Medicinal plants for skin problems – from acne to neurodermatitis

Medicinal plants for skin problems – from acne to neurodermatitis

Skin problems are widespread - from unpleasant pimples to the tormenting symptoms of neurodermatitis. Many sufferers look for natural solutions, and this is where medicinal plants come into play. These green wonders often bring real changes to our skin. But how exactly do plants like marigold, chamomile or aloe vera help? In this article we take you on an exciting journey through the world of medicinal herbalism.

First, we clarify what is behind the medicinal plants and how they can help relieve skin diseases. We then delve deep into the special plants that are real skin heroes for acne and neurodermatitis. Finally, we'll show you how you can easily integrate these plant-based superheroes into your skin care routine. Let's discover the potential of nature together and reveal the secrets of healthy skin!

Basics of medicinal plants and their application for skin diseases

Medicinal herbalism, also known as phytotherapy, deals with the use of plants to treat diseases. The use of various medicinal plants has become established, particularly for skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. Many of these plants contain bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin regenerative properties.

The following medicinal plants are often used in phytotherapy:

• Aloe vera: Bekannt für ihre feuchtigkeitsspendenden und wundheilenden Eigenschaften.
• Kamille: Besitzt entzündungshemmende und beruhigende Effekte, die bei Hautirritationen helfen.
• Ringelblume: Fördert die Wundheilung und hat antiseptische Eigenschaften.
• Teebaumöl: Wirksam gegen Bakterien und Pilze; häufig bei Akne verwendet.
• Lavendel: Hat beruhigende Eigenschaften und unterstützt die Regeneration der Haut.

The chemical components of these plants play a crucial role in their healing effects. For example, many medicinal plants contain flavonoids, terpenes and essential oils that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In a study it was shown that the use of aloe vera gel can achieve significant success in reducing inflammation and skin irritation ( NCBI ). Chamomile, in the form of extracts or teas, also has a long tradition of relieving skin problems.

Medicinal plants are often used in the form of creams, ointments or oils. It is important to choose the right formulation and dosage to prevent allergic reactions or unwanted side effects. Contact with the skin should be done carefully and a skin test is recommended, especially for sensitive skin.

Research into medicinal plants has increased in recent years, and there are more and more scientific studies proving the positive effects of plants on skin health. Nevertheless, traditional application methods and modern scientific findings should go hand in hand. Critical consideration of the quality and origin of herbal products is absolutely essential to achieve the best results in skin care.

Specific medicinal plants and their mechanisms of action in acne and neurodermatitis

Acne and neurodermatitis are widespread skin diseases that are often accompanied by inflammation, redness and blemishes. Certain medicinal plants have been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of these conditions and promoting skin health. The mechanisms of action of these herbal remedies are diverse and include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin-regenerating properties.

• Aloe Vera: Bekannt für ihre hautberuhigenden Eigenschaften. Sie enthält Polysaccharide, die die Wundheilung fördern und Entzündungen reduzieren.
• Teebaumöl: Hat starke antimikrobielle Eigenschaften und ist wirksam gegen die Bakterien, die Akne verursachen. Es wirkt auch entzündungshemmend und kann Rötungen und Schwellungen verringern.
• Kamille: Ihre entzündungshemmenden und beruhigenden Eigenschaften helfen, die Haut zu entspannen und Rötungen zu reduzieren. Zudem wirkt Kamille reizlindernd.
• Ringelblume: Fördert die Heilung und hat antiseptische Eigenschaften. Sie wird häufig in Salben und Cremes für empfindliche Haut eingesetzt.
• Johanniskraut: Wird wegen seiner entzündungshemmenden und regenerierenden Wirkung geschätzt, insbesondere zur Behandlung von irritierten und entzündeten Hautstellen.

The medicinal plants mentioned above not only have a symptomatic effect, but can also sustainably improve the skin structure. A table overviewing the specific effects and applications could look like this:

In addition, some studies show that combining these medicinal plants with other therapeutic approaches, such as an adapted diet or the use of non-comedogenic skin care products, can complement the treatment of acne and neurodermatitis. The interplay of tradition and modern research opens up new perspectives in skin care. Plant-based products are becoming increasingly important in natural medicine and offer a compatible alternative or supplement to chemically synthesized medicines, whose side effects often cannot be underestimated.

The discovery and use of specific medicinal plants requires in-depth knowledge of their properties and conscious use. Caution is advised for people with sensitive skin or existing allergic reactions. Prior consultation with professionals can help find the best possible treatment and avoid negative reactions.

Practical application and recommendations for integrating medicinal plants into skin care

Integrating medicinal plants into skin care requires a sound approach that takes into account both the properties of the plants and the needs of the skin. To use medicinal plants effectively, it is important to become familiar with their preventive and curative properties. Here are some essential approaches:

• Ätherische Öle: Diese konzentrierten Pflanzenextrakte können sowohl in der täglichen Hautpflege als auch in der Aromatherapie eingesetzt werden. Einige beliebte Öle sind Teebaumöl für seine antiseptischen Eigenschaften und Lavendelöl zur Beruhigung der Haut.
• Salben und Cremes: Selbstgemachte oder gekaufte Formulierungen auf Basis von Heilpflanzen wie Ringelblume und Kamille können zur Linderung von Hautirritationen und zur Förderung der Heilung eingesetzt werden.
• Tinkturen: Diese alkoholhaltigen Extrakte von Heilpflanzen bieten eine potente Möglichkeit, die Wirkstoffe direkt auf die Haut aufzutragen. Sie müssen jedoch mit Bedacht eingesetzt werden, da der Alkohol selbst reizend wirken kann.

Correct application is crucial. The following points should be taken into account:

• Pflanzenverträglichkeit: Vor der Anwendung sollte ein Patch-Test durchgeführt werden, um allergische Reaktionen auszuschließen.
• Dosierung: Die Konzentration der aktiven Bestandteile muss angepasst werden, um eine optimale Wirkung zu erzielen und Hautirritationen zu vermeiden.
• Interaktion mit anderen Produkten: Bei der Verwendung von Heilpflanzen in Kombination mit anderen Hautpflegeprodukten sollte auf Wechselwirkungen geachtet werden.

A practical approach to formulating skin care products with medicinal plants can be divided into different phases. A simple table might be useful here:

You should also take your individual skin structure and condition into account. For sensitive skin, mild extracts such as aloe vera are advisable, while oily, impure skin can benefit from more powerfully cleansing medicinal plants. Consultations with a dermatologist or herbal medicine specialist may be helpful in choosing the appropriate plant and procedure. It is important to emphasize that not all skin conditions react the same way. Therefore, it may take a while to see the desired results.

In summary, medicinal plants play a promising role in the treatment of skin problems such as acne and neurodermatitis. The basics of medicinal plant science presented in this article as well as the specific mechanisms of action show how herbal active ingredients can be used specifically to alleviate skin diseases. In addition, the practical use of these medicinal plants offers valuable approaches for integration into daily skin care. However, it is important to take the individual skin reaction into account and seek professional support if necessary. Ongoing research on this topic also promises to further deepen our understanding of the synergy between medicinal plants and skin health and to open up new, innovative treatment options.

Sources and further literature

References

• Schilbach, L., & Rieger, M. (2018). Naturheilverfahren bei Hauterkrankungen. In: Pflanzenheilkunde und Phytotherapie. Springer.
• Wagner, H., & Ulrich-Merzenich, G. (2012). Heilpflanzen für die Hautpflege. Stuttgart: Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft.

Studies

• Sharma, J., & Tiwari, V. (2020). Efficacy of herbal medicinal plants on skin disorders: A systemic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, 112473.
• Gao, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Study on the effects of herbal medicine on eczema: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 57, 102669.

Further reading

• Smolinski, S. (2019). Phytotherapie und Hauterkrankungen. Verlag C. H. Beck.
• Kühn, H. (2021). Heilpflanzenkunde für Pflegende. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.