Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 I think that Neem is a useful choice for your condition, but perhaps could be expanded to include some other herbs and strategies that may be more specific for you. Neem is a bitter, very cooling herb, best for hot conditions with active inflammation, or infectious conditions. Lichen planus has no known cause, but I believe that it is not all that dissimilar from any other chronic skin condition like eczema: certainly there is no major difference in medical treatment, with a reliance upon corticosteroids. You need to look for underlying causes, such as dietary factors (incl. common allergens such as dairy, flour, citrus etc.), autotoxicity (i.e. ama), infectious causes (e.g. yeasts, parasites), nervous system disorders (e.g. stress), and nutrient deficiencies (omega 3s, D3, A, C, E, Bs etc). I've seen a few cases of lichen planus and there is considerable variability in the individual manifestation. At the least I would go on an elimination diet for at least 2-3 months, supplement with the vitamins I mentioned, and then take the Neem. You might also consider other non-threatened Ayurvedic herbs such as Turmeric and Gotu Kola. Unfortunately some of the best Indian herbs such as Katuka or Kushta are grown in the Himalayas and are under serious threat from greedy or desperate people. Suitable cleansing Western herbs would include Burdock, Red Clover, Nettle, Oregon Grape, Blue Flag, Sarsaparilla, and Heartsease. I would also tend to include something to support the nervous system, such as Ashvagandha, Gotu Kola, and Brahmi, or Western/Chinese herbs such as Reishi, Milky Oats, Skullcap, Chamomile etc. Topically, a salve made with Comfrey, Plantain, St. John's etc. can also be useful. Please don't take all the above herbs altogether at full dosage, but have a herbalist make up a formula for you, or try a few at a time. Caldecott, Cl.H., AHG Clinical Herbalist Wild Rose Clinic ******************************************* of Clinical Herbal Studies Wild Rose College of Natural Healing ******************************************* 400 - 1228 Kensington Rd. NW Calgary, AB T2N 5P6 CANADA tel: (403) 270-0891 ext 315 fax: (403) 283-0799 email: phyto http://www.wrc.net/phyto ******************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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