Herbal Fixes for Problem Skin

Natural Health, April, 1999 by Katherine Gallia, Susanne Althoff, Melissa Nachatelo

THE DAY MAYBE NEAR when a conventional dermatologist prescribes chamomile to patients with dermatitis. Last November the usually conservative Archives of Dermatology featured an article by dermatologist Alan M. Dattner, M.D., and naturopath Donald J. Brown, N.D., that laid out the proven herbal treatments for three Skin conditions. Of course you don't have to wait for your local dermatologist to come around to herbal medicine. You can treat yourself with these herbs after making sure that your skin condition is properly diagnosed.

DERMATITIS

CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis)

Applying an herbal ointment several times daily is widely accepted in Germany as an effective treatment for diaper rash and other mild irritations.

CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita)

Several German studies have shown that a topical herbal cream or ointment can reduce or eliminate dermatitis, sometimes after one application.

WITCH HAZEL (Hamamelis virginiana)

At least two studies have shown that the leaf extract, applied to the skin, can heal atopic (allergy-related) dermatitis.

PSORIASIS

ALOE (Aloe vera)

In a Pakistani study, a topical cream with 0.5 percent aloe extract healed the chronic psoriasis of 83 percent of participants.

CAYENNE (Capsicum annuum)

Two studies have shown that a topical cream containing 0.025 percent capsaicin (from cayenne) can reduce skin scaling and other symptoms.

HERPEX SIMPLEX LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis)

Two studies showed that a topical cream with 1 percent dried herbal extract can heal herpes lesions.