Herbal Actions For Topical Treatments On Skin

, March 25, 2015 in Therapeutics

Antifungal: Angelica archangelica radix, Calendula off., Melaleuca alternifolia, Olea europa folia, Tahebuia impetigosa, Usnea barbata

Anti-inflammatory: Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perfolatum, Lavandula officinalis, Matricaria recutita. Plantago species

Antimicrobials: Baptisia tinctoria, Berberis species, Echinacea species, Hydrastis canadensis, Lavandula off., Melaleuca alternifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Usnea barbata

Antipruritic: Avena sativa, Calendula officinalis, Hammamelis virginiana, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula officinalis, Stellaria media

Astringent: Achillea millefolium, Aesculus hippocastanum, Agrimonia eupatorium, Geranium maculatum, Hamemulis virginiana, Potentilla tormentilla, Quercus alba, Rhus aromatica, Rubus species, Thea sinensis

Emollient: Althea officinalis, Ascophyllum nodosa, Cetraria islandica, Fucus vesiculosis, Linum usitatissimum, Malva sylvestris, Symphytum off., Ulmas fulva cortex

Vulneraries: Calendula off., Commiphora mol-mol, Echinacea spp. radix, Equisetum arvense, Impatiens capensis, Lavandula spp., Matricaria recutita, Populus balsamifera, Prunella vulgaris, Stellaria media

Select the herbs from the appropriate herbal action category as indicated by the patient’s condition. You may choose to brew a pot of tea and apply locally as a fomentation or brew a large pot and fill the tub with the appropriate temperature water to work with the herbs. Lastly the herbs, fresh or dried, can be directly applied to the skin. Make a paste by grinding the fresh herb in a blender or Cuisinart or suribatchi with a little added water if necessary. Apply paste to a gauze pad and place pad, herb side in, on the treatment site. Hold in place with a gauze roll or strips of bed sheeting. In some cases you want an occlusive dressing. Wrap with Saran wrap to seal in or out moisture and air. Leave in place for an hour to overnight as needed.