Herbs used to treat skin diseases

 Medicinal plants are used both in folk and classical medicine for the treatment of skin diseases. For this purpose, they are applied in the form of infusions, tinctures or decoctions, which are used less often internally, and more often for compresses, washes, baths, etc. 

 

Most often, for skin diseases, herbs are placed directly on the affected area as fresh juice, fresh or crushed herb or in the form of a poultice (a slurry made with warm water from a crushed dry herb, which is spread between a cloth folded in two). A woolen fabric is usually placed over the paw to keep the area warm. There are also many preparations for the treatment of skin diseases prepared from herbs. 

 

As with diseases of other organs and systems, as with skin diseases , the application of medicinal plants in chronically ongoing processes has the greatest basis. In acute or subacute skin diseases or in an exacerbation stage, herbs can sometimes help the complex treatment. For example, wet eczema is well affected by mountain sedum (Potentilla erecta (L.) Rauschel) , owl-like plantain (Lycopodium clavatum L.) and others. 

 

The difficulties in the treatment of some skin diseases with an unclear etiology also give reason to try the action of the plants used in folk medicine in such cases. Herbs used in dermatology are difficult to classify . Often the same plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipruritic and pain-relieving effects at the same time. 

 

This versatility in action can be helpful in treatment, but makes classification difficult. Some of the more commonly used plants in the treatment of skin diseases are: 

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect: gorse (Tussilago farfara L.) , yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) , sorrel (Berberis vulgaris L.) , mountain gorse (Potentilla erecta (L.) Rauschel) , walnut (Juglans regia L .) , heather (Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv.) , sumac (Cotinus coggygria Scop.) , sedge (Plantago lanceolata L.) , cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) , chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and etc. 
• Herbs with antipruritic and soothing effect: tricolor violet (Viola tricolor L.) , lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) , mint, rose (Rosa damascene Mill.) , blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) , juniper (Juniperus communis L.) and others.
• Herbs with antimicrobial and phytoncide action: garlic (Allium sativum L) , onion (Allium sera L.) , St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) , black turnip (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger) , chamomile (Matricaria chamornilla L. ) , white birch (Betula pendula Roth) , sage (Salvia officinalis L.) , etc.