Discoloration of the skin, or vitiligo, is a condition in which patches of the skin appear more pale than the surrounding skin. This condition arises due to a lack of melanin production in the area of discoloration. There is no cure for vitiligo, but certain herbs can stimulate melanin production and help return some color to your skin. Some herbs reduce melanin production and should be avoided if you suffer from vitiligo.
Psoralea Cordyfolia
Psoralea cordyfolia is a Chinese herb that herbalists apply to skin in order to treat vitiligo. This herb also produces psoralen, a chemical compound that works with ultra-violet A to treat vitiligo. Ultra-violet A is a frequency of light that would normally cause sunburn and psoralens are compounds that make skin susceptible to sunburn. However, when these two components are combined in a therapeutic setting, they may reactivate damaged melanocytes and prevent sunburn. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin in the skin. Psoralen and ultra-violet A treatment, or PUVA treatment, may restore pigmentation lost to vitiligo.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Ginkgo biloba extract comes from the ginkgo tree, which is one of the oldest tree species on earth. Ginkgo biloba extract stimulates blood circulation which will enrich all cells including those of your skin. Ginkgo biloba extract also contains antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals that may damage skin cells. Since vitiligo is the result of cells that are no longer able to produce melanin, ginkgo biloba extract can counteract this disease by restoring full functionality to cells. Some herbalists claim that ginkgo biloba can also enhance brain function and may help prevent Alzheimers disease, although there is no proven medical evidence to support these claims.
Herbs to Avoid
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks healthy body tissue. The reason for this is the immune system cannot tell the difference between healthy body tissue and antigens. If you are suffering from vitiligo you should avoid herbs that boost the immune system as this will increase the attack on healthy skin cells. Herbs that boost the immune system include echinacea, astralgus, goldenseal and spriulina.
Member Comments