How to Calm Inflamed Skin with Kawakawa Balm for Eczema?

Eczema is not just dry skin; it's an ongoing battle against your own body. The constant itching, painful redness, and coincidences of flare-ups make finding relief from eczema so challenging. In addition to the patients who reach for traditional medicine, there is an increasing number of individuals turning to Kawakawa balm for eczema. 

Kawakawa is an all-natural and gentle alternative to steroid creams, which are very harsh on the skin and can cause irritation. It is a native New Zealand botanical that has been used for centuries by the Maori for its ability to heal irritated skin and eradicate the relentless itching and redness that accompany chronic skin conditions. Using Kawakawa will create a protective barrier on the skin and allow for the active compounds in the plant to work from the outside in to heal the skin.

This article is a comprehensive guide to the history of this ancient plant, the science that validates its uses, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine while bringing an end to skin irritation.

What is Kawakawa?

Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) is one of the most valued plants in Rongoā Māori – the traditional Māori medicine of New Zealand. The heart-shaped leaves make Kawakawa easy to identify in New Zealand forests. If you see the leaves more closely, you will find many small holes in them. These holes are created by caterpillars from the Kawakawa looper moth. Traditional beliefs suggest that the leaves with the most holes have the highest potency; this is due to the increase in bioactive, medicinal compounds produced by the plant to deter the insects from feeding on it.

For centuries, Māori have utilised the plant for an extensive range of medicinal purposes. Historically, Kawakawa balm uses have included treating everything from toothaches and stomach pains to bruises and major skin irritations. The leaves are still harvested, but are now used for infusing into oils to make balms that are becoming more internationally recognized for effectively managing chronic eczema.

Interesting Read: Manuka and KawaKawa Intro

The Science Behind the Healing Power

Kawakawa has long been revered for its traditional medicinal values and, thanks to modern research, the therapeutic benefits of this plant are being substantiated. Research conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland and other academic institutions recently documented confirmatory evidence regarding the bioactive compounds present in Kawakawa and demonstrated that it is not merely a placebo... It actually contains a specific compound known as myristicin.

Myristicin has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Application of this compound to the skin promotes the body's natural tissue repair mechanisms. Those suffering from eczema experience chronic inflammation in their skin, and Kawakawa works by switching off inflammation in the skin so that heat can be released from the skin, redness can subside, and the skin can begin the long process of developing its protective barrier again.

In addition to the myristicin compound, Kawakawa also contains lignans and other antioxidants that assist with eliminating free radicals from the skin. In this way, while Kawakawa is soothing the immediate itch, it is supporting the skin at the cellular level by preventing future skin damage.

Why is Kawakawa a Game-Changer for Eczema?

In order to comprehend how this balm functions, it is important to understand what eczema is. Eczema is primarily the breakdown of your skin barrier. With an impaired barrier, moisture evaporates (dryness) while unwanted substances (eg: dust, bacteria, etc.) enter through it. The 'itch-scratch cycle' is when your skin itches from dryness and irritation and scratching breaks the skin barrier to increase inflammation and itchiness again. To know more about skin barrier, check out our article on Microbiome- An invisible Skin Barrier

A high-quality Kawakawa balm for eczema helps break this cycle in three distinct ways:

1. It Reduces Inflammation Naturally

The development of eczema most often is due to the 'fire' of the skin. Kawakawa provides a natural anti-inflammatory effect and calms the heat/redness naturally, without the long-term effects, (for example - thinning skin) of steroid creams. Kawakawa gives a very welcomed instantaneous cooling feeling to parents in a panic and/or a suffering child with eczema during the wee hours of the night.

2. It Provides an Antibacterial Shield

Eczema can cause microscopic holes in the skin that become an open entry point for bacteria, as a result of scratching. This bacteria can cause serious infections and further aggravates eczema making it much harder to manage. Kawakawa natural antibacterial properties also help to keep the surface of the skin free from bacteria and/or secondary infections.

3. It Deeply Hydrates and Seals the Skin

Most Kawakawa balms contain a base of beeswax along with either sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, which form an occlusive barrier on the skin. The occlusive barrier keeps moisture already present in your skin and physically protects the skin from environmental irritants such as pollen, pet hair and/or wind.

You might be interested in: Anti-Pollution Skincare Tips

The Many Versatile Kawakawa Balm Uses

The popularity of this product as a "cult classic" in New Zealand, but also around the world, comes from the fact that it serves multiple purposes. In terms of the treatment of eczema, it is a well-known product.  While it is legendary for eczema, there are many other Kawakawa balm uses that make it an essential item for any household first aid kit:

• Soothing Nappy Rash: It is 100% natural and creates a barrier against wetness while allowing the tender skin of the baby to heal from the redness associated with diaper rash.
• Treating Insect Bites: If you have been bitten by mosquitoes or sandflies, the anti-inflammatory properties will immediately stop itching and reduce the swelling of the bitten area.
• Healing Minor Cuts and Scrapes: The balm has an antimicrobial aspect that helps to keep small wounds free from bacteria, while the oily base keeps the scab soft so it won't crack and cause scarring.
• Calming Sunburn: After being in the sun for an extended period, the balm takes the "sting" of the sunburn away from your skin and provides deep hydration to prevent peeling.
• Lip Care: When applied to your lips during the cold winter months, the balm can help provide long-lasting moisture to very chapped or cracked lips.

How to Apply the Balm for Maximum Relief

The method through which you apply your natural skincare products is almost as significant as their ingredients for obtaining maximum benefit from your routine. Use these steps to help you manage an eczema flare-up:

1. Cleanse with Care: Always begin with clean skin; however, do not cleanse with harsh soaps or hot water, as these will rid your skin of essential natural oils. Use lukewarm water and pH balanced soap-free cleansers. Preferably, natural handmade soaps, that does not consists of harsh chemicals. 
2. The "Damp Skin" Rule: Apply your balms immediately after bathing or showering while the skin is still slightly moist. This allows the oils and beeswax to hold that extra moisture in your skin cells for more profound hydration.
3. Warm It Up: Since natural balms may be solid in their containers, place a small amount between your clean fingers and warm them together until the balm melts. This will facilitate spreading across your skin without stretching the delicate skin surface.
4. Pat, Don't Rub: When your skin is inflamed, any type of friction is extremely damaging; therefore, pat the melted balm onto inflamed skin gently. Rubbing vigorously may increase the frequency of itching and irritation.
5. Be Consistent: For chronic eczema, don’t wait for a flare-up to use the balm. Applying it 2–3 times a day as a preventative measure can help keep the skin barrier strong and reduce the frequency of future outbreaks. If eczema is chronic, consult a healthcare professional. 

When researching products that meet your requirements, the first option is likely a classic KawaKawa Balm for daily upkeep. 

• If your skin requires extra assistance with soothing and sleeping or you are experiencing a flare-up, you can find a Lavender and KawaKawa Balm extremely beneficial. 
• For people with persistent, dry, or infected skin, a KawaKawa and Manuka Balm offers added antibacterial benefits. 

By using these types of products, you are making a choice to move toward clean skincare that supports your skin without the inclusion of synthetic fillers, parabens, or artificial fragrances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Kawakawa balm on my baby’s eczema?

One of the gentlest and most popular Kawakawa balm uses is for infant skin. Most high-quality balms are 100% natural and contain no harmful or irritating chemicals, alcohols, or synthetic fragrances, which usually cause allergic reactions in babies. Kawakawa also helps to soothe and protect diaper rash, cradle cap, or dry patches of eczema and is safe to use on children. Always do a patch test before applying it to large areas of the body, but most parents find Kawakawa is a much safer alternative than using steroids long-term.

How often should I apply the balm for the best results?

To achieve optimal results with inflamed or active eczema, it is necessary to apply Kawakawa balm at least 2-3 times a day. By consistently applying the balm, you help keep your skin barrier protected from environmental triggers such as dust, pollen or cold, dry air. Also, many people find that applying a thick layer just prior to going to sleep at night is the most helpful way to prevent scratching and support the skin's repair process while sleeping.

Is Kawakawa balm better than steroid creams for eczema?

While steroid creams may be needed for extreme acute episodes where you are on prescribed medication, people typically prefer Kawakawa because it does not have the same risk of causing skin thinning or developing topical steroid withdrawal syndrome. One of the best uses of Kawakawa balm is as a long-term maintenance tool that supports the skin’s natural healing process rather than just masking the symptoms. It offers a sustainable, chemical-free way to manage redness and itching without the side effects often associated with long-term pharmaceutical use.

Will the balm stain my clothes or bedding?

Yes, since Kawakawa balm is oil-based, you may occasionally stain delicate fabrics if you use too much balm. In order to prevent this, allow the balm to absorb before you put your clothes on. Since this is a natural product, most stains will come out easily by washing on a warm cycle with a good detergent.

Summary and Final Thoughts

Eczema is a long and draining process that affects your comfort, sleep and confidence in day-to-day life. However, you don’t need to rely solely on harsh chemicals when you can use the potency of nature’s most powerful time-tested remedy, called Kawakawa as a way to relieve your symptoms. With the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of this New Zealand super plant (Kawakawa) you will be able to ease your itching, reduce redness & regenerate skin from the inside.

 If you’re frustrated with the never-ending cycle of inflamed skin and products that just don’t work, consider getting back to basics. A high quality Kawakawa balm for eczema provides a natural, gentle but effective way to soothe your skin and find comfort. Whether treating a baby's dry patches or your own chronic flare ups, this heart shaped leaf is truly a miracle for skin health.

Sources: 

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2023/01/20/scientists-confirm-kawakawa-s-healing-properties.html

https://aoteahealth.com/blogs/journal/why-is-kawakawa-good-for-eczema