Identifying
Your Illness
It is likely that most people suffering from psoriasis or other skin disorders will have already sought medical advice and have had a correct diagnosis made. However, sometimes complications arise, or the condition is not though serious enough to worry the doctor, and it is for this reason that a description of the various illnesses and their symptoms is given.
Many readers will be dedicated already to the use of natural medicines; others may have tried alternative treatments without success. The most important thing is to ensure that you have correctly identified your condition before commencing the treatments outlined here as a misdiagnosis could lead to deterioration in your health.
Second, remember that herbal treatment is relatively slow acting and generally relies on a gradual build-up in the system. This makes it particularly suitable for long-term effects, not addictive and is compatible with one another.
This is a chronic skin disease due to a disorder of the sebaceous glands of the face, chest and shoulders. It often breaks out at puberty, and clears by the early twenties. The eruptions of acne can take several forms, from pustules to hard lumps. In treating acne, care must be taken to remove surface bacteria and allow the pustules to heal naturally. Too much interference can result in scarring. Diet is important and constipation should be treated. Herbal Treatment: try the Herb Mixture for Skin Eruptions and for external use A Herbal Antiseptic Lotion. A consultation with a qualified medical herbalist would be very worthwhile.
A common problem for those accustomed to walking barefoot in areas of heavy public use such as swimming pools. This is a fungal infection and daily treatment should include regular washing, use of a foot powder between the toes and in socks and shoes. Regular use of the herb poultice could prove helpful.
Usually originating at the base of hairs, these are most common at the back of the neck and on the front part of arms and legs. Generally, they are a sign of being tired and run down and, if they occur regularly, further medical advice should be sought.
Usually as the result of a knock, blood escapes into the surrounding skin tissue, leading to the darkened blue-black appearance. A cold compress can be helpful and also regular. Herbal Lotion for cuts and bruises is a helpful application.
This is an inflammation of the skin, usually caused by an allergy or by an external irritant – oil, chemicals and grease are typical examples. Dermatitis is not infectious. Treatment must include avoidance, or protection from, the substance causing the problem. Regular application of the Herb Mixture for Dermatitis can be helpful.
The two main ways of identifying eczema are irritations and blistering of the skin. There are several varieties of this condition, including a hereditary type. Eczema does not always respond well to treatment, but the herbal formula will be found to be of benefit and for external use, the Herb Mixture for Dermatitis. Sufferers are advised to see a qualified medical herbalist.
Leg Ulcers
Varicose eczema is not to be confused with the above, but is a surface inflammation of the lower part of the leg. It can be a sign of a varicose ulcer forming and is common among older women who have had a family. Excessive standing and sitting should be avoided. The general circulation needs to be improved. Of other forms of ulcers, callous ulcers are the most common, with a hard, thick edge. Ulcers can occur in various parts of the body but understandably, leg ulcers cause much anguish. Herbal treatment has proved effective by improving the blood circulation as well as treating the actual ulcer. Rest, elevation of the affected leg and correct bandaging is also most important. Diagnosis is important, as some leg ulcers are associated with diabetes. It would be helpful, therefore, to consult a medical herbalist.
This is skin irritation affecting the anal and vaginal area. Candida may be one cause of the condition.
This skin disease can be hereditary. But it is usually associated with nervous tension, since a severe nervous or emotional shock will often precipitate it. It will often break out again after lying dormant, or increase in intensity when the patient comes under increased stress. Other contributory causes can be rheumatism and gout. There are several forms of psoriasis ranging from reddening and scaling of the skin to thick encrustations. Treatment could include the Herb Mixture for Psoriasis, Herbal Nerve Mixture and Herb Mixture for Skin Eruptions. The surface area should be kept free of bacteria with a medicated soap.
Ring Worm
This is a contagious fungal infection usually affecting the scalps of children. Borage, applied as an infusion, can prove helpful.
This heading covers problems such as itching, rashes and outbreaks of spots, which cannot readily be covered by any of the other specific illnesses. If frequent, diet and possible contributory causes should be looked at. Application of the Herbal Antiseptic Lotion will usually help. Also take the Herb Mixture for skin Eruptions internally.
These are small lumps of hard matter growing from the skin surface. They are due to a viral infection and are very common. Sometimes they occur in clusters. The most common place for warts is on the hands, but there are other types which can grow on the face, body, feet and genitals and even internally. When dealing with warts, only one or two should be dealt with at a time. Warts growing in sensitive places, i.e. on the face or around genitals should be dealt with by a qualified medical herbalist or physician.