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Skin Helpers Here are some herbal remedies that have been used as Skin helpers throughout history. Scroll down to find your ailment. Click on 'Fact Sheet' for more information. Chronic & Viral Skin Disease Burdock (Arctium lappa) Part used: Root History: Used globally to correct viral and chronic skin disease Science: Compounds stimulate normal immune function Practitioners opinion: Effective in viral and chronic skin disease Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 2.5 ml twice daily If you asked a Chinese farmer or a Wyoming rancher’s wife what to do about chicken pox or shingles, they would both point to the common weed burdock. For centuries it has been used to treat viral diseases affecting the skin, chicken pox and herpes included. It has also been used to treat immune dysfunction, as in the case of eczema and psoriasis. In the first instance it should be used to shorten or prevent the attack, say a herpes outbreak. In the second, it must be used long term to correct the constitutional flaw that leads to the chronic skin disease. Acne and Wound Healing Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) Part used: Root History: Used to treat chronic skin disease and wound infection Science: Stimulates proper immune function Practitioners opinion: Found to be an excellent skin healing agent Directions: Tablets: 2-200mg tablets 3 times daily after meals. Tincture (1:5, 45% alcohol): Spray on affected part three times daily. Juice: 10ml twice daily with water before meals. Echinacea is most commonly known as an immune stimulant used to increase well being and prevent coughs and colds. One of its forgotten uses is in chronic skin diseases and wound healing. If you read the old medical books of the last century, you will find that Echinacea angustifolia was used to treat eczema and acne and to prevent wounds from becoming septic. It is used topically and taken internally for all of these conditions. Chronic Skin Disease Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Part used: Aerial parts History: Used in Indian medicine for acute & chronic skin disease Science: Reduces inflammation Practitioners opinion: Excellent in inflammation Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 2.5ml twice daily Gotu Kola is native to India and was first used by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat all kinds of skin problems. It has been in active use for 4,000 years. The specific indications for this plant are wounds, chronic inflammatory skin disease and excessive scar formation. It should be seen as the anti-inflammation plant. It can be used to take the swelling out of a sunburn or a mosquito bite. In chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, Gotu Kola will take the red out. As well, when wounds tend to result in keloids, Gotu Kola, used continuously, is said to reduce scar formation. Skin Healer (Diaper rash, Herpes, Wounds) Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Part used: Flowers History: One of the oldest wound healers known Science: Contains antimicrobial and healing compounds Practitioners opinion: Great for wounds, nappy rash, herpes Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 2.5ml 3 times daily Spray: Apply to affected area 3 times daily There could not be a more common plant in the catalogue. Packed with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral compounds, marigold heals wounds. Even better, it contains compounds that stimulate the immune system to move in and zap any microbes that have gained entry through a wound. Last but not least, other compounds stimulate the body to heal the wound faster. Skin Healer (Insect bites, burns, sunburns) Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) Part used: Root History: Used to reduce inflammation of bites, stings, and burns Science: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds Practitioners opinion: An excellent topical application to get swelling down Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 2.5ml 3 times daily Spray tincture: Apply to affected area 3 times daily The ancient herbals said that when a flying insect attacked a person, mallow would take the swelling down. This is emergency medicine and a remedy that really works. For sun burn, insect bites or a steam scald, a quick application of Marshmallow will take the red out and speed recovery. Taken internally, the affect is even more pronounced. Ancient Antiseptic Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) Part used: Resin History: Used by ancient Egyptians to heal wounds Science: Contains antibacterial compounds Practitioners opinion: Keeps wounds free from infection Directions: Tincture (1:5, 90% alcohol) or cream is applied 3 times daily When it comes to preventing infection, Myrrh has been called into service from the earliest days. Science has established that it works on several levels. It contains bug killers, comes packed with compounds that stimulate the immune system and it is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce swelling and irritation. Chronic Skin Disease Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) Part used: Root bark History: Native American and American Colonial treatment for chronic skin disease Science: Contains anti-inflammatory substances that make the skin less reactive Practitioners opinion: Must be used for three months before an effect is seen Directions: Tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol): 5 ml three times daily - Cream: Apply three times daily -Gel: Apply three times daily When chronic skin disease such as acne, psoriasis or eczema is a problem Oregon Grape is the first herbal medicine to be used. Practitioners have excellent results when the remedy is used for periods of three months or more. It has cleared many cases of chronic skin disease dubbed hopeless. Bleeding Tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla) Part used: Root History: Traditional remedy used to stop blood flowing from wounds Science: Contains compounds that constrict blood vessels Practitioners opinion: An important first aid tool to keep around the house Directions: Spray Tincture: (1:5, 25% alcohol) Apply to wound The first thing to be done when a cut or open wound occurs is to stop the flow of blood. This medicinal plant contains tannins, substances that precipitate the proteins contained in small blood vessels. The end result is blood vessels are rapidly sealed off and the flow of blood stops. It can be used on scrapes and shaving wounds and also kills microbes on contact. This remedy will stop the blood flow and needs to be followed on by a wound healing agent. |
