Selfheal Spike and Wild Honeysuckle Herbal Wash

Why people make this wash

Eczema in children — and in adults — tends to flare in autumn when the air turns dry, or in summer heat when sweat and humidity irritate already-sensitive skin. This simple two-herb decoction is a long-standing Cantonese household remedy: brew it, let it cool to a comfortable temperature, and apply it to the affected area with a soft cloth. It is not a cure, but many families have found it helps ease the itch while gentler skin conditions settle down.

Method

1. Rinse both herbs briefly under cold water.
2. Place in a pot with 2 litres of cold water.
3. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool to a comfortable, skin-safe temperature (roughly 38–40 °C for children; cooler for newborns).
5. Using a soft cloth or cotton pad soaked in the warm liquid, gently wipe the affected skin area. Do not scrub.
6. Use two to three times per day. The prepared wash keeps at room temperature for one day’s use.

Nourilo’s Tips

This wash can be used for skin inflammation, hives, and eczema at any age. For very dry, itchy skin in autumn or winter, add a small amount of brown sugar (hong tang / pian tang) to the pot while simmering — it is traditionally thought to help with dry, irritated skin. Never use the liquid hot; always let it cool first. If you cannot find wild honeysuckle (tu yin hua), ordinary cultivated honeysuckle (jin yin hua) with an equal amount of dandelion herb (pu gong ying) works as a substitute. For infants with eczema, you may use a cotton pad to dab the liquid on rather than wiping; eye areas may also be gently cleaned with it.