
The skin is a complex organ with numerous functions including protection against infection, control of temperature and excretion.
The skin connects us with the external physical environment and is responsible for maintaining a stable internal environment. A healthy skin is vital for maintaining a healthy body.
The skin can reflect what is happening inside the body. Changes in the function of the liver, digestion, and immune system can manifest themselves as skin disease. The skin also has nerve endings and is very sensitive to the effects of stress and emotions.
Most skin disorders are complex and result from a combination of external and internal factors. For example, eczema can result from environmental, dietary, and emotional factors combined with an immune imbalance.
Diagnosis and treatment of skin rashes and inflammation requires a holistic approach in which all aspects of someone's health and external environment are considered.
Orthodox medical treatment of skin conditions is very limited and generally not specific to the diagnosis, limited to topical treatment, and often just suppresses the symptoms.
The most common orthodox treatment is topical steroids which provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause or provide a real cure. They can also have serious side effects such as thinning of the skin, bruising, and changes in pigmentation.
The holistic approach taken by a Medical Herbalist considers each individual case to establish possible external and internal causes of their skin condition. The aim of the herbal treatment is to support the natural functioning of the skin and other organs.
Herbal treatment has two approaches. The first is the use of topical preparations to soothe irritation of the skin, fight infection, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. The second is the use of internal oral mixes of herbs.
The internal preparation of herbs will depend on each individual case but will aim to cleanse and improve elimination of metabolic waste, reduce inflammation, fight any infection, improve the functioning of the liver and digestive system, support the immune system, reduce the effect of stress, balance hormones, and aid healing.
This approach of a Medical Herbalist is much more comprehensive than that offered by orthodox medicine. It is more likely to cure the skin condition, improve the general health of the body, and is associated with far few side effects.
Visit a Medical Herbalist to find out how your skin condition could be treated.