Emollients are used in creams, ointments, nasal sprays, and suppositories.... emollient
Action. Bactericidal against staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus viridans and five strains of streptococcus mutans – the cause of dental plaque. Antibiotic, Demulcent, Coagulant, Analgesic for mild degree pain. Antiviral.
Astringent, Vitamin B12 precursor, growth stimulator, vulnerary. Contains 18 amino acids and vitamins. Helps eliminate toxic minerals from the body. Neutralises free radicals created by toxic substances.
Uses: An important use: protection against radiation burns. Sunburn. A segment of the fresh leaf rubbed on the skin was a centuries-old sun-screen used by desert Arabs against sunburn, and who regarded the plant as a natural medicine chest. Internal: indigestion, stomach ulceration.
External. Ulceration (leg ulcer, etc.), acne, chapped skin, nappy rash. To allay the itching of dry skin conditions including shingles, eczema, poison ivy and other plant allergies, detergent dermatitis, ulcers on cornea of eye, purulent ophthalmia. Dry scalp, poor hair (shampoo), ringworm. Stretch marks of pregnancy, age lines and liver spots.
Dentistry. “In 12 years of dental practice I have not found any one item which is so versatile for the healing needs of the mouth . . . an ancient plant for modern dentistry”. (Dr B. Wolfe, “Health Consciousness”, Vol 6. No 1) Increasing use as a dental anaesthetic, and for oral infections. Uses include gel on new dentures, rinsing every 4 hours. In canal filling the gel is used as a lubricant.
Combines with Vitamin E for allergies; with Eucalyptus oil for sinus and nasal congestion; with Comfrey for healing of fractures. Combines with Jojoba oil as an invigorating body lotion. Combines with Chamomile or Henna for hair conditioner.
Preparations: Part of fresh leaf cut and thick sap-juice squeezed on affected area for sunburn, burns, injury, wounds. Pulp leaves for use as a poultice for inflamed joints, arthritis. (East Africa). Tablets: Combined with papaya, pineapple, apricot or acerola fruits.
Tincture: 4oz pulped leaf to 8oz Vodka. Shake bottle daily for one week. Filter. Dosage: 1 teaspoon in water, thrice daily, for internal conditions.
Aloe gel. Many preparations on the market contain pure Aloe Vera, cold-pressed to preserve its moisturising and healing properties. Most are free from artificial fragrance and colour being made without lanolin or mineral oil.
Undiluted juice. 1-2 tablespoons (20-40ml) on empty stomach. (Internal) Pregnancy. Not used during. ... aloe vera
Tablets/capsules. Ginseng. Sarsaparilla. Evening Primrose. Agnus Castus, Liquorice.
Powders. Equal parts: Caraway seeds, Saw Palmetto berries. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.
Tinctures. Combine Dong Quai 1; Saw Palmetto 2. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon in water thrice daily.
Topical. Cream for use at bedtime: Lanolin 1oz; Cocoa butter half an ounce; Saw Palmetto berries Tincture or Liquid Extract 30 drops (or 10 grams powder); Oil Cajeput 30 drops. Heat in a pan and pour into jar.
Diet. See: DIET – THIN PEOPLE. Improve nutrition with potassium-rich foods. Two or more bananas daily.
Supplements. Vitamins B6, C, E. Zinc. ... bust developer
Example: ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, lanolin, herb.
Method: Infuse half an ounce herb (Chickweed, Elderflowers, Comfrey, etc) in half a pint boiling water for 20 minutes, strain. Place 1oz olive oil in a double saucepan or basin, standing in a vessel of hot water (not boiling). Add: half an ounce beeswax and half an ounce lanolin. In a separate vessel warm 3 tablespoons infusion and dissolve into it half a teaspoon borax. When beeswax and lanolin are well melted in the olive oil, reduce heat and stir in the infusion. Continue stirring until warm, adding a few drops of perfume if desired. When it begins to thicken pour into pots and keep in a refrigerator. When opened should be used within a few weeks. Purpose of borax is to prevent formation of mould. ... cream
Constituents: 100g contains: Ananarsa fruct. 5g; Larch Resin 2g in a base containing Lanolin and yellow soft paraffin. (Weleda) ... larch resin ointment
Basal Cell Cancer. Strong sunlight on fair skins. Common on face and hands and other exposed areas. Commences as a tiny hard nodule. See – RODENT ULCER.
Squamous Cell Cancer. The role of sunlight in this type of cancer is even more positive. Other causes: photosensitisers such as pitch and PUVA photochemotherapy. Commences as a raised scaly rapidly- growing nodule.
Malignant Melanoma. Rare, but incidence rising. Four different kinds. Incidence is increased in individuals with fair or red hair who tend to burn rather than tan in the sun.
Causes may be numerous: genetic, occupational hazards or exposure to low-level radiation. Heavy freckling in youth doubles the risk. (Western Canada Melanoma study)
A study carried out by the New York’s Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre refers to damage to the ultra violet-blocking ozone layer by supersonic jet exhaust and aerosol propellants that can also raise the malignant melanoma rate. A University of Sydney study links fluorescent lighting with the disease. Symptoms. Itching lesion increases in size and with growing discoloration. Colours may present as brown, black, red, blue, white, with a red inflammatory border. May progress to a dry crust, with bleeding.
Study. A study conducted by a team from Melbourne University, Anti-Cancer Council and St Vincent’s Hospital, Australia, describes a summer-long experiment that showed that people who used a sun-screen lotion (in this case SPF-17) cut their chances of developing the first signs of skin cancer.
Study. Patients who receive blood transfusions are more likely to develop malignant lymphomas and non- melanomatous skin cancers. (European Journal of Cancer (Nov 1993))
Eclectic physicians of the 19th century reported success from the use of American Mandrake (podophylum peltatum). Recent experience includes a 76 per cent cure rate achieved in 68 patients with carcinoma of the skin by treatment twice daily for 14 days with an ointment consisting of Podophyllum resin 20 per cent, and Linseed oil 20 per cent, in lanolin, followed by an antibiotic ointment. (Martindale 27; 1977, p. 1341) Podophyllum is an anti-mitotic and inhibits cell-division and should not be applied to normal cells.
Aloe Vera. Fresh cut leaf, or gel, to wipe over exposed surfaces.
Vitamin E oil. Applying the oil to the skin can reduce chances of acquiring skin cancer from the sun. (University of Arizona College of Medicine)
Red Clover. “I have seen a case of skin cancer healed by applying Red Clover blossoms. After straining a strong tea, the liquid was simmered until it was the consistency of tar. After several applications the skin cancer was gone, and has not returned.” (May Bethel, in “Herald of Health”, Dec. 1963)
Clivers. Equal parts juice of Clivers (from juice extractor) and glycerine. Internally and externally.
Thuja. Internal: 3-5 drops Liquid Extract, morning and evening.
Topical. “Take a small quantity powdered Slippery Elm and add Liquid Extract Thuja to make a stiff paste. Apply paste to the lesion. Cover with gauze and protective covering. When dry remove pack and follow with compresses saturated with Thuja.” (Ellingwood’s Therapeutist, Vol 10, No 6, p. 212) Echinacea and Thuja. Equal parts liquid extracts assist healthy granulation and neutralise odour.
Rue Ointment. Simmer whole fresh leaves in Vaseline.
Poke Root. An old physician laid great stress on the use of concentrated juice of green leaves. Leaves are bruised, juice extracted, and concentrated by slow evaporation until the consistency of a paste, for persistent skin cancer. Care should be taken to confine to the distressed area. (Ellingwood’s Therapeutist, Vol 8, No 7, p. 275)
Maria Treben. Horsetail poultice.
Laetrile. Some improvement claimed. 1 gram daily.
Cider vinegar. Anecdotal evidence: external use: small melanoma.
Diet. See: DIET – CANCER. Beta-carotene foods.
Treatment by skin specialist or oncologist. ... cancer – skin
BCG innoculation may produce tuberculous ulceration; deep X-ray therapy a characteristic rash; steroids a redness of the face, thinning of the skin and easy bruising.
Sufferers from psoriasis and other chronic skin disorders experience a worsening of the condition with possible pus formation. “The Pill” has been responsible for erythema nodosum (red patches and nodules) as well as vaginal candidiasis. Some drugs cause shingles. Skin looks as if it is scalded. Internally, the mucous membranes may be seriously eroded.
As the liver is responsible for breaking down foreign substances in the body, most prescriptions contain at least one liver remedy. One for the lymphatic system is also advised. Effective antidote to drug intoxication: Nux vomica, which is given by a practitioner.
By their specific action on liver, spleen and glandular system certain plant medicines stimulate those vital organs to eliminate drug poisons. They include alteratives: Yellow Dock, Echinacea, Blue Flag. Carefully combined herbal medicine can offer something constructive before it is too late.
Alternatives. Teas. Alfalfa, Nettles, Figwort, Violet leaves, Betony, Mullein. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup of boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes; dose, 1 cup thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules. As available: Echinacea, Blue Flag root, Dandelion, Devil’s Claw, Red Clover, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Burdock, Queen’s Delight, Garlic.
Formula. Goldenseal quarter; Poke root half; Echinacea 2. Doses. Powders: one-third teaspoon. Liquid extracts 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily; 2-hourly for acute cases. Topical. Evening Primrose oil, Aloe Vera gel or fresh juice, Jojoba. Ointments: Chickweed, Comfrey or Marshmallow. Use of lanolin-based ointments is discouraged.
Diet. Accept: whole grains, meat, organ meats, molasses, wheatgerm, dessicated liver, green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, broccoli, green peppers, cold-pressed vegetable oils, sweet potato. Reject: red meat, ham, pork, bacon, white sugar, alcohol, nuts.
Supplements. Vitamin A, B-complex, B2, B6, B12, Folic acid, C, D, E (500iu). ... iatrogenic disease
Atopic eczema. Allergic eczema. May run in families together with hay fever, asthma or inflamed nasal membrane. May appear anywhere but prefers elbows, knees (flexures), ankles or face. Often seen in infants. May return again and again throughout adult life. Scratching exacerbates.
As regards babies, some paediatricians believe breast-feeding to be protective. A stronger case follows investigation into pollutants from the atmosphere or as additives in food. Industrial chemicals find their way into breast milk that may not be easily excreted but stored in fat.
Cow’s milk is particularly suspect because of exposure of the animal to herbicides and pesticides. For this reason, goat’s milk has met with some success in treatment of this condition, as has Soya milk. Now known that food plays an important part in effective treatment. Chief allergy-stimulators: dairy produce, eggs, cow’s milk. Each individual case must identify those foods that are responsible.
Seborrhoeic eczema leads to scaling of the scalp and redness of the ears, eyebrows, side of the nose and possibly armpits and groin.
Stasis eczema (or varicose eczema) may arise from varicose vein problems, usually limited to the lower third of the leg.
Discoid eczema has coin-shaped patches preferring extensor surfaces of arms and legs.
Contact eczema may be caused by washing-up detergents, etc. See: CONTACT DERMATITIS.
While emotional or psychic disturbance may worsen, eczema is seldom a psychosomatic disorder arising from stressful situations. Contact with water may worsen. Hairdressers and those allergic to dyes may require patch tests.
Eczema patients, especially atopic, have a metabolic deficiency of linoleic acid (a dietary fatty acid) to y-linolenic acid, which is found in Evening Primrose oil. Eczema may develop in bottle-fed babies due to absence of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in commercial powdered milk. GLA is present in Evening Primrose.
A cross-over trial in 99 patients (adults and children) by Bristol (England) dermatologists found Evening Primrose oil (Efamol capsules) produced an overall 43 per cent improvement in eczema severity: doses – 4 to 6 capsules twice daily (adults); 2 capsules twice daily (children). Lower doses were not effective.
Alternatives. Barberry, Bladderwrack, Blood root, Blue Flag root, Bogbean, Burdock, Clivers, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea, Figwort, Fringe Tree, Fumitory, Garlic, Guaiacum, Goldenseal, Mountain Grape, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Plantain, Poke root, Queen’s Delight, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Wild Indigo, Heartsease, Yellow Dock.
Tea. Combine herbs: equal parts: Gotu Kola, Clivers, Red Clover. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily, before meals (Dry eczema).
Formula: equal parts, Burdock root, Yellow Dock root, Valerian root. Dose. Liquid Extracts, 1 teaspoon. Tinctures, 1-2 teaspoons. Powders, two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon. Thrice daily, before meals. Practitioner: specific medication.
Dry eczema. Equal parts, tinctures: Yarrow, Dandelion, Calendula, Echinacea.
Weeping eczema. Combine tinctures: Barberry 1; Clivers 2; Echinacea 2.
Seborrhoeic eczema. Combine tinctures: Blue Flag root 1; Meadowsweet 2; Boneset 1.
Discoid eczema. Combine tinctures: Yellow Dock 2; Mountain Grape 1; Echinacea 1.
Varicose eczema. Combine tinctures: Echinacea 2; Calendula (Marigold) 1; Hawthorn 1.
Dosage for the above: One to two 5ml teaspoons in water thrice daily before meals.
Skin Care. May reduce necessity for steroid creams. It is best to avoid: lanolin and Coconut oil compounds that may contain coal tar. Wash in soft water (rain water) or water not containing chemical softeners.
Indicated: soothing softening herbal lotions, ointments or creams: Marshmallow, Chickweed, Comfrey, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera gel, Jojoba oil, Evening Primrose oil. For seborrhoeic eczema: Bran Bath or Bran Wash, twice weekly, soapless, followed by Rosemary shampoo. Vitamin E lotion or cream.
Note: A study carried out at the University of Manchester, England, found that children with eczema had significantly low levels of serum zinc than control-cases. (British Journal of Dermatology, 1984, 111, 597)
Evening Primrose oil. For Omega 6 fatty acids.
Diet. Gluten-free. Oily fish: see entry. Avoid cow’s milk, wheat products.
Supplements. Daily. Vitamins: A (7500iu). C (500mg). E (400iu). Bioflavonoids (500mg). Zinc (15mg). Betaine hydrochloride.
Note: The disorder may be due to a deficiency of essential fatty acids (EFAs) brought about by a deficiency of zinc which is necessary for EFA metabolism.
Chinese herbs. A study has shown herbal treatment to be far superior to placebo in clinical trials. British children with (dry) atopic eczema responded favourably to treatment which included the following herbs known as Formula PSE101.
Ledebouriella sesloides, Potentilla chinesis, Anebia clematidis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Peonia lactiflora, Lophatherum gracile, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Tribulus terrestris, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Schizonepta tenuifolia. Non-toxicity confirms their safety. (Sheeham M et al. “A controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic dermatitis”, British Journal of Dermatology, 126: 179-184 1992)
When 10 Chinese herbs were analysed by a team at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, it was revealed that no single active ingredient or herb was responsible for success. “It was a combination of all 10 herbs that gave the medicine its healing properties.” This is an example of the synergistic effect of combined plant remedies and supports the herbalist’s belief in use of the whole plant. ... eczema
Constituents: flavonoids, lignans, gums, resin.
Action: slow-acting purgative, hepatic, hydragogue, cholagogue, alterative, emetic, “vegetable mercury”. Internal use has been superceded by less violent purgatives. Continues in use as an anti-neoplastic.
Uses: “a cure-rate of 76 per cent was achieved in 68 patients with carcinoma by treatment, twice daily for 14 days with an ointment consisting of Podophyllum resin 20 per cent, and Linseed oil 20 per cent in lanolin, followed by antibiotic treatment . . . In 14 patients treated with Podophyllotoxin 5 per cent in a Linseed oil/lanolin base, the cure rate was 80 per cent. There was no evidence of systemic toxicity.” (F.R. Bettley, Br.J. Derm. 1971. 84,74)
One-time treatment as a paint for soft venereal and other warts. Preparations. Liquid Extract: 0.3ml in water, twice daily. Tincture Podophyllum BPC 1934: dose, 0.3 to 4ml.
Powder. Dusting powder for malignant ulceration.
Paint of Podophyllin Compound, BPC. Contains 14.6 per cent of Podophyllum resin in compound Benzoin tincture. For external use. ... mandrake, american
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