Lemon Balm - Antihistamines & Bioflavonoids for Eczema

[Guest guest]

Lemon Balm(Melissa officinalis) -

Antihistamines & Bioflavonoids for Eczema

JoAnn Guest

Mar 03, 2005 20:24 PST

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Lemon balm’s antihistamine action is useful to treat eczema and

headaches and accounts for the centuries-old tradition of placing the

fresh leaf on insect bites and wounds.

 

Lemon balm has antipyretic, refreshing, cholagogic and stimulating

properties. Use a pad soaked in the infusion to relieve painful

swellings such as gout.

 

Use as ointment for sores, insect bites, or to repel insects. Use hot

infused oil as ointment or gentle massage oil for depression, tension,

asthma and bronchitis.

 

A clinical multicentric study in Germany offers evidence of the

antiviral activity of a specially prepared dried extract of lemon balm

against herpes simplex infections. The extract was a concentrated (70:1)

dry extract of lemon balm which was included at a level of 1% in a cream

base.

Patients applied the cream 2-4 times daily for 5-10 days.

 

In the group receiving the active Melissa cream, there was a significant

improvement in symptoms on day two compared to the placebo group and on

day five over 50% more patients were symptom-free than in the placebo

group. To be effective, the treatment must be started in the very early

stages of infection.

 

 

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_LMN.htm

 

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Post subject: Health Benefits of Melissa

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Folk healers in the Middle Ages considered melissa (Melissa officinalis)

something of a cure-all.

 

Today, this mint-family member--often called lemon balm because of the

citrus-y aroma of its leaves--is still used to prepare healing oils,

tinctures, compresses, ointments, teas, and other remedies for a variety

of complaints.

 

 

 

Sedative, spasm-reducing (spasmolytic), and antibacterial properties

abound in this fragrant herb. Europeans have long favored a tea made

from the dried leaves for easing nervous system disorders.

 

A compress soaked in the concentrated, cooled tea makes a comforting

healing dressing for insect bites, stings, and other sites of skin

inflammation.

 

As an astringent, the tea applied topically probably promotes

healing in minor wounds by tightening the skin.

 

Specifically, melissa may help to:

Treat chickenpox, cold sores and shingles

 

Clinical trials indicate that substances

in melissa's volatile oils make this herb a promising remedy for

treating cold sores, the painful " lip lesions " caused by the herpes

simplex (type 1) virus.

 

Melissa has been shown to speed healing of the lesions, especially

when taken at the first signs of an outbreak.

 

It also appears to increase

the time between outbreaks when used regularly. Even genital lesions

caused by a different herpes simplex virus (type 2) may respond to

melissa treatment.

 

Topical formulations of melissa have also been recommended for

treating shingles, a relatively common and quite painful skin condition

that

is actually a reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

 

Shingles is caused

by a relative to the herpes simplex virus: herpes zoster.

 

Special tip:

 

--To be effective for fighting cold sores and other lesions caused

by the herpes simplex virus, you need to use a cream-based product

containing a concentrated extract of melissa.

 

In Germany, the melissa cold sore cream/ointment is sold

under the name " Lomaherpan " ;

 

in the United States it can be found under various names,

such as " Herpalieve " and " Herpilyn " .

 

For cold sores: Apply the cream three to four times a day.

 

For calming jangled nerves and easing indigestion: Make a tea from

dried melissa. To prepare the tea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb for

each 8-ounce cup of hot but not boiling water. Cover the tea and let it

steep for 10 to 20 minutes to get the medicinal benefits. Drink the tea

throughout the day as needed.

 

Guidelines for Use

When using melissa cream for cold sores, be sure to apply it as soon

as possible after the sore starts to appear; studies indicate that

accelerated healing was most noticeable in the first two days.

 

General Interaction

 

 

Take care when combining melissa with other sedating substances such

as prescription tranquilizers, or even with other herbs reported to

have sedating actions, such as valerian and passionflower.

The volatile oils in melissa have sedative properties that can

dangerously increase the effects of barbiturates such as

pentobarbital and phenobarbital.

 

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10043,00.html

 

 

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Post subject: Atopic Dermatitis: " Eczema "

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Atopic Dermatitis: " Eczema "

Eczema Responds well to Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids provide Beneficial Antihistamines

Eczema Patients do not Properly Metabolize EFA's (Omegas)

 

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, soy 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 Norwegian fish oil

daily, or increase your dietary intake of cold-water fish such as

halibut or salmon.

 

www.spectrumnaturals.com

 

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

 

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Tea Tree Oil: Antiseptic Skin Spray

JoAnn Guest

Oct 18, 2004 16:02 PDT

 

Tea Tree Oil: Antiseptic Skin Spray

 

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

tap 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

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,

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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

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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. Then I

grabbed a jar of Warming Organic Body Polish. The label reads, " BE

WARNED, HEALTHY SKIN CAN BE HABIT FORMING! " Wish I had time to indulge

myself in this kind of habit more often, I thought to myself as I opened

 

the jar. Mmm -- smelled so good. 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.

 

--

 

Melissa Extract for Herpes Simplex

--

 

 

Medical Abstract Title:

 

Melissa Extract for Herpes Simplex

http://www.enzy.com/abstracts/display.asp?id=1593

 

Author:

Vogt HJ, Tausch I, Wölbling RH, Kaiser PM

 

Source:

Der Allgemeinarzt. 1991; 13:832-841.

 

Abstract:

 

The effectiveness of a cream containing a melissa extract as the

effective agent (Lomaherpan) was tested in a double-blind study on 116

patients suffering from herpes simplex infections at different

locations. The preparation was administered to 58 patients, while a

placebo was given to the other 58 patients.

 

With respect to an improvement in the symptoms, the preparation group

exhibited a statistically demonstrated superiority regarding the main

parameters “swelling and reddening of the skin” established during the

first post-examination. The post-examination showed that the average

size of the lesions was reduced dramatically in the preparation group

despite a less favorable initial situation.

 

The overall treatment evaluation by the physician was given as “very

good” in 25 cases of the preparation group and in 10 cases of the

placebo group. The evaluation by the patient yielded similar results:

“very good” in 24 cases of the preparation group, in 11 cases of the

placebo group. The difference was statistically significant. The

incidence of locally irritant side effects was minor and equal in both

groups: 2-3% during the first post-examination, less than 1% at the end

of the study. Both groups experienced terminations.

 

The results of this study demonstrate that the melissa extract cream is

very well suited for the topical treatment of herpes simplex infections.

 

 

The effectiveness increases with an early treatment of the infections.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

www.alternative-medicine-message-boards.info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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