Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Atopic Dermatitis: " Eczema " JoAnn Guest Oct 18, 2004 16:18 PDT The term " eczema " refers to a variety of skin irritations, of which atopic dermatitis is the most common. Fifteen million Americans have eczema, most of whom develop symptoms as infants or young children. It's rare for initial signs of eczema to appear in adults over 30. While environmental factors often precipitate the condition, eczema more likely appears in a child whose parent also suffers from it. Dry, itchy skin—especially around the eyes, inside the elbows, and behind the knees—characterizes eczema. It also seems that people with eczema have an overabundance of Staphylococcus aureusbacteria on the skin. Persistent scratching opens the tender skin to opportunistic infections. Studies have shown that 80 to 90 percent of those with eczema have an overactive immune system, which triggers a histamine release in response to allergens that don't bother most other people. Irritants that bring on this allergic response range from foods such as milk,wheat,and peanuts to materials like wool, soap, perfume, chlorine bleach, and dust. Stress is also a culprit. Emotional stress taxes the immune system, causing eczema flare-ups to occur. In addition to an overactive immune system, eczema patients do not properly metabolize essential fatty acids (EFAs), according to recent studies. Low levels of certain fatty acids impede prostaglandin synthesis, which controls inflammation. One solution: 300 mg/day of evening primrose oil (EPO) can raise EFA levels and reduce the inflammation. Alternatively, supplementation with omega-3-fatty acids can optimize prostaglandin synthesis. Try taking ten grams of fish oil daily, or increase your dietary intake of cold-water fish such as halibut or salmon. Note that while EPO and omega-3 fatty acids have both proven effective in clinical trials, the latter option costs considerably less. As with any allergic condition, eczema responds well to flavonoids, due to their antihistamine action. Antihistamines prevent the immune system from releasing substances that cause localized inflammation. Among the best flavonoids are quercetin (400 mg taken before meals) and grape seed extract (50–100 mg, taken 3 times daily). A recent study has shown that inulin, a polysaccharide contained within the root of burdock (Arctium lappa) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) activates the pathway of the immune system essential in destroying bacteria. This pathway is compromised in those with eczema, enabling opportunistic infections to occur at irritated sites. Try one-quarter teaspoon of tincture three times a day, or brew a cup of tea from freshly dug backyard roots (1 tablespoon fresh chopped root simmered in 8–12 ounces of water for 15 minutes). Finally, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a potent anti-inflammatory that you can use externally. Licorice acts similarly to the steroid hydrocortisone in reducing the inflammation and itching associated with eczema—and it's 93 percent effective in treating atopic dermatitis. Try a moisturizing cream infused with licorice extract or a solid extract of glycyrrhetinic acid, one of the herb's active components. Or try taking licorice internally: 1 teaspoon dried root simmered in 8–12 ounces of water for 15 minutes, taken two or three times a day. A word of caution, however: Licorice is contraindicated for those with liver or kidney disease. Managing a skin condition like eczema can be difficult, especially for young children. Why not turn some of the above suggestions into fun games to make treatment more enjoyable? Have a licorice tea party, or make applying cream a laughterfilled tickle fest. A cup of chamomile tea close to bedtime will also help relax the body and lessen scratching during sleep. Above all, celebrate your successes and educate yourself when a suggestion doesn't work—and be happy and confident in what you do to take care of yourself. http://www.herbquarterly.com/issue99page20-1.html --- Tea Tree Oil: Antiseptic Skin Spray JoAnn Guest Oct 18, 2004 16:02 PDT Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Australian Tree - Melaleuca alternifoia. Its powerful antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties make this oil very versatile. Tea Tree Oil is often used for treating minor skin problems such as preventing infections of cuts and scratches or to topically treat acne, cold sores or fungal problems. Tea Tree oil dissolves lumps of white blood cells, which make up pus, making it easier for the body to fight infection. Tea Tree Oil is used in many products that are convenient to have in your home first aid kit and many of these products you can make yourself with a few simple ingredients. One of the most versatile products is Tea Tree Salve which you can use for minor cuts and scratches, on fungal infections of the skin and also to alleviate itching from insect bites. Tea Tree Salve 1 cup cold pressed Olive Oil 1 ounce Beeswax 240 drops Tea Tree Oil Place the oil and beeswax in a pint mason jar and place in a pan filled with several cups of water. Heat until the beeswax is melted, stirring to mix well. Once the beeswax is completely melted stir in the Tea Tree essential oil. Pour into small salve containers. Store any excess salve in the refrigerator until needed. Tip: You could use a double boiler to melt the wax and oil. I prefer melting the mixture in the mason jar so that I can also store my salve in that jar and avoid having to clean a messy pan. For more information on making salves visit http://www.wildroots.com/salves.htm Antiseptic Skin Spray 4 ounces Witch Hazel 2 teaspoons 190 proof Ethyl Alcohol (if available) 60 drops Tea Tree Oil Dissolve the Tea Tree Oil in the ethyl alcohol and then stir into the witch hazel. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on minor cuts and scratches. Tip: You can skip using the ethyl alcohol - its main purpose is to help the Tea tree oil dissolve and mix better into the solution. If you do not want to use the ethyl alcohol shaking very well before each use will be necessary. Cleanser for Acne 1/4 cup Witch Hazel 1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel 10 drops Tea Tree Oil Apply cleanser with a cotton ball. Use 2 -3 times a day as needed. Tea Tree Oil can effectively help reduce acne inflammation. It works slower than benzyl peroxide lotions but it is gentler on the skin. If you would like more recipes for products you can make at home visit our recipe center. http://www.wildroots.com/recipe/index.htm --- THE SECRET TO MAKING YOUR OWN ALL NATURAL FACIAL MASK AT HOME IN 10 EASY STEPS http://smarter-health.com/masque-article.shtml How To Do Your Own Facial At Home And Save Money While Getting Spectacular Results. I was almost in tears. I had spent a lot of money to buy a facial masque that claimed to be all natural and would improve my skin I spent $100.00 on it and it didn't work. Not at all. I just wasted $100.00! And boy was I mad! " Never Again! " I told myself. Ever! Today, there are a wide variety of cosmetics available everywhere you look. You can find them on the shelves in department stores, health food stores, on internet, tv etc., But what to buy? Not every product works well for you and gives you satisfying results. A lot of cosmetics are labeled " Natural " , but they contain artificial ingredients. And the price marked is extremely high, making them impractical or uneconomical to use for the vast majority of people. Wanting to get the very best results at the most economical price with real true *Natural* materials at home, is something that is applicable to everyone. I knew there had to be a way to do this. Simply and easily. So I started researching and experimenting. I found the perfect recipe. 100% natural, blending a Traditional Chinese skin care product together with other natural ingredients. It's not expensive to make. It's not hard to do. Just follow these 10 simple steps for your own facial care and get amazing results. Tie up your hair before starting. Use both hands to hold warm water, spread the water evenly over your face. Then gently massage your face. Repeat this several times. Let the air dry your face. Do not use a towel. When the water is running off your face and your face is drying naturally, put Vitamin E (oil form) or baby oil on your face. Let the oil (Vitamin E oil or baby oil) seep into your facial skin for five minutes. Then, repeat step one, **except** use a mild soap to clean off the oil from your face. When your face is clean, cup both hands and fill with room temperature spring water. Splash on your face. Do not rub. Let your face air dry. Repeat 3 times. Take 1 egg white (use carefully in case of salmonella) or a similar amount of fresh pure aloe vera juice; 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon of pure apple juice; and ¼ up to 1 teaspoon of pure pearl powder. [note: pearl powder enhances the effectiveness of the mask. Pearl powder has a long history throughout Asia and in Traditional Chinese Medicine for making the skin softer, smoother, and more elastic. Only 100% pure pearl powder works. Pure pearl powder is available at http://www.emperorsherbologist.com/pearlpowder.htm] Put contents into a clean bowl, and mix them evenly to create your own natural face mask. Once blended, your natural mask is now ready for use. Once you are finished blending the ingredients together, wet 2 clean cotton balls, or you can use 2 pieces of fresh cut cucumber. Set them aside for later use. Dip both hands into your natural facial mask and apply the mask to your skin. [ note: The best method to use to apply the mask is to start from your chin and apply bottom to top inside to outside making sure to skip the eyes and mouth area. For the nose area, apply the mask solution from the upper part of the nose to lower part following the nose line.] Now it is time to relax. Go ahead, lay down on your back with your face up. Put a towel under your head to catch any of the mask than runs. Cover your eyes with cucumber or the wet cotton balls. Wait 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Make sure the mask is entirely dry. Once you are sure the mask is dry, Cup both hands to hold warm water, spread the water evenly over your face. Then gently massage your face. Repeat this several times. Let the air dry your face. Do not use a towel. Try this and you will find that your face will feel very fresh and look younger. Do this twice a week, and you can have a much younger looking face all the time. ### END ================ RESOURCE BOX ====================== The Following information must be included if you reprint this article Copyright Feb 1, 2002 By Zhi Qiang - Author of the ebook series " Traditional Medical Food Recipes of China for Prevention and Cure " a 10 book series. Book 1 " Beauty, Anti-Aging, Prolong Life Foods and Recipes " Available at: http://www.smarter-health.com Terms of Use and more: Copyright © February 1, 2002 Zhi Qiang. Permission is granted to reprint the following article on your web site or ezine, or print magazine/newsletter as long as no changes are made and the copyright information, and the byline/resource box is included. If published in your ezine, it must be opt in only. No spam ezines, purchased lists may use this article. A copy of the ezine magazine and/or URL of the web site where it is published will be greatly appreciated. If published on a web site, there must be a link back to http://www.smarter- health.com/index.shtml WORD COUNT: 764 including the Resource Box CATEGORIES: Health & Beauty, Skin care, Cosmetics, Make up, Spa COPYRIGHT DATE: February 1, 2002 DESCRIPTION: Step by step instructions to make an all natural facial masque. KEYWORDS: beauty, skin care, cosmetics, masque, facial cleaner, spa treatment --- Skin Problems Every winter, the baseboard hot-water radiators in our home make the air very dry. And every year, I develop a skin irritation that I call dry winter dermatitis. Over the years, I've found a skin lotion that helps Its ingredients are water, glycerin and aloe vera, the traditional and very effective herbal treatment for many skin problems. That's my personal Green Pharmacy success story. I'd also like to mention a case report published in the British medical journal Lancet. It seems that there was a physician who moved from a humid subtropical climate to a very dry desert area. He developed a severe dry-skin rash on his hands. He tried steroids, medications that are sometimes prescribed to heal severe rashes. They didn't help, so he decided that he'd just have to live with it. Four years later, several studies appeared in the medical literature showing that vitamin E reduces heart attack risk by some 35 percent in men. Because he was at risk, the doctor began taking 400 international units of vitamin E a day for his heart. It also helped his skin. In less than two weeks, his four-year-old skin rash cleared up. Vitamin E is widely touted for skin problems, and it's an ingredient in many skin creams and cosmetics. But like many physicians, this doctor was skeptical of such supplement claims and was not convinced that he actually had vitamin E to thank for resolving his dermatitis. The following year, however, while on a winter vacation, the doctor discontinued his vitamin E, and his dermatitis returned. On returning home, after two weeks without the supplements, he began taking them again, and his rash cleared up again. That made a believer of him. Allow me to tell you one more story before we get to the herbs. A videographer who worked with me in the Amazon developed a strange and very itchy eczema while in the rain forest. A shamanistic healer I knew suggested that she apply a poultice of crushed petals of Peruvian red hibiscus. The treatment worked. Oddly, when the videographer returned home to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her eczema returned, and nothing her physician offered gave her any relief. She continues to import hibiscus from Peru, since it's the only thing that is effective. In a pinch, though, she could splash " Red Zinger " tea on her rash. The red color of this commercial, mixed-herb tea comes from hibiscus flowers. Green Pharmacy for Skin Problems Fortunately, as the stories above demonstrate, herbal approaches have a great deal to offer those with skin problems. In some cases, the herbs help even when pharmaceuticals do not. Here are several of the most helpful herbs. Aloe (Aloe vera). Aloe has been used since the days of Egypt's ancient pharaohs to treat all manner of skin problems. But aloe is more than an age-old folk remedy. Since the 1930s, when the gel inside aloe's leathery leaves was shown to speed the healing of radiation burns, many studies have shown this herb to be effective in treating a variety of skin problems. In one study of people undergoing dermabrasion, a medical procedure involving removal of the top layer of skin, aloe speeded healing by 72 hours. Even if you have a brown thumb, aloe is easy to maintain as a potted plant. It requires little water and almost no care. For minor burns, cuts and other skin problems, simply snip off a lower leaf, slit it open lengthwise, scoop out the gelatinous pulp and apply it to the affected area. Or try one of the many commercial skin products that contain this herb. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). Evening primrose oil (EPO) is rich in a compound called gamma- linolenic acid (GLA), which is approved in Great Britain for treating eczema. Research I've reviewed supports this use and suggests that this herbal oil is also helpful in treating other forms of skin irritation (dermatitis). Although evening primrose is a plant at my place, I buy EPO in capsules at a health food store, and I suggest that this is the easiest way to take this herb. Take the capsules orally, following the package directions. You can also take oils of borage, currant and hops, which are also well-endowed with GLA. As with evening primrose, you can get these other oils in capsule form; follow the package directions when you take them. Avocado (Persea americana). There's more to avocado than guacamole. Its oil is actually patented as a treatment for some forms of dermatitis and arthritis. According to Aubrey Hampton, author of Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care, long-term treatment with avocado oil helps relieve eczema. I'm not surprised, as avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, all of which help maintain healthy skin. I suggest applying it directly to any itchy, red or irritated areas. It might also be helpful to ingest the oil and use it in salad dressings. Calendula (Calendula officinalis). Small wonder that this pretty flower has a folk reputation for treating all kinds of skin problems. Research shows that this herb is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Calendula also stimulates white blood cells to gobble up harmful microbes and helps speed wound healing. I usually buy commercial calendula flower ointments and apply them as needed. That's a good way to use this herb as a skin treatment. Camomile (Matricaria recutita). Don't just drink your camomile tea--brew it strong and use it in a compress for treating skin problems. This tasty herb is approved in Europe for treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, notably yeast infections. Compounds in camomile (bisabolol, chamazulene and cyclic ethers) are anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and fungicidal. If you have hay fever, however, you should use camomile products cautiously. Camomile is a member of the ragweed family, and in some people, it might trigger allergic reactions. The first time you try it, watch your reaction. If it seems to help, go ahead and use it. But if it seems to cause or aggravate itching or irritation, discontinue use. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Cool as a cucumber? That's not just a figure of speech. Pharmacognosist (natural product pharmacist) Albert Leung, Ph.D., reminds us that cucumber has a long folk history of use for soothing dermatitis and burns and for treating wrinkles. If I had a skin problem, I'd peel and blend some cucumbers in my blender, with or without avocado, and apply the puree directly to the affected area, leaving it on for 15 to 60 minutes. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). This herb, native to India, stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and underlying connective tissue. In clinical trials, gotu kola has proven useful in treating eczema, wounds and other skin conditions. The latest research suggests that one compound (asiaticoside) in gotu kola is among the most promising treatments for one of history's most devastating skin diseases, leprosy. If I developed a skin problem in the tropics, I'd use crushed leaves to make a poultice and apply it to the affected areas. Here in the United States, the leaves are generally unavailable, so I'd buy a commercial tincture and follow the package directions. Wild pansy (Viola tricolor). This is a traditional herbal treatment for acne, eczema, impetigo, itching and other skin problems. And modern research supports using this herb as a treatment for skin problems. Germany's Commission E, the expert panel that judges the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines, approves of using pansy tea as a skin treatment. You can make a tea with about one teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water; steep it for ten minutes. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Witch hazel contains generous amounts of tannins, potent astringents that are useful in treating skin problems. According to studies with laboratory animals, witch hazel also increases the tone of the blood vessels in the skin, which enhances blood supply to damaged areas. Commission E endorses using witch hazel water externally for treating dermatitis and other conditions that damage the skin. Witch Hazel Witch hazel, which flowers bewitchingly around Halloween, is an ingredient in astringent lotions. Carrot (Daucus carota). Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A like carotenoids that have been shown to enhance the health of the skin and repair skin damage. Retin-A, the prescription drug used to treat severe acne, is a carotenoid preparation. Some herbalists recommend applying liquefied carrots (and/or tomatoes and sweet potatoes) to the skin to treat sunburn and other minor skin conditions. I can't see doing that myself, but there's no reason why you shouldn't try it if you want. I eat a lot of carrots and other red and orange fruits and vegetables because I know that ingesting carotenoids not only helps prevent skin damage but can help ward off cancer and heart disease as well. English plantain (Plantago lanceolata). External application of cooling, soothing plantain leaves is a time- honored herbal remedy for treating minor skin problems. Modern research has shown that two compounds (aucubin and catapol) in plantain have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. Ivy (Hedera helix). Compounds known as saponins, which are found in ivy leaves, are active against several bacteria and fungi that cause skin problems. Commission E endorses using ivy to treat bronchitis, which is an indication of the herb's safety. Ivy has an extensive folkloric reputation for treating dermatitis. If I had a skin problem, I would chop some leaves in a blender and apply the paste directly to the affected area. Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis). This herb contains a soothing water-soluble fiber called mucilage that has a long history of use for relieving skin problems. In Europe, marsh mallow mucilage is used in ointments for treating chapped skin. If I had a skin problem, I'd put the fresh root through my juicing machine, then apply the liquid directly to the affected areas. Pineapple (Ananas comosus). One of the latest buzzwords in skin care is alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs peel off dead skin cells by dissolving the substances that hold the dead skin together. Dermatologists use AHA preparations clinically to treat acne, chapped skin, fine lines, wrinkles and other skin conditions. They use strong concentrations for face peels, and lower concentrations appear in dozens of over-the-counter skin cleansers, lotions and toners. What few people know is that AHAs are often herbal products called fruit acids. As the name suggests, AHAs occur in many fruits, notably pineapple, tamarind, gardenia, apples and grapes. They also occur in sour milk. Cleopatra reportedly bathed in sour milk because it brought out the luster in her skin. I can't imagine taking a sour milk bath, but I love pineapple and eat a lot of it, and I could see rubbing the inner peel on damaged skin. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Like carrots, purslane is generously endowed with carotenoids. I'm not the facial mask type, but if I were, I might try putting a handful of this useful weed into a blender with a carrot and maybe even some pineapple. This would create an invigorating face mask with healing properties. I'd suggest leaving it on for 20 minutes or so. Walnut (Juglans, various species). Commission E endorses using walnut leaves for treating mild superficial skin inflammations. Steep two teaspoons of crushed leaves in a cup of boiling water, then apply the tea when cool. Some herbalists suggest adding a handful of crushed walnut leaves http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/41/104.cfm --- Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 5:50 pm Post subject: Skin -- What a Remarkable Organ! by Bera Dordoni, N.D. Neither BASTIS Foundation nor Bera Dordoni, N.D., has any affiliation with this company. This article was unsolicited. It is simply the belief of the author that this product is superior to others she has tested. --- Skin -- What a Remarkable Organ! http://www.bastis.org/articles/skinscrub.shtml The other night, after a long day of working with difficult and demanding clients, I was ready for a relaxing bath. I lit a few candles, ran the bath as hot as I could stand it and soaked awhile. Essential oils of lavender, tangerine, cinnamon leaf, clove bud and ginger in a base of Pacific sea salt and cold-processed safflower oil, lecithin and vitamin E oil. Go, girl! Dug my fingers into the mixture and rubbed the salts all over my body. My skin tingled deliciously for a few moments, then I showered off the salt. All the dead surface cells had been exfoliated by the invigorating salts. What remained was a luxurious layer of oil. Usually I follow a bath or shower with a layer of moisturizing body lotion from Nonie of Beverly Hills, but after using the scrub salts, I had no need for any lotion. My skin felt moist, smooth and refreshed, not dry at all. Appreciate This Vital Organ What a remarkable organ it is: certainly the body's largest, but so taken for granted. Until it bothers us, that is. If our skin develops a rash, we notice it. If it itches, we moisturize it or cover it with a steroidal cream to suppress the itch. Dry, oily, wrinkled -- now it has our attention. Beyond that, though, not too many of us are aware of the extreme importance of this " backup " organ. All too often I see expensive five-and-dime cosmetics being thrown into shopping carts as people look to " cover " or suppress their problem skins. Did you know that approximately 15-20% of the average adult's total body weight is skin? Skin is filled with billions of cells, thousands of sensory points, sweat glands, sebaceous glands -- each performing its own function for keeping the skin healthy. Defense Skin is a protective barrier. It's our first line of defense against foreign invaders, infections, dehydration, injuries and other outside elements. It also has a enzymatic detoxification process similar to the liver; in other words, it helps us clean out. What's more, when we apply topical nutrients, it absorbs them directly into the bloodstream. And that's where the problem comes in. Skin does not discriminate between natural and synthetic chemicals. It absorbs whatever you apply to it. So if you have a compromised immune system, for example, you have to be careful not to bathe or shower without using a filter on your showerhead, because you'll absorb more undesirable elements from the water through your skin than you would by drinking the water straight. What kinds of things? Everything that's in regular tap water, like large amounts of unfiltered chlorine -- all the stuff that made you start drinking bottled or filtered water. Well, what you wouldn't drink out of your kitchen sink is being absorbed through your skin in your bathtub. Obviously, this can be dangerous to all of us, but it's especially dangerous to the person with a weak immune system. Skin Care Whether you have dry, oily or " normal " skin, it needs to be oxygenated to clear out the congested sebaceous or " sweat " glands. Sloughing off dead surface cells helps revive your skin's texture by allowing nutrients to be absorbed and toxins to be released by cleaning out and opening up your pores. Bera Dordoni, N.D., is author of I Have a Choice?!; has her own line of herbal formulations; is Director of BASTIS Foundation's Vitality Program; and she conducts workshops at hospitals, wellness retreats, national health conventions and expos. She counsels patients suffering from AIDS, cancer, heart disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, allergies, obesity and other disabling and life- threatening illnesses. Many clients were given no hope of recovery from their medical doctors. www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/FreeRadicals.html _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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