Herbal Remedies for Rashes - Rashes - Supplements and Herbs

OATS, in the form of an oatmeal poultice or bath, are a soothing preparation for dry, itchy rashes, bites and stings. Oats have been used since ancient times for various medical applications. According to Andrew Chevallier, author of The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants (Dorling Kindersley, 1996), "Externally, the grain is emollient and cleansing, and a decoction strained into a bath can help soothe itchiness and eczema."

Dosage: Either of these oatmeal preparations can be done two to four times per day, as needed. For the bath, put the oatmeal in a clean tube sock or nylon stocking to avoid a mess. Place the sock under the bath's spout and let the water drain through the oatmeal. To make a poultice, place a few tablespoons of oatmeal in a sock or nylon, and soak in hot water until softened. Squeeze out most of the moisture and place the stocking on your rash.

COMFREY ROOT (Symphytum officinale) is an ideal remedy for skin irritations because of its sticky, mucilage-rich nature. Comfrey also contains allantoin, which is said to speed healing, particularly bone healing. Comfrey root used to be taken internally (and still is by some people), but this is generally not recommended, unless under the strict guidance of a skilled health-care practitioner. Comfrey contains a high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (the root has the highest concentration), which can cause serious liver damage when ingested orally.

Dosage: Place a few tablespoons of the dried root in 1 gallon of hot water. Soak the root in the water for 10 to 15 minutes. Immerse the affected area in the water, or soak a small towel in the solution, wring out the excess moisture and place on your rash. Do this two or three times per day.

CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis), or marigold, is known for its bright orange petals. Medicinally, calendula is an excellent remedy for a variety of skin conditions. It contains oils, carotenes, flavonoids and mucilage, which make it one of the best plants for healing skin.

Dosage: Poultices, lotions or creams containing calendula can be used as needed. Most health food stores sell calendula cream. Incidentally, calendula cream is one of the best remedies for diaper rash.

ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) is one of my favorite herbal remedies for skin conditions. While it is best known for its antidepressant effects, it is also a valuable antiseptic to keep on hand for rashes, bums, bites and wounds.

Dosage: St. John's wort flowers, which are naturally oily, can easily be incorporated into a soothing, healing oil. Pack a 1-quart mason jar full of St. John's wort flowers, then fill with safflower oil. Place the jar in a sunny area for three to four weeks. Strain off the liquid using cheesecloth. This makes a beautiful, fragrant red oil that can be applied as needed to rashes, burns or other skin irritations. But be careful, the oil can stain clothing. You can also mix the oil with shea butter for a soothing preparation.

BURDOCK (Arctium lappa) is an herb for treating rashes that are a result of internal problems. Many patients with eczema or other rashes have responded quickly to treatment with burdock. Burdock root is very bitter. Bitter herbs help stimulate stomach acid production and bile flow, which, in turn, stimulates a sluggish liver to function and process toxins more efficiently.

Dosage: Take 2 dropperfulls of burdock tincture three times daily. You can also take 200 to 250 mg of the dried herb in capsule form, three times per day.

MILK THISTLE (Silybum marianum) is also useful in treating rashes that extend from a toxic liver. Milk thistle has been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years to treat all types of liver disorders.

Dosage: Take 200 mg three times per day of a standardized milk thistle extract that contains 70% silymarin.