“Oh
Cover; My Cover”
The ‘Skinny’ on Herbs
When I was a child, I sustained a traumatic burn that involved two thirds of my body. I have both the physical and the psychological scars in memory of this event. Thankfully, I have had few health problems from this; but you can imagine how my skin has been foremost in my mind my whole life since. This time of year, we all seem to be outside letting the sun have its way with our largest body organ. I see many new wrinkles, freckles, nooks and crannies each time I do my own skin survey. My skin sure has been good to me, though I am in the “over 60” crowd. At this age, we often seem disappointed when we look in the mirror. We sag where we use to be pert; bulge along the perimeters; and we are dry where we use to be lubricious.
“Whoa: fiddy!” Stop the clock! Actually, our skin and subcutaneous tissues are to be commended for the superlative job they do each moment to cover our vital organs; control temperature and waste removal; and support our bone and muscle structure. It is important to realize that the skin we see in the mirror is only about (one tenth) of the depth of the actual physiological tissue we call “skin.” The surface- and for all intents and purposes the layer we are viewing- is dying or dead. The other nine tenths of skin anatomy- the working part- is beneath what we see. It is nourished by the foods we eat, is sustained by the lifestyle we keep, and is groomed by the environment. Your skin cells are formed in the deeper layers of your integument and rise to the surface to be shed. When you expose your skin to the sun and damaging environmental stressors, you seal off this important exit. Over time, damage causes your skin to lose elasticity- to retard important “transpiration”- the ability of your body to balance internal with external shifts of water, waste, and gas (vapor.)
Condition your skin from the inside out. When you look into the mirror, you are seeing the after effects of your lifestyle. Most of the changes you see are irreversible. Because skin maturity flows from internal to external, the image you see in the mirror is the result of that process.
During this discussion, you should look into the mirror and assess how your largest organ is faring. In this article, we will review the anatomy of the skin, its functions, and ways we can strengthen this most vital of our organs. If your skin is not functioning properly, your health is in jeopardy. When I worked as a nurse in the Emergency Department, I could often “diagnose” patients by the way their skin looked (and by the smell that their skin imparted.)
Look at your skin. Do a total body assessment. It is a good idea to have a “skin buddy” who can check your posterior; as you check theirs. Do this assessment at least once a year; every six months after you are forty or if you have “problem skin.” No matter what your age, you should be familiar with every inch of your skin. Parents, check your children. Document what you see and any changes you notice. Take photos of any problem areas for comparison in six months.
We always think of an organ as an internal component of our bodies- like the liver. However, the skin- with all its functions- is the largest organ in the human body. For the average adult human, the skin has a surface area of between sixteen and twenty-one square feet- the size of your living room! Most of your skin is about one tenth of an inch thick. “The average square inch of your skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes (pigment generators), 1250 hairs, and more than 1,000 nerve endings! Amazingly, the number of individual bacteria on the surface of one square inch of human skin is 50 million- though this figure varies greatly over the average 20 square feet of human skin. Oily surfaces, such as the face, may contain over 500 million bacteria per square inch.
Anatomy of the Skin
Skin is composed of three primary layers:
Your skin is a permeable membrane that protects your internal body; is one of the five senses; regulates heat; controls evaporation; projects mood; stores and synthesizes; absorbs the world around you; excretes waste; and resists water. Here’s how:
Protection: Your skin is an anatomical barrier from pathogens and damage between the internal and external environment. It also contains cells which are part of the adaptive immune system. The acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin acting as a barrier. It is secreted by sebaceous glands. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2. Neutral pH is around 7; so the skin is acidic. Bacteria, Viruses, and other chemicals are primarily alkaline in nature and the skin's moderate acidity helps to neutralize their chemical effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the skin is contiguous with the Lungs- it is part of what is called the “Wei Chi”- the external defense. You may have noticed that temperature changes affect the skin and can result in respiratory infections. Respiratory infections are common in the fall of the year, when we continue to wear the clothes of summer in the hot sun, while the cool seasonal air assaults exposed skin.
Sensation: Cells in your skin contain nerve endings that react to heat and cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury.
Regulation: Your skin’s blood vessels dilate to increase blood perfusion and heat loss; they constrict to reduce blood flow and heat. They also aid in immune function and provide oxygen and nutrients to the lower layers of the epidermis.
Control of evaporation: Your skin provides a dry and semi-impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Severe burns limit your skin’s ability to provide this barrier, so internal hydration is a priority.
Insulation: The hypodermis- the deepest layer of the skin- a layer of fat that insulates the body from the cold and provides shock absorption.
Mood Projection: We blush and pale according to our emotions. We “make-up” our skin to project “sunny" color, attractiveness, youth, and good health.
Storage and synthesis: Your skin stores lipids and water; it synthesizes Vitamin D with the help of ultra violet rays.
Excretion: We sweat when the temperature soars; when we exert ourselves; when we are nervous; and when our fever “breaks.” [Physiologically, the kidneys and the skin work in tandem, to filter impurities from the body. Our kidneys secrete waste in the form of urea. Normally sweat contains urea in tiny amounts as part of temperature regulation; however sweat/urea concentration increases during kidney failure to try to compensate for the loss of kidney function.]
Absorption: Our outermost layer of skin cells are nourished by the oxygen in the air. That is not to say that we breathe through the skin, however. We do absorb medicine through the skin to heal lesions, cuts, and infections (salves and creams) to deter habits (nicotine patch) or regulate body functions (nitroglycerin patch.)
Water resistance: Your skin protects you from becoming waterlogged during a swim and acts as a seal so that your nutrients are not dissipated into the atmosphere during normal activities.
What can we do to nourish our skin and extend its supple life? How can we be certain that our skin will not age prematurely? What things can we do to maintain skin integrity? Let’s talk first about your general health.
Nourish our Roots
As we mentioned before, the skin we see in the mirror is last phase of our skin cell’s lives. What came before, in the layers beneath, determined the way we view the end product. Beautiful, healthy skin is built beneath the surface by keeping the structure strong and protected. You may be able to stop the onward rush of aging by supplying your body now with plenty of the foods that contain the raw materials it uses to keep collagen and elastin production levels strong. Always hydrate your skin by consuming enough water. An interesting goal for water intake is to divide your weight in pounds by half. Drink that many ounces of water per day.
As we mentioned before in TEH [See: December 2013- Longevity Means Living Well,] look at your own family: do they have aging in common? Usually family members experience age and health problems in similar ways. When did you notice aging apparent in your mother’s skin? Your father’s skin? Do you see loss of elasticity, tone, or suppleness in your own skin? Skin is often a clue to overall internal health. Three aspects of aging are inflammation, oxidation, and decreased immunity. Catabolic forces like chronic stress, poor sleep habits, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and abuse of food, tobacco, or alcohol accelerate aging. As we age, inflammatory responses to stress increase and weaken our cellular defenses. Often, the first sign of this degeneration is noticed as odd or repeated outbreaks in the skin. As the skin ages, it loses much of its elasticity, pliability, and volume. It becomes thin, transparent, and fragile. We may first notice this as “crow’s feet” at the corner of our eyes or deeper lines around our mouth. Much of this change is due to loss of collagen and elastin- which causes the skin to become thinner; more easily damaged; and less able to heal itself. Collagen forms connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments, and provides texture and resilience to skin. Elastin provides both elasticity and stretch. Both collagen and elastin are proteins. They are the networking structures that undergird the skin. As the shrinking collagen and elastin become apparent, your skin also receives less blood flow and glandular activity. Elevated cortisol levels engendered by stress-over-time also causes degradation of collagen, which accelerates skin aging.
Herbs can help decelerate the tide of aging.
Herbs to Augment our Roots (Systemic Applications)
[A qualified herbalist can help you decide how to use herbs as adjuncts to a healthy life style. I always urge you to check information carefully. This is your body; make certain the herbs you take are specifically for you!] Adaptogenic herbs such as American Ginseng and Ashwagandha nourish the body over time. Tonics like these should be taken over a period of months to years. [David Winston suggests using the three anti-oxidant herbs: Hawthorn, Turmeric, and Ginkgo daily to augment aging.] Tulsi Basil modulates the immune system and reduces stress. Both Reishi and Shiitake Mushroom extracts will also strengthen your immunity. Schisandra, the five taste berry, strengthens the five organ systems of TCM: the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Amla and Turmeric rejuvenate and increase immune function. Red Clover is a blood cleanser especially for eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Pau d’Arco bark is useful for the prevention and elimination of Candida. These herbs produce total body effects so they are especially important for overall health of the skin. The herbs above should be taken in tonic fashion for the most part. That is to say that you will not take a short course, but will take them over months.
Herbs to Sustain the Core (Dermis)
Gotu-Kola and Bacopa enhance the formation of collagen. Ginkgo provides anti-oxidation to the brain; to the nerves that supply the skin; and provides improved blood flow to the lower extremities. Tulsi Basil and Turmeric support sulfur metabolism for protein bonding. (collagen and elastin) Neem is used to cool and purify toxic blood that causes “push-through” in the form of acne or eruptive outbreaks. Horsetail strengthens and regenerates connective tissue, like bones, hair, and nails.
I am excited about “old healing ways.” I still have faith in the old adage “Take a shot of whiskey, get under the covers, and sweat it out.” By saying that, I want to focus you toward your body’s natural diaphoretic powers to rid you of pathogenic invasion. Because your skin is a conduit from your core to the environment, the smooth flow of energy (heat) and moisture must be able to transpire through the layers of your skin for you to be healthy. Diaphoretic herbs augment your body’s ability to release heat from the interior to the exterior. Diaphoretics are sometimes called the “sweating” herbs. That is because, for the most part, they open the pores and allow or stimulate transpiration. (See Youtube: Jim McDonald’s great talk about Elder.) Diaphoretics are not just for fever, however. Both stimulating and relaxing Diaphoretics move heat and vapor from the core of you to the outward edges. Stimulating diaphoretics accomplish this by moving heat from the core to the periphery. For the most part Stimulating diaphoretics are spicy and hot- like Cayenne, Ginger, Black Pepper, Galangal, and Cinnamon. Yarrow is also a stimulating diaphoretic, though it is cool. Relaxing diaphoretics augment relaxation of the periphery- allowing the heat to excape where there is no longer resistance. Elderflower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Dill, and Linden Flowers are relaxing diaphoretics. Mint is often used with both stimulating and relaxing diaphoretics; because it is both stimulating and relaxing. The action of diaphoresis is important not only during fevers, but to ascertain that the body channels are open and flowing smoothly from internal to external.
Herbs for the Surface:
Troubled skin can manifest acutely as rashes, bites/stings, allergic reactions, and infections. Rashes are sometimes your body’s way to attempt to extract deeper toxins. Treatment for these conditions tends to be specific. Topical (to the skin) applications of herbs such as Jewelweed salve to allergic reactions such as that of poison ivy; poultices such as Plantain for bites and stings; Aloe and Astragalus for burns; Lemon Balm salve for Herpes outbreaks; Honey, Tea Tree or Lavender (Essential) Oil to Acne; Sage and Thyme compresses to infections; Tea Tree Essential Oil to Fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot- or Vinegar for Yeast Infections; and Comfrey for injury. Neem is said to be good for skin care around the eyes- for puffiness beneath the eyes- as a manifestation of kidney disturbance. Tulsi Basil is being touted by the cosmetic industry as not only healing but also preventing wrinkle formation. “Licorice can be topically applied for herpes, psoriasis, eczema, and allergic dermatitis. Licorice elevates the body’s natural steroid response to counter inflammation and irritation. Schisandra relieves allergy induced skin conditions, including hives and eczema.” [David Winston] Herbs mentioned here, soothe inflammation and may dissipate the trouble. Though acute problems like rashes, bites, burns, and allergies; and Viral, Fungal, and Bacterial Infections often appear on the surface of the skin; many of these manifestations are actually a problem from deeper than surface layer of the skin – from the dermis or hypodermis. Focus of treatment is systemic.
Conditions like Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Candida- even Scabies and Herpes- are thought to be systemic in origin. Aging and deficient immunity open the body to invasion by bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Though we can often determine that exposure can cause acute symptoms; we also know that these conditions can be fostered by allergies or sensitivities to foods - and by lowered immunity.
Herbs for Hair and Nails
Amla enriches hair growth and pigmentation strengthening the roots, maintaining color and luster.
He shou wu helps diminish hair loss and helps hair retain its color.
Horsetail strengthens and rejuvenates hair and nails.
Nutrition for Healthy Skin
Most of the foods that provide nutrition for healthy skin can be found on bottle lables providing vitamins and minerals. However, if you eat a diet lavish with deep and bright colored vegetables and fruits you will be providing your skin with anti-oxidant foods rich in Lutein, Lycopene, Vitamins A, B-Complex, C, and E.
Never turn down servings of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, green leaf lettuce, green beans, Swiss chard, and kale. Anti-oxidize yourself with carrots, yellow squash, beets, blueberries, blackberries, and hawthorn berries. Open waste pathways in the kidneys and pores with asparagus.
Vitamin E can be obtained from wheat germ, sesame seeds, nuts, and seed oils.
Red & orange vegetables and fruits contain the anti-oxidant Lycopene, which supports collagen synthesis. Red and orange veggies and fruits also supply Vitamins A and C.
Omega 3, 6, and 9 contained in Flax seeds, nuts, olive oil, avocados, and salmon oil support the fat layer that surrounds skin cells.
Sulphur can be found in the allium and the brassica families. Foods like Garlic, onions, leek, chive, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower support the health of collagen.
Healthy Life Practices
Stay out of direct sun! How good can it be for you to slather chemicals over your largest organ then spend hours in the sun cooking? Wear protective clothing to help you protect your skin from aging. Use sun block with discretion. Cover your body with loose flowing clothes. Let your children play and swim in their cotton tee shirts and shorts. Wet a hat and wear the wet hat on your head, place one on your child, too. Wear long sleeved light cotton shirts in the garden to protect your arms; long loose pants to protect your legs. We seldom think of protecting our arms and legs. However, the skin of your arms and legs can make you look older than your age.
Drink plenty of water. Water nourishes you from the inside out. Drink before you exercise or go outside to garden.
Don’t smoke. Nicotine constricts peripheral blood vessels and inhibits blood flow to the skin. Age shows early in the skin of chronic smokers.
Watch your skin. Compare it every six months.
Eat scrumptious vegetables and fruits.
Age beautifully! Stay Healthy!
The ‘Skinny’ on Herbs
When I was a child, I sustained a traumatic burn that involved two thirds of my body. I have both the physical and the psychological scars in memory of this event. Thankfully, I have had few health problems from this; but you can imagine how my skin has been foremost in my mind my whole life since. This time of year, we all seem to be outside letting the sun have its way with our largest body organ. I see many new wrinkles, freckles, nooks and crannies each time I do my own skin survey. My skin sure has been good to me, though I am in the “over 60” crowd. At this age, we often seem disappointed when we look in the mirror. We sag where we use to be pert; bulge along the perimeters; and we are dry where we use to be lubricious.
“Whoa: fiddy!” Stop the clock! Actually, our skin and subcutaneous tissues are to be commended for the superlative job they do each moment to cover our vital organs; control temperature and waste removal; and support our bone and muscle structure. It is important to realize that the skin we see in the mirror is only about (one tenth) of the depth of the actual physiological tissue we call “skin.” The surface- and for all intents and purposes the layer we are viewing- is dying or dead. The other nine tenths of skin anatomy- the working part- is beneath what we see. It is nourished by the foods we eat, is sustained by the lifestyle we keep, and is groomed by the environment. Your skin cells are formed in the deeper layers of your integument and rise to the surface to be shed. When you expose your skin to the sun and damaging environmental stressors, you seal off this important exit. Over time, damage causes your skin to lose elasticity- to retard important “transpiration”- the ability of your body to balance internal with external shifts of water, waste, and gas (vapor.)
Condition your skin from the inside out. When you look into the mirror, you are seeing the after effects of your lifestyle. Most of the changes you see are irreversible. Because skin maturity flows from internal to external, the image you see in the mirror is the result of that process.
During this discussion, you should look into the mirror and assess how your largest organ is faring. In this article, we will review the anatomy of the skin, its functions, and ways we can strengthen this most vital of our organs. If your skin is not functioning properly, your health is in jeopardy. When I worked as a nurse in the Emergency Department, I could often “diagnose” patients by the way their skin looked (and by the smell that their skin imparted.)
Look at your skin. Do a total body assessment. It is a good idea to have a “skin buddy” who can check your posterior; as you check theirs. Do this assessment at least once a year; every six months after you are forty or if you have “problem skin.” No matter what your age, you should be familiar with every inch of your skin. Parents, check your children. Document what you see and any changes you notice. Take photos of any problem areas for comparison in six months.
We always think of an organ as an internal component of our bodies- like the liver. However, the skin- with all its functions- is the largest organ in the human body. For the average adult human, the skin has a surface area of between sixteen and twenty-one square feet- the size of your living room! Most of your skin is about one tenth of an inch thick. “The average square inch of your skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes (pigment generators), 1250 hairs, and more than 1,000 nerve endings! Amazingly, the number of individual bacteria on the surface of one square inch of human skin is 50 million- though this figure varies greatly over the average 20 square feet of human skin. Oily surfaces, such as the face, may contain over 500 million bacteria per square inch.
Anatomy of the Skin
Skin is composed of three primary layers:
- the dermis, which consists of connective tissue which serves as a location for the appendages of skin- like hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands, apocrine (scent) glands, lymphatic and blood vessels, and nerve endings. This layer provides support; cushions the body from stress and strain; and is the tactile layer we can recognize as “supple.” This layer is only the about 1/16 of an inch thick. Most of the work of the skin is being done here. Structural mesh- composed of the proteins collagen and elastin- support the skin and give it its resilience. Within this mesh, is a network of blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and “mast” cells. Mast cells trigger the skin’s inflammatory response (to invading microorganisms, allergens, and injury.) Cushioning these components is a gel-like substance that binds moisture and controls and moisture levels within the epidermis.
- the hypodermis is the deepest layer of the skin. It is the subcutaneous fatty layer, which functions as an insulation and padding layer. Fat cells here also store nutrients and energy. This layer is thickest in the buttocks, palms, and soles. Aging causes atrophy of this layer.
Your skin is a permeable membrane that protects your internal body; is one of the five senses; regulates heat; controls evaporation; projects mood; stores and synthesizes; absorbs the world around you; excretes waste; and resists water. Here’s how:
Protection: Your skin is an anatomical barrier from pathogens and damage between the internal and external environment. It also contains cells which are part of the adaptive immune system. The acid mantle is a very fine, slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin acting as a barrier. It is secreted by sebaceous glands. The pH of the skin is between 4.5 and 6.2. Neutral pH is around 7; so the skin is acidic. Bacteria, Viruses, and other chemicals are primarily alkaline in nature and the skin's moderate acidity helps to neutralize their chemical effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the skin is contiguous with the Lungs- it is part of what is called the “Wei Chi”- the external defense. You may have noticed that temperature changes affect the skin and can result in respiratory infections. Respiratory infections are common in the fall of the year, when we continue to wear the clothes of summer in the hot sun, while the cool seasonal air assaults exposed skin.
Sensation: Cells in your skin contain nerve endings that react to heat and cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury.
Regulation: Your skin’s blood vessels dilate to increase blood perfusion and heat loss; they constrict to reduce blood flow and heat. They also aid in immune function and provide oxygen and nutrients to the lower layers of the epidermis.
Control of evaporation: Your skin provides a dry and semi-impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Severe burns limit your skin’s ability to provide this barrier, so internal hydration is a priority.
Insulation: The hypodermis- the deepest layer of the skin- a layer of fat that insulates the body from the cold and provides shock absorption.
Mood Projection: We blush and pale according to our emotions. We “make-up” our skin to project “sunny" color, attractiveness, youth, and good health.
Storage and synthesis: Your skin stores lipids and water; it synthesizes Vitamin D with the help of ultra violet rays.
Excretion: We sweat when the temperature soars; when we exert ourselves; when we are nervous; and when our fever “breaks.” [Physiologically, the kidneys and the skin work in tandem, to filter impurities from the body. Our kidneys secrete waste in the form of urea. Normally sweat contains urea in tiny amounts as part of temperature regulation; however sweat/urea concentration increases during kidney failure to try to compensate for the loss of kidney function.]
Absorption: Our outermost layer of skin cells are nourished by the oxygen in the air. That is not to say that we breathe through the skin, however. We do absorb medicine through the skin to heal lesions, cuts, and infections (salves and creams) to deter habits (nicotine patch) or regulate body functions (nitroglycerin patch.)
Water resistance: Your skin protects you from becoming waterlogged during a swim and acts as a seal so that your nutrients are not dissipated into the atmosphere during normal activities.
What can we do to nourish our skin and extend its supple life? How can we be certain that our skin will not age prematurely? What things can we do to maintain skin integrity? Let’s talk first about your general health.
Nourish our Roots
As we mentioned before, the skin we see in the mirror is last phase of our skin cell’s lives. What came before, in the layers beneath, determined the way we view the end product. Beautiful, healthy skin is built beneath the surface by keeping the structure strong and protected. You may be able to stop the onward rush of aging by supplying your body now with plenty of the foods that contain the raw materials it uses to keep collagen and elastin production levels strong. Always hydrate your skin by consuming enough water. An interesting goal for water intake is to divide your weight in pounds by half. Drink that many ounces of water per day.
As we mentioned before in TEH [See: December 2013- Longevity Means Living Well,] look at your own family: do they have aging in common? Usually family members experience age and health problems in similar ways. When did you notice aging apparent in your mother’s skin? Your father’s skin? Do you see loss of elasticity, tone, or suppleness in your own skin? Skin is often a clue to overall internal health. Three aspects of aging are inflammation, oxidation, and decreased immunity. Catabolic forces like chronic stress, poor sleep habits, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and abuse of food, tobacco, or alcohol accelerate aging. As we age, inflammatory responses to stress increase and weaken our cellular defenses. Often, the first sign of this degeneration is noticed as odd or repeated outbreaks in the skin. As the skin ages, it loses much of its elasticity, pliability, and volume. It becomes thin, transparent, and fragile. We may first notice this as “crow’s feet” at the corner of our eyes or deeper lines around our mouth. Much of this change is due to loss of collagen and elastin- which causes the skin to become thinner; more easily damaged; and less able to heal itself. Collagen forms connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments, and provides texture and resilience to skin. Elastin provides both elasticity and stretch. Both collagen and elastin are proteins. They are the networking structures that undergird the skin. As the shrinking collagen and elastin become apparent, your skin also receives less blood flow and glandular activity. Elevated cortisol levels engendered by stress-over-time also causes degradation of collagen, which accelerates skin aging.
Herbs can help decelerate the tide of aging.
Herbs to Augment our Roots (Systemic Applications)
[A qualified herbalist can help you decide how to use herbs as adjuncts to a healthy life style. I always urge you to check information carefully. This is your body; make certain the herbs you take are specifically for you!] Adaptogenic herbs such as American Ginseng and Ashwagandha nourish the body over time. Tonics like these should be taken over a period of months to years. [David Winston suggests using the three anti-oxidant herbs: Hawthorn, Turmeric, and Ginkgo daily to augment aging.] Tulsi Basil modulates the immune system and reduces stress. Both Reishi and Shiitake Mushroom extracts will also strengthen your immunity. Schisandra, the five taste berry, strengthens the five organ systems of TCM: the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Amla and Turmeric rejuvenate and increase immune function. Red Clover is a blood cleanser especially for eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Pau d’Arco bark is useful for the prevention and elimination of Candida. These herbs produce total body effects so they are especially important for overall health of the skin. The herbs above should be taken in tonic fashion for the most part. That is to say that you will not take a short course, but will take them over months.
Herbs to Sustain the Core (Dermis)
Gotu-Kola and Bacopa enhance the formation of collagen. Ginkgo provides anti-oxidation to the brain; to the nerves that supply the skin; and provides improved blood flow to the lower extremities. Tulsi Basil and Turmeric support sulfur metabolism for protein bonding. (collagen and elastin) Neem is used to cool and purify toxic blood that causes “push-through” in the form of acne or eruptive outbreaks. Horsetail strengthens and regenerates connective tissue, like bones, hair, and nails.
I am excited about “old healing ways.” I still have faith in the old adage “Take a shot of whiskey, get under the covers, and sweat it out.” By saying that, I want to focus you toward your body’s natural diaphoretic powers to rid you of pathogenic invasion. Because your skin is a conduit from your core to the environment, the smooth flow of energy (heat) and moisture must be able to transpire through the layers of your skin for you to be healthy. Diaphoretic herbs augment your body’s ability to release heat from the interior to the exterior. Diaphoretics are sometimes called the “sweating” herbs. That is because, for the most part, they open the pores and allow or stimulate transpiration. (See Youtube: Jim McDonald’s great talk about Elder.) Diaphoretics are not just for fever, however. Both stimulating and relaxing Diaphoretics move heat and vapor from the core of you to the outward edges. Stimulating diaphoretics accomplish this by moving heat from the core to the periphery. For the most part Stimulating diaphoretics are spicy and hot- like Cayenne, Ginger, Black Pepper, Galangal, and Cinnamon. Yarrow is also a stimulating diaphoretic, though it is cool. Relaxing diaphoretics augment relaxation of the periphery- allowing the heat to excape where there is no longer resistance. Elderflower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Dill, and Linden Flowers are relaxing diaphoretics. Mint is often used with both stimulating and relaxing diaphoretics; because it is both stimulating and relaxing. The action of diaphoresis is important not only during fevers, but to ascertain that the body channels are open and flowing smoothly from internal to external.
Herbs for the Surface:
Troubled skin can manifest acutely as rashes, bites/stings, allergic reactions, and infections. Rashes are sometimes your body’s way to attempt to extract deeper toxins. Treatment for these conditions tends to be specific. Topical (to the skin) applications of herbs such as Jewelweed salve to allergic reactions such as that of poison ivy; poultices such as Plantain for bites and stings; Aloe and Astragalus for burns; Lemon Balm salve for Herpes outbreaks; Honey, Tea Tree or Lavender (Essential) Oil to Acne; Sage and Thyme compresses to infections; Tea Tree Essential Oil to Fungal infections such as Athlete’s Foot- or Vinegar for Yeast Infections; and Comfrey for injury. Neem is said to be good for skin care around the eyes- for puffiness beneath the eyes- as a manifestation of kidney disturbance. Tulsi Basil is being touted by the cosmetic industry as not only healing but also preventing wrinkle formation. “Licorice can be topically applied for herpes, psoriasis, eczema, and allergic dermatitis. Licorice elevates the body’s natural steroid response to counter inflammation and irritation. Schisandra relieves allergy induced skin conditions, including hives and eczema.” [David Winston] Herbs mentioned here, soothe inflammation and may dissipate the trouble. Though acute problems like rashes, bites, burns, and allergies; and Viral, Fungal, and Bacterial Infections often appear on the surface of the skin; many of these manifestations are actually a problem from deeper than surface layer of the skin – from the dermis or hypodermis. Focus of treatment is systemic.
Conditions like Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Candida- even Scabies and Herpes- are thought to be systemic in origin. Aging and deficient immunity open the body to invasion by bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Though we can often determine that exposure can cause acute symptoms; we also know that these conditions can be fostered by allergies or sensitivities to foods - and by lowered immunity.
Herbs for Hair and Nails
Amla enriches hair growth and pigmentation strengthening the roots, maintaining color and luster.
He shou wu helps diminish hair loss and helps hair retain its color.
Horsetail strengthens and rejuvenates hair and nails.
Nutrition for Healthy Skin
Most of the foods that provide nutrition for healthy skin can be found on bottle lables providing vitamins and minerals. However, if you eat a diet lavish with deep and bright colored vegetables and fruits you will be providing your skin with anti-oxidant foods rich in Lutein, Lycopene, Vitamins A, B-Complex, C, and E.
Never turn down servings of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, green leaf lettuce, green beans, Swiss chard, and kale. Anti-oxidize yourself with carrots, yellow squash, beets, blueberries, blackberries, and hawthorn berries. Open waste pathways in the kidneys and pores with asparagus.
Vitamin E can be obtained from wheat germ, sesame seeds, nuts, and seed oils.
Red & orange vegetables and fruits contain the anti-oxidant Lycopene, which supports collagen synthesis. Red and orange veggies and fruits also supply Vitamins A and C.
Omega 3, 6, and 9 contained in Flax seeds, nuts, olive oil, avocados, and salmon oil support the fat layer that surrounds skin cells.
Sulphur can be found in the allium and the brassica families. Foods like Garlic, onions, leek, chive, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower support the health of collagen.
Healthy Life Practices
Stay out of direct sun! How good can it be for you to slather chemicals over your largest organ then spend hours in the sun cooking? Wear protective clothing to help you protect your skin from aging. Use sun block with discretion. Cover your body with loose flowing clothes. Let your children play and swim in their cotton tee shirts and shorts. Wet a hat and wear the wet hat on your head, place one on your child, too. Wear long sleeved light cotton shirts in the garden to protect your arms; long loose pants to protect your legs. We seldom think of protecting our arms and legs. However, the skin of your arms and legs can make you look older than your age.
Drink plenty of water. Water nourishes you from the inside out. Drink before you exercise or go outside to garden.
Don’t smoke. Nicotine constricts peripheral blood vessels and inhibits blood flow to the skin. Age shows early in the skin of chronic smokers.
Watch your skin. Compare it every six months.
Eat scrumptious vegetables and fruits.
Age beautifully! Stay Healthy!