Keratosis pilaris is a skin disorder that leaves small rough patches and bumps on your upper arms and thighs. It occurs when keratin, a hard protein, builds up and blocks your pores. This condition may also be associated with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes itchy bumps on your arms and behind your knees. Eczema may be due to an immune disorder or to dry and damaged skin, and stress may make it worse. Herbs may help relieve the symptoms of these skin problems naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for keratosis pilaris and eczema perform different functions. Herbs may relieve the itchiness and soothe irritated skin tissue. Some may also reduce inflamed patches. Several herbs for skin problems work through the liver, your body's main screening organ for toxins that may be related to skin eruptions. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for keratosis pilaris and eczema.
Calendula
Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, is a European herb with bright yellow and orange flowers. Herbalists use the flower heads to treat all types of skin diseases. Calendula is rich in flavonoids, saponins and essential oil, and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, recommends applying calendula topically for itching and inflammation. It may also help prevent infection from oozing eczema sores. Do not use calendula internally if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, or Althea officinalis, is a native Asian perennial with pale purple flowers. Traditional healers use the roots, leaves and flowers internally and topically to treat coughs, ulcers, oral inflammations, burns and skin sores. The main ingredient is mucilage, composed of polysaccharides that may help coat and protect tissue inflammation due to keratosis pilaris and eczema. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends marshmallow as a topical emollient herb to soften and soothe dry, damaged skin. If you use this herb internally, it may delay the absorption of other medicines.
Burdock
Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is a hardy European biennial with purple flowers. Herbalists refer to it as an "alterative" herb and it has a long history as a remedy for skin diseases. Skin diseases are an indicator of imbalance, according to herbalist David Hoffmann, and although they appear on the surface, they may be rooted in an internal systemic imbalance. Alteratives stimulate the elimination of waste from your liver, skin and other organs, helping to restore balance and proper functioning to your body. Herbalist Christopher Hobbs recommends using burdock internally as a cleansing herb to help clear skin diseases. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink also note that burdock has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions due to its lignans and other chemicals. Do not use this herb internally if you are allergic to plants in the Aster family.
References
- Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- Christopher Hobbs: Burdock
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
