Dry Lips: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dry lips, also known as chapped lips, refer to the condition where the lips become cracked, flaky, and rough due to a lack of moisture and natural lip oils.

The causes of dry lips include exposure to cold weather, dry air, and harsh lip products. If left untreated, dry lips can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infection. To alleviate dry lips, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, vitamin E oil, and honey can be applied topically.

However, it's essential to note that individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution when using medicinal herbs and perform a patch test before applying them to their lips.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dry lips, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dry lips?

The main causes of dry lips are due to a combination of external and internal factors, with the primary culprit being the loss of moisture from the skin's surface.

This dehydration is often caused by low humidity levels in the air, leading to a decrease in the skin's natural barrier function and causing the lips to dry out. Internal factors such as hormonal imbalances, particularly the fluctuations in estrogen levels during menopause or menstruation, can also contribute to dry lips. Additionally, certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of developing dry lips.

Furthermore, the overuse of harsh or fragrant lip products, as well as certain medications like diuretics and beta-blockers, can also strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating the issue.

• Cold Weather: Cold weather is a common cause of dry lips due to the low humidity levels in the air that strip the skin of its natural moisture and cause the lips to dry out.
• Dry Air: Dry air is another prevalent cause of dry lips as it leads to moisture loss from the skin, causing the lips to become chapped and dry.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a significant cause of dry lips as a lack of water in the body affects the skin's ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and chapping of the lips.
• Over-Washing: Over-washing the lips with harsh soaps or exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of essential fatty acids and vitamins, can impair the skin's ability to retain moisture, contributing to dry lips.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics and beta-blockers, can cause dryness in the mouth and lips as a side effect due to their ability to alter the body's water balance.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal imbalances can lead to changes in the skin's moisture levels, causing dryness and irritation of the lips.
• Aging: Aging skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and fine lines, including on the lips.
• Genetics: Genetic predisposition can contribute to dry lips due to an individual's unique skin characteristics and moisture retention abilities.
• Allergies: Allergies to certain substances, such as lip balms or soaps, can cause irritation and dryness of the lips.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dry lips?

The main medicinal herbs used for dry lips are Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Chamomilla recutita, Mentha x piperita, Melaleuca alternifolia, Melissa officinalis, and Rosmarinus officinalis.

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and protect dry lips, while Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis, both succulents, possess moisturizing and anti-inflammatory compounds that help hydrate and calm dry, chapped lips. Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that aid in soothing and protecting the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Echinacea purpurea, coneflower, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help combat infection and promote healing, while Chamomilla recutita, German chamomile, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that soothe and calm irritated skin.

Mentha x piperita, peppermint, has cooling and soothing properties that help relieve dry, chapped lips, while Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat infection and promote healing, Melissa officinalis, lemon balm, has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that soothe and calm irritated skin, and Rosmarinus officinalis, rosemary, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect and promote healing.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with dry lips due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with dry lips by providing moisture and hydration to the skin, as it contains a high concentration of glycoproteins and vitamins A, C, and E that help to lock in moisture and soothe dryness.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with dry lips due to its high water content and the presence of mucopolysaccharides, which help to lock in moisture and soothe dryness, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with dry lips by providing anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, as it contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with dry lips due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing, although its effectiveness for this specific issue is less well-documented.
• Chamomilla recutita: Chamomilla recutita helps with dry lips by providing anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, as it contains apigenin and luteolin, which help to calm and soothe the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with dry lips due to its cooling and soothing properties, as it contains menthol, which helps to calm and soothe the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dry lips by providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as it contains tea tree oil, which helps to soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis helps with dry lips due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, as it contains rosmarinic acid, which helps to calm and soothe the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis helps with dry lips by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as it contains rosmarinic acid, which helps to soothe and protect the skin, reducing dryness and promoting healing.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dry lips?

The main herbal preparations used for dry lips are Tincture, Cream, Salve, Ointment, Gel, Balm, Capsule, Decoction, Oil, Poultice.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract used for its antimicrobial properties, derived from herbs like Aloe vera, which soothes and hydrates dry lips. Cream, Salve, Ointment, and Gel are topical preparations containing herbs like Beeswax, Coconut oil, and Shea butter, which provide a protective barrier and moisturize dry skin. Balm is a semi-solid preparation containing herbs like Vitamin E, Aloe vera, and Lanolin, which helps lock in moisture and soothe dry lips.

Capsule, Decoction, Oil, and Poultice are less common preparations, with Decoction used for its antioxidant properties, Oil used for its emollient properties, and Poultice used for its cooling effect, all of which may help alleviate dry lip symptoms.

• Tincture: A tincture prepared from the leaves of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with dry lips by providing anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and discomfort.
• Cream: A cream prepared from the roots of Calendula officinalis helps with dry lips by providing a physical barrier that locks in moisture, while its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to soothe and heal dry, cracked skin.
• Salve: A salve prepared from the bark of White willow (Salix alba) helps with dry lips by providing a protective barrier that helps to lock in moisture, while its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help to soothe and relieve dry, painful skin.
• Ointment: An ointment prepared from the flowers of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with dry lips by providing a soothing and calming effect, while its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to reduce redness and promote healing of dry, cracked skin.
• Gel: A gel prepared from the leaves of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with dry lips by providing a cooling and soothing effect, while its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties help to hydrate and calm dry, irritated skin.
• Balm: A balm prepared from the roots of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) helps with dry lips by providing a protective barrier that locks in moisture, while its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to soothe and heal dry, cracked skin.
• Capsule: A capsule prepared from the seeds of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) helps with dry lips by providing essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help to nourish and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and inflammation.
• Decoction: A decoction prepared from the roots of Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with dry lips by providing a soothing and protective effect, while its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to calm and heal dry, irritated skin.
• Oil: An oil prepared from the seeds of Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) helps with dry lips by providing essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help to nourish and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and inflammation.
• Poultice: A poultice prepared from the roots of Plantain (Plantago major) helps with dry lips by providing a soothing and cooling effect, while its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to reduce redness and promote healing of dry, cracked skin.