Just about every health food store displays trays of wheatgrass, one of the latest superfoods gaining in popularity. Rich in many vital nutrients, wheatgrass is purported to cure a number of conditions, including eczema. While you can't apply it directly to the skin, a good shielding lotion is the best external eczema treatment, there is a good chance that eating wheatgrass or drinking the juice will reduce eczema flares. Here's why.

Wheatgrass has an extremely high nutrient content. Similar in structure to hemoglobin, it is said to contain every vitamin and mineral needed by the human body. Researchers estimate one pound of wheatgrass to contain the nutrients available in 25 pounds of high quality vegetables. It is a complete food that can be eaten or taken in its liquid form, found on the shelves as liquid chlorophyll.

In addition to being promoted as effective eczema treatment, anecdotal evidence has found wheatgrass to benefit the digestive and cardiovascular systems, cleanse the liver and detoxify heavy metals, prevent hair loss, constipation and even cancer.

How do you take wheatgrass? While chewing it is possible, the juice is far more convenient and palatable although it doesn't taste great. Mixing with a little apple juice will help. If you're liquefying it yourself, it's best to use a manual press or very low revolution, and, therefore, low heat, food processor is best. A regular blender or juicer will destroy the nutrients. It can be quite a shock to the system at first, so start off slow - 1 ½ tablespoons on the first day, gradually working up to about a ½ pint. If you get diarrhea or stomach problems, stop taking it until the symptoms subside then start again with a lower dose.

When using wheatgrass as eczema treatment, you can expect to see results in about three weeks.

What wheatgrass will not solve is the problem of eczema caused by contact with harsh chemicals – which accounts for the vast majority of eczema cases. The best solution for that is a shielding lotion. Now recommended by thousands of doctors for eczema treatment, a good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps out harsh chemicals that damage the skin. Between the wheatgrass and the shielding lotion, you should have your eczema licked in no time!