

• Long-term immune correction

Realistic Treatment Expectations

Ayurveda does not claim instant cures. The goal is:

• Reduction in severity

• Longer remission periods

• Improved skin resilience

• Reduced dependence on steroids

Results depend on compliance, chronicity, and individual constitution.

Contraindications & Safety Considerations

Strong detox therapies may be modified or postponed in:
Pregnancy, severe anemia, active infections, extreme weakness, uncontrolled diabetes

Many Ayurvedic medicines and detox therapies are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation; treatment must be customized strictly by a physician.

When Ayurveda Is Not Enough Alone

Ayurvedic management is effective for chronic, recurrent eczema.
However, acute infections, rapidly worsening symptoms, or systemic illness require immediate medical attention. Ayurveda works best when applied early, consistently, and under medical supervision.

Red-Flag Symptoms

Secondary bacterial or fungal infections may require temporary integrative management alongside Ayurvedic care.

(Seek Immediate Medical Care)

• Sudden severe swelling

• Pus discharge or fever

• Rapid spreading lesions

• Severe pain or bleeding

Duration & Prognosis

• Mild: 4–6 weeks

• Moderate: 2–3 months

• Chronic: 3–6 months or longer

Ayurveda aims to reduce severity, frequency, and recurrence.

Follow-Up & Monitoring

Regular follow-up helps assess response, adjust medicines, and prevent relapse. Treatment plans are reviewed periodically based on symptom reduction, digestion, and skin healing.