Itchy Skin Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Itchy skin is a common condition characterized by an intense, unpleasant sensation that causes a person to feel compelled to scratch the affected area.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat this ailment, offering numerous benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved skin hydration, and enhanced skin health.
Certain herbs such as aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile are commonly used to treat itchy skin due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Preparations like aloe vera gel, chamomile tea baths, and calendula cream can be effective in alleviating itchy skin, as they provide direct contact with the affected area, allowing the herbs to penetrate and provide relief.
What causes itchy skin?
The primary causes of itchy skin are skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, which are often caused by an overactive immune system or allergies.
Secondary causes can include infections like scabies, fungal infections, and bacterial infections, which can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to itchy skin.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing itchy skin include poor hygiene, exposure to harsh chemicals, and living in hot and humid climates, which can disrupt the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Additionally, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can also contribute to itchy skin by altering the skin's natural balance and causing inflammation.
What herbs heal itchy skin?
The medicinal herbs used to treat itchy skin are often rich in anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties, which help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Examples of such herbs include calendula, chamomile, and plantain, which have been traditionally used to treat skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
These herbs exert their therapeutic actions through bioactive compounds like triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine properties.
For instance, the triterpenoids present in calendula have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, while the flavonoids in chamomile have been found to exhibit antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects.
What preparations treat itchy skin?
The herbal preparations used to treat itchy skin are a variety of teas, infusions, and poultices that help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Infusions made from leaves and flowers can be applied topically to reduce inflammation and itching, while teas consumed internally can help to regulate the body's natural response to allergens and irritants.
Poultices made from roots and bark can be applied directly to itchy skin to reduce itching and inflammation, and topical creams and ointments made from these same ingredients can provide long-lasting relief.
Additionally, decoctions and infusions made from certain plants can help to balance the body's pH levels and reduce the occurrence of itchy skin.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat itchy skin.