Everything Herbal - Main Page - PS-Survival.com

Ask the Herbalist_questions
brought on by the hormone changes you are going through. This also happens to older women when we begin
to go through hormone fluctuations as we approach menopause. I have to disagree with your doctors saying it
isn't food related. We really are what we eat, and several foods can exacerbate acne. Make sure your diet
includes lots of green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits as well as plenty of water every day. Avoid fatty foods,
oils, saturated fats, sugar and all junk food. Also, vitamins, A, C and E are critical for healthy skin. To detox the
liver and blood, I would recommend Burdock root, milk thistle and red clover.
Tea Tree essential oil is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic. Take a Q-tip and apply directly to the blemishes 3
times a day. If you must wear make-up, try one that is water based.
ECZEMA
QUESTION: someone told me that alfalfa could possibly help my problem with eczema. if
this isn't true could there be anything that might be of help
ANSWER: I don't know about alfalfa, but aloe Vera gel can be very soothing. Also Avena, Calendula, and
Chamomile, externally. Internally, try burdock root, Oregon grape root and sarsaparilla. Avoid moisturizing
creams and lotions as they inhibit the "barrier" function in eczema-affected skin, and encourage infection..
Also, any of the antioxidant compounds that stop the production of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals
may offer some relief. Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries all fall into this category.
ANSWERS FROM DAVID BRILL
MOLLUSCUM
QUESTION: I have a 6 year old with molluskum on her legs and arm. She has had it
about 6 months and the dermatologist is giving her Aldera cream alternating with Dermatop
because the Aldera causes her skin to be so red that it appears burned. I am concerned about scarring
and other issues. Your answer on the web page regarding Molluskum said that it are a character
of a disturbed T-cell immune defense? Does this mean this could be a symptom
of anything more serious?
(FYI: My daughter has also suffered from chronic sinus infections and leg pains, from 18 months throughout 5 years of
age - both currently under control via diet and calcium/magnesium supplements. )
You mentioned herbs such as lemon balm and Sage and Echinacea and Astragulus - Echinaccia, as I understand is
only to be used a week off and a week on. Is it safe to give Sage and Lemon Balm to a 6 year old and if so in what
form and amount and have these been proven effective against Molluskum.
ANSWER: If she has Molluscum contagiosum it is normally caused by a virus in the Pox family.
Sage is a great antiviral, she can drink the tea which is quite strong, here is a suggested method for making the tea:
Tea 1 teaspoon dry crushed leaf (for fresh us twice this amount), steep covered 30 minutes, 2-3 Cups a day
Echinacea can be taken for more than a week at a time, if you are concerned about the alcohol content in the tincture
you can use a glycerin based extract which tastes great to kids (very sweat), adding this glycerin extract to the sage
tea would sweeten it and make it more palatable.
Lemon Balm is another great antiviral, Tea 1 t carefully fresh dried or 2 teaspoon of the fresh plant, 8 oz water,steep
covered 15-20 min, 2-4 C day. It tastes great and can be combined with the Sage tea and the Echinacea glycerin or
tincture.
For external use I would try Saint Johnswort oil another great anti viral, it is a blood red infused oil which is a great
vulnerary and wound healer. Rub it on the affected areas.
Poke has been used for this but you would need to consult with a qualified herbalist who has used this herb for this
condition for help.
A wash with elderberry or chamomile tea will help with itching or scratching. Apply to the skin with a cloth soaked in a
strong tea made from the herbs.
Astragalus would boost her immune system help to fight the virus.
WARTS
QUESTION: Hi, I have a question about warts. I heard and have read that milkweed(asclepias syriaca) can get rid of
warts, unfortunately it is winter and we don't have any right now. Do they make the milk from milkweed into any kind of
oil?
ANSWER: The milk you refer to is a latex, many plants that have a latex in their leaves and stems have been used for
warts, this includes, wild lettuce, dandelion, celandine and many in the milk weed family. Most people simply gather
their own in season. I know of no oil or product that is made of this latex. We do have a tincture of Celandine that is
made from the whole plant and so includes the latex of Celandine. It could be applied externally to the wart several
times a day, it is a very strong yellow stain so be careful around clothing. It is considered an escharotic (flesh eater)
http://www.herbnet.com/ask%20the%20herbalist/as...erbalist_questions%20on%20skin%20conditions.htm (2 of 13) [5/17/2004 9:08:09 AM]