Nearly everyone experiences a bout of acne or dry skin at some time. However, some people constantly struggle with chronic inflammatory skin disorders on a daily basis. If you're one of them, certain herbs can help to promote healing and tame your problem skin. Be sure to check with your doctor about your specific skin condition first, especially if you are using other medications.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma linoleic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid. According to Kathi Keville and Peter Korn, authors of "Herbs for Health and Healing," GLA reduces inflammation of the skin more effectively than cortisone. For this reason, Keville and Korn recommend supplementing with evening primrose oil capsules to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and impetigo. The "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" explains that the pharmacological action of GLA is due to the initial conversion to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and then to prostaglandin E1, an event triggered in the body by an enzyme called delta-6-desaturase. Prostaglandin E1 stabilizes cell membranes, that promotes anti-inflammatory effects. Increasing available levels of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid increases this benefit, especially in people who are deficient in the delta-6-desaturase enzyme.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you may not be a candidate for evening primrose oil therapy if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners. In addition, GLA has been known to induce seizures in people with seizure disorders. Talk to your doctor about the use of this herb if you have a chronic condition or if you are taking any medications.
Sarsaparilla Root
Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., authors of "Textbook of Natural Medicine," recommend sarsaparilla as an effective natural treatment for psoriasis and eczema. Specifically, the authors state that certain compounds in this herb bind to toxins in the intestines and inhibit the production of polyamines. This is significant because polyamines block the activity of cyclic-AMP, an important chemical messenger involved in several cellular processes. People with psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions tend to have higher blood levels of polyamines.
Although sarsaparilla root preparations are generally well tolerated and not associated with side effects, the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" states that some individuals may experience stomach upset or nausea.
Red Clover
Red clover is traditionally used as a topical treatment for all kinds of skin problems, including acne, eczema and psoriasis. The most common preparation made from this herb is an ointment containing red clover tincture. In addition, a simple wash can be made by steeping the dried or fresh flowers into a a strong tea.
There are no side effects associated with the topical use of red clover. However, if irritation develops, stop using the product and consult your physician.
References
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville, Peter Korn; 1996
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Fleming, Chief Editor, et al; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Evening Primrose
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D., Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1999
Member Comments