B Vitamins

The B-complex is a collective group of water-soluble vitamins.  They are called a "complex" because they need each other, work together, complement each other and are are often found together in foods.

Below are some benefits derived from taking B vitamins for eczema.  Herbs where they can be found are also listed.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)

Helps maintain a healthy nervous system.  Assists in production of hydrochloric acid.  Found in alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, fenugreek, hops, nettle, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips and yellow dock

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)

Promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.  Aids in the metabolism of fats.  Eliminates dandruff.  Facilitates use of oxygen in skin tissue.  Found in alfalfa, burdock, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, fenugreek, hops, nettle, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaves, red clover, rose hips and yellow dock.

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin/Niacinamide/Nicotinic Acid)

Needed for proper circulation, healthy skin.  Aids in proper function of the nervous and digestive systems.  Assists in the production of hydrochloric acid.  Found in alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, hops, licorice, nettle, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rosehips, slippery elm and yellow dock

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Known as "the anti-stress vitamin."  Vital for proper functioning of the adrenal glands and formation of antibodies; helps convert fats, carbohydrates and protein into energy; provides a defense against stress and relief from allergies; alleviates symptoms of stiffness from arthritis and improves ability to heal and withstand physical injury.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)

Necessary in the production of hydrochloric acid.  Helps digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats; assists in the absorption of vitamin B-12, aids in maintaining potassium balance.  Helpful in the treatment of allergies and arthritis. It is a very important B vitamin, especially for women. It seems to be connected somehow to hormone balance and water shifts in women. Vitamin B6 is actually three related compounds, all of which are found in food--pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Sources: Vitamin B6 in its several forms is widely available in nature, though not many foods have very high amounts. Since it is lost in cooking and in the refining or processing of foods, it is not the easiest B vitamin to obtain in sufficient amounts from the diet, especially if we eat much processed food, as it is not one of the vitamins replaced in "enriched" flour products such as cereals and pastries.

Functions: Important Delta-6-Desaturase Co-Factor. Pyridoxine and its coenzyme form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, have a wide variety of metabolic functions in the body, especially in amino acid metabolism and in the central nervous system, where it supports production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Many reactions, including the conversion of tryptophan to niacin and arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 require vitamin B6. The pyridoxal group is important in the utilization of all food sources for energy and in facilitating the release of glycogen (stored energy) from the liver and muscles. It helps as well in antibody and red blood cell production (hemoglobin synthesis) and in the synthesis and functioning of both DNA and RNA. By helping maintain the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, vitamin B6 aids fluid balance regulation and the electrical functioning of the nerves, heart, and musculoskeletal system; B6 is needed to help maintain a normal intracellular magnesium level, which is also important for these functions. The neurotransmitters norepinephrine and acetylcholine and the allergy regulator histamine are all very important body chemicals that depend on pyridoxal-5-phosphate in their metabolism. Also, the brain needs it to convert tryptophan to serotonin, another important antidepressant neurotransmitter.

The best sources of vitamin B6 are meats, particularly organ meats, such as liver, and the whole grains, especially wheat. Wheat germ is one of the richest sources. Besides meat, good protein sources of B6 include fish, poultry, egg yolk, soybeans and other dried beans, peanuts, and walnuts. Vegetable and fruit sources include bananas, prunes, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, and avocados.

Vitamin B-7 Biotin (aka Vitamin H)

Important coenzyme that is involved in the metabolism fats; aids cell growth; promotes healthy sweat glands and nerve tissue.  It helped stop my hair from falling out and prevents candida yeast from rooting into the intestinal tract.

Synthesis of Fat (Fatty Acids)

Many of the classic biotin deficiency symptoms involve skin-related problems, and the role of biotin in fat synthesis is often cited as a reason for this biotin-skin link. Biotin is required for function of an enzyme in the body called acetyl Co-A carboxylase. This enzyme puts together the building blocks for the production of fat in the body. Fat production is critical for all cells in the body since the membranes of all cells must contain the correct fat components to function properly. Fat production is especially critical for skin cells since they die and must be replaced very rapidly, and also because they are in contact with the outside environment and must serve as a selective barrier. When cellular fat components cannot be made properly due to biotin deficiency, skin cells are among the first cells to develop problems. In infants, the most common biotin-deficiency symptom is cradle cap - a dermatitis (skin condition) in which crusty yellowish/ whitish patches appear around the infant's scalp, head, eyebrows and the skin behind the ears. In adults, the equivalent skin condition is called seborrheic dermatitis, although it can occur in many different locations on the skin.

What foods provide biotin?

Excellent sources of biotin include chard, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and carrots. Very good sources include almonds, chicken eggs, onions, cabbage, cucumber, and cauliflower. Good sources includes goat's milk, cow's milk, raspberries, strawberries, halibut, oats, and walnuts.

Vitamin B -12 (Cyancobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting the DNA synthesis and regulation but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production. Assists in the growth and repair of tissue, helps maintain a healthy nervous system as well as digestive system.  Prevents nerve damage.  Maintains the fatty sheaths that cover and protect nerve endings.  

Inositol

Helps form lecithin, metabolizes fat, helps in preventing eczema, promotes healthy hair, produces a calming effect and nourishes brain cells.