Submitted by Morgana on Sun, 2013-06-30 17:34

For centuries, people have used herbs to promote healthy skin and to treat problematic skin conditions. Different herbs are believed to have useful properties, but no universal herbal tonic exists to treat all skin problems. Much of the evidence is anecdotal, however; few government agencies evaluate the claims made by herbalists. Herbs may conflict with drug treatments or may be harmful for some people. Never use any herbal remedy without consulting your health care provider.

The skin consists of several layers, beginning with the epidermis, or cuticle, which lies atop the derma. Beneath these layers, various cells, glands and blood vessels make up the remaining parts. Like any organ, the skin can suffer from disease or injury, ranging from minor damage such as sunburn to serious diseases such as skin cell carcinoma (cancer). For some of these conditions, herbalists provide alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter treatments.

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Acne

Acne is caused by a specific germ that flourishes in damaged follicles and pores, according to the Merck Manual. For this reason, the best treatments address both the surface effects of acne, and have antibacterial properties. One of the most common herbs to treat acne is the essential oil of lavender, an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that can be dabbed onto blemishes with a cotton ball. Although no side effects have been tied to lavender beyond allergic reactions in some people, essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be taken internally. Burdock root, a diuretic that helps purge pores of oil, is a staple of Indian and Japanese foods and can also be used as a tea. No complications have been linked to burdock root.

Eczema

From its definition in the Merck Manual, you can easily see why eczema is so unpleasant: "A superficial inflammation of the skin, characterized by vesicles (when acute), redness, edema, oozing, crusting, scaling and usually itching." Normally, eczema is treated with prescription steroids. Herbalists recommend licorice root tea. "It seems to act similarly to corticosteroids," writes Dr. Linda White and Steven Foster in "The Herbal Drug Store." "Licorice also inhibits the breakdown of cortisol, the body's own corticosteroid." Natural licorice root should not be taken for more than six weeks; it should not be taken at all by pregnant women or those who have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or diabetes.

Hives

Hives are an allergic skin reaction that presents itself as circular, raised patches--either white, pink or red. Herbalists recommend licorice (see eczema, above) and chamomille tea because of their steroid-like effects. Chamomille is a cousin of ragweed, so people allergic to ragweed pollen should not try that remedy, warns Andrew Chevallier in "Herbal Remedies." Chamomille may also cause drowsiness.

Sunburn and Other Minor Burns

The most popular herbal remedy for burns is aloe, which has many properties important for healthy skin. It is an analgesic for pain, an antibiotic to prevent infection, and an antifungal. When using aloe, avoid brands with artificial coloring or preservatives. Vinegar, while not an herb, can be diluted with an equal part of water and used as a wash for minor burns. Use distilled or white vinegar. Lavender oil may also be dabbed on burns. No side effects have been tied to any of these remedies.

Cancer, Herpes and Cellulitis

Green Tea

Green tea, also called Camellia sinensis, may play a beneficial role in treating skin tumors and cancer. This tea contains polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants act to protect your body from free radical damage, foreign bacteria and viruses that can cause cellular damage, cell death and infection in your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, free radicals may also be associated with cancer. Research has indicated that a specific polyphenol in green tea, called epigallocatechin gallate, may prevent the onset and further growth of skin tumors in your body. Consult your doctor about whether this herb might be of benefit to you and for specific dosage.

Dandelion

Dandelion is am herb that may also be known as lion's tooth or blowball. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, this herb has traditionally been used in the treatment of kidney disease, liver disease and conditions affecting the spleen. It has also been used for digestion problems and skin problems. You can use this herb as a capsule or extract or in tea. Dandelion leaves can also be added to salads.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb often used to combat infections, such as respiratory infections, common cold, flu, urinary tract infections and fatigue. According to MedlinePlus, this herb has also been applied to and used to treat skin problems such as skin boils, wounds, ulcers, burns, herpes, hemorrhoids and psoriasis. Forms of echinacea include tablets, juice and tea.

Thyme

Thyme, also called thyme vulgaris, may be effective in helping to relieve symptoms of cellulitis. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria and can lead to pain, tenderness, edema, fever, chills and reddening of the skin. This herb may offer anti-fungal and antibacterial benefits. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that thyme has not been proven to specifically benefit cellulitis. In addition, this herb may raise your risk of bleeding. Check with your doctor before taking this herb if you are taking other medications that could interact with it and produce harmful effects.

Herbal Anti-Inflammatory Agents for Skin Disease

J. Graf, MD
Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York, USA

ABSTRACT

Herbs have been used in clinical medicine for thousands of years. However, it is only in recent times that we have been able to employ scientific methods to prove the efficacy of many of these herbs and to give us a better understanding of their mechanisms of action. This article will focus on the use of herbs in various dermatological conditions characterized by inflammation and pruritus. Topical preparations of many of these herbs are more commonplace in Europe. However, their availability is increasing in the US. As this is occurring we are witnessing a growing marriage between alternative and traditional medicines.

Key Words: herbs, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antipruritic

The process of inflammation involves the release of vasoactive mediators and chemotactic factors such as histamine, leukotrienes, proinflammatory prostaglandins and lymphokines. These substances are responsible for the capillary dilation and increase in permeability, resulting in swollen, inflamed tissues.

Turmeric

Many herbs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the major ingredient of curry powder and prepared mustard, has a long history in both Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. The volatile oil fraction of turmeric has demonstrated potent antiinflammatory activity in a variety of experimental animal models, while curcumin, the yellow pigment of turmeric is even more potent in acute inflammation¹. When used orally, curcumin inhibits leukotriene formation, inhibits platelet aggregation and stabilizes neutrophilic lysosomal membranes, thus inhibiting inflammation at the cellular level². Curcumin is reported to possess greater anti-inflammatory activity than ibuprofen³. At low levels, curcumin is a prostaglandin inhibitor, while at higher levels it stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete cortisone⁴. Formulation difficulties due to the yellow color of curcumin has made topical use slow in coming. However, recent developments in technology may change that. The standard oral dose of curcumin is 250-400 mg, three times a day.

Licorice root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used for centuries to treat inflammatory and viral diseases. The active part of the root contains glycyrrhizin, (a triterpene saponin), at concentrations ranging from 7-10%. It is converted to glycyrrehetic acid (GA) in the body. This herb has been used extensively in Europe as an anti-inflammatory agent, and in Japan as an antiviral agent with success in treating chronic hepatitis. It has been shown to inhibit the activity of proinflammatory prostaglandins and leuktrienes, and appears to have a cortisone-like effect making it useful as an anti-inflammatory^5,6. In one study the effects of topical corticosteroids were significantly enhanced by the addition of 2% GA⁷. Another study reported that the use of topical ointments containing active isomers of GA exerted anti-inflammatory activity in a number of subacute and chronic dermatoses⁸. When compared, topical corticosteroids were superior in the treatment of acute atopic dermatitis. However, GA was superior when treating chronic conditions such as contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and other conditions characterized by inflammation and pruritus⁸. Although topical preparations are not available in the US, compresses can be prepared by adding 3 gm (1 tsp) of the extract in 150 ml of water. Orally, the dosage depends on the form in which it is taken. In powdered root form, the dose is 1-4 gm daily. In fluid extract form, the dose is 1 tsp before meals and as a solid extract, the dose is 1/2 tsp before meals. Generally speaking, although herbs have far fewer side effects, they do exist and caution must be exercised in patients with hypertension when using oral licorice root. Elevations in blood pressure have been reported. Much smaller doses, or none at all, should be used for patients with cardiac or renal histories.

Bromelain

Bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes from the stem of the pineapple plant, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in a wide variety of conditions. It appears to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, induce production of antiinflammatory Series 1 prostaglandins, and reduce capillary permeability⁹. Bromelain is quite useful postoperatively as an agent to speed healing and reduce postsurgical pain and swelling.

Willow bark

Willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, known for its antipyretic and pain relieving activity since ancient times. Available in many forms, willow bark extract can be found in many topical and oral products primarily in health food stores.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been used for centuries by Native North American tribes to soothe inflamed skin. Much of the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel extracts can be explained by the presence of astringent tannins, which enhance the soothing effects¹⁰. However, it is important to note that commercially available witch hazel extract does not contain tannins because they are lost in the distillation process. Nonetheless, it is still believed to be soothing when applied to inflamed skin.

http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2000/5.4/2.html

Warts and Moles

A wart is a growth of skin that typically occurs on the hands, the face, the soles of the feet, or on the genitals or in the perianal area, according to The Herb Companion website. Moles can appear on most areas of your body when skin cell growth occurs in a cluster rather than being distributed throughout the skin. Most moles are normal, but if a new mole appears after age 20, consult your doctor. These skin disorders are examples of excessive or abnormal skin growth that have a variety of treatment options, including salves made with herbs that have traditionally removed excessive growths of skin. Discuss herbal treatment options with a qualified health care provider.

Celandine

Celandine is a member of the poppy family native to Europe and cultivated in North America where it is grown for medicinal use. The herb's yellow juice is often applied to warts and moles because it inhibits epidermal cell growth that causes the skin disorders. Two specific compounds, sanguinarine and chelerythrine, are credited with the probitive action that stops the cell proliferation that characterizes excessive skin growth, according to The Herb Companion.

Bloodroot

Bloodroot is also known as red Indian paint, and like celandine, is a member of the poppy family. It is native to the Piedmont region of the eastern United States, and when Europeans settled the area, they began using the herb for a variety of medicinal uses, including removing warts and moles. The plant's action is very similar to celandine because the plant's medicinal compounds are very similar. Bloodroot is commonly found in the form of a salve at health food stores. Consult a physician prior to using bloodroot medicinally.

Mayapple

Mayapple is a member of the barberry family, which is native to eastern North America. All mayapple extracts, including topical forms, are considered very toxic and should be taken only under the guidance of a qualified health care provider. Application of mayapple to the skin may cause blistering and its application to broken skin may cause rapid absorption, which can result in effects such as confused mental status, upset stomach and even death. Consult a physician prior to using mayapple for the removal of warts and moles.

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