For thousands of years, people have used herbal remedies to treat and prevent certain conditions. For skin irritations and inflammations, a few herbs are in use more than others. Those that are now in clinical testing to validate their skin-relieving properties may soon become tomorrow’s new medication of choice.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a kitchen spice and fabric dye related to the ginger shrub. It has uses as a skin wound healer and eczema treatment. Other uses are for arthritis pain and digestion. For the skin, people make it into a paste and apply it topically. For other uses, some take it as a tea, liquid extract or pill. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has found that it may have anti-inflammatory purposes. Side effects can be liver problems and indigestion, and those with gallbladder disease should not take turmeric.
Calendula
Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, is a marigold plant used to treat stings, burns, wounds, skin infections and sunburn. Medline Plus shows it has some basis in radiation skin protection to reduce the severity of pain, redness and irritation. There has been only limited study on its effectiveness in skin inflammation, however. There are reports of allergies, especially in those allergic to the aster-daisy family of plants. Side effects can be eye irritation, skin irritation and a drop in blood sugar levels.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica, is an evergreen perennial plant of China, Japan and India. Found in cultivated gardens and in bog gardens, it has edible leaves used in salads and curries as a vegetable. According to Plants for a Future, Gotu kola is a skin-cleansing herb that improves healing and clears toxins. It can treat skin wounds and chronic conditions that even include leprosy. It is best when fresh as storage can limit its effectiveness.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose oil, or oil from the Oenothera biennis, is a North American plant that contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. Since the 1930s it has been an eczema treatment, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It relieves redness and irritation from eczema. Well tolerated by most, some side effects include headaches and gastrointestinal upset.
About this Author
T.M. Samuels, a freelancer for more than 20 years, writes on health and wellness topics. She typically picks topics on medical conditions, side effects or ingredients in personal care products. Her print credits include “Arthritis Today” and “Mature Years.” She is happy to be a LIVESTRONG writer.
