Herbal Medicine II - The Skin

Question 1

The Skin:

Answer 1

Herbal treatments for skin conditions normally focus on internal toxicity (terrain). This may involve addressing:
* Poor digestion (use bitters).
* Retention of wastes (use laxatives and diuretics).
* Poor liver function (use choleretics and cholagogues).
* Blood toxicity (use alteratives, see next slide).
* Note: Severe eczema, psoriasis and acne are complex diseases, and herbal treatments are best designed and applied by a qualified herbalist.

Question 2

Alterative or depurative:

Answer 2

Alterative or depurative: ‘Blood cleansing’ —improves detoxification and / or aids elimination to help remove accumulated metabolic wastes.
* Burdock root increases elimination and detoxification thereby purifies the blood—the traditional approach for skin conditions. It also builds, strengthens, restores.
* 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily.

• Alteratives can lead to short-term ‘healing crises’ as toxins are ‘mobilised’. Use with choleretics, cholagogues, diuretics and laxatives as needed to ensure channels of elimination are functioning effectively.

Question 3

Lymphatic

Answer 3

Lymphatic: Supports detoxification by improving the flow of lymph and relieving lymphatic congestion.
* Cleavers leaf is lymphatic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic supporting removal of wastes from the body. Key indications include swollen glands, cystic or nodular growths on the skin and mucous membranes, psoriasis and eczema.
* Best taken as follows: 5 tsps in teapot, add 500 ml / 1 pint of just boiled water, infuse overnight, drink cold next morning.

• Echinacea root is an immuno-stimulant and lymphatic for painful, swollen lymph nodes and during infections.
• 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily.

Question 4

Topical applications for skin conditions:

Answer 4

Topical applications for skin conditions:
* Anti-inflammatory: Liquorice, rose. Apply ‘cold’ infusions to the skin as a wash, or add to creams.

• Anti-microbial: To counteract secondary infections —lavender or tea tree essential oil added to creams and lotions (maximum 20 drops essential oil per 100 grams of cream).
• Vulnerary: Promotes tissue healing —calendula flower (marigold) speeds skin repair. Use calendula cream / lotion for all skin problems.