The skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is full of nerve endings that help you distinguish hot from cold and sharp from dull. When the skin is irritated, it can become uncomfortable and herbs can help soothe any type of skin irritation. Different causes will call for different herbs. With burns, aloe is one of the best choices for soothing the skin. Bruised skin responds well to arnica and skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can be treated with burdock root. Consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies.
Aloe
Aloe is known botanically as Aloe vera and is a member of the Liliaceae family. The juice of the leaves is used to soothe irritation in the skin caused by sunburn, insect bites and sunburn, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal." The liquid found in fresh-cut leaves is a demulcent, or soothing gel, according to Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism."
Arnica
Botanically known as Arnica montana, arnica is a member of the Compositae family. It is mainly used to soothe bruised skin and, according to Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," it produces improvements in a short period of time. Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties and can be combined with witch hazel to make a lotion. Prepare your own arnica tincture by pouring one pint of 70 percent alcohol to 2 oz. of fresh arnica flowers. Seal your jar tightly and let it stand for two weeks in a dark and cool place. Strain out the plant material with cheese cloth and use the tincture to add it to your lotion or salve. Never use arnica internally. It is thought to cause toxicity in the body.
Burdock
Burdock is known botanically as Arctium lappa and is also a member of the Compositae family. The root is used to make an ointment that helps soothe skin conditions such as eczema and boils, says nutritional counselor Phyllis Balch, in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, the A-to-Z Guide to Supplements." Express the sap of burdock root and mix it with petroleum jelly until it becomes a thick ointment. Use it several times per day on irritated areas of your skin.
References
- "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1996
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2002
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