Here’s Help for Winter Dry Skin

For those of us living in dry, cold climates, winter can be challenging. And, especially, after all the holiday sweets, our immune systems may be clogged and overheated. Overwhelming the immune system can result in dry, red, hot skin, eczema, and inflammation. If your skin is dry and itchy right now or if your child is showing signs of eczema, here are some things that might help.

• Oil your dry skin or your child’s dry skin every morning with coconut or sunflower oil. This is called Abhyanga, in the Ayurvedic tradition. See tutorial above.
• Have a drink of warm water upon arising. And, drink plenty of water (without ice) throughout the day.
• Eat cooling foods like cucumbers, asparagus, artichoke, and tofu. Eat lightly for awhile, mostly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats like chicken and turkey or freshwater fish like trout.
• Go easy on the fried foods, red meat, refined sugar, flour products, tomatoes, and hot peppers or spicy food.
• Take a break from caffeine. Try a grain beverage like Cafix or try my Homemade Chai recipe. It serves a punch without caffeine,
• Take 2 TBL of aloe vera gel 3 times a day to help chill out.
• Wearing or looking at the color blue and wearing pearls are both thought to be cooling.
• If your face or eyes feel enflamed, put a washrag in a bowl of ice water and put cold compresses on your face and especially your eyes, every couple of hours throughout the day.
• Homeopathic Sulphur (30X) is indicated for rashes aggravated by heat and water, like eczema. For more on eczema, see our article, “Healing Eczema Naturally.”
• Lots of essential fatty acids (EFAs) help.
• Do some sun salutations. See below.

Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory. Take one dropper full of the tincture in the AM. Make this yummy drink with it before bed.

GOLDEN MILK (TRADITIONAL)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp. ghee
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric paste
• Honey to taste.

Recipe

1. Mix the turmeric, black pepper and water together. Cook over medium heat and stir constantly until a thick paste forms. Cool. Refrigerate.
2. Mix together the milk and ghee together with the turmeric paste. Heat gently. Add honey to taste. Serve hot.

GOLDEN MILK (VARIATION)

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp. ghee
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• Several gratings of fresh black pepper
• Dash of cinnamon
• Honey to taste

Recipe

Combine first five ingredients in a saucepan. Heat gently. Add honey to taste. Serve hot.

CILANTRO

Cilantro is also your friend if you’re feeling overheated internally. Mix a bunch of it with 1/3 cup water and drink the liquid. You can also use the pulp on your face.

ROSE WATER

Put a few drops of pure rose water in your eyes. Here’s a tutorial on how to make your own rose water.

CHILLING OUT IN WINTER

It’s odd to think of chilling out in winter, but while we have to keep our bodies warm, we also have to keep our internal temperature cool to prevent inflammation. I hope these ideas help you to chill out in the winter, or during any season, or any time that you feel overdone.

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About Peggy O’Mara. I am an independent journalist who edits and publishes peggyomara.com. I was the editor and publisher of Mothering Magazine for over 30 years and founded Mothering.com in 1995. My books include  Having a Baby Naturally, Natural Family Living, The Way Back Home and A Quiet Place. I have conducted workshops at Omega Institute, Esalen, La Leche League, and Bioneers. I am the mother of four and grandmother of three. Please check out my email newsletter with free tips on parenting, activism, and healthy living.