In herbal medicine, it is said that skin issues are a result of toxins in the bloodstream. It is no secret that we live in a toxic world, human or animal, it is in our food, environment and in the air we breathe. It is no surprise that so many animals suffer with skin problems, especially when they are fed an improper diet, live in an environment with chemicals and are over vaccinated or medicated. Their little bodies are bombarded with so much coming at them. As wonderful as they are, we see topical treatments used to alleviate skin problems alone. This is not an effective form of treatment, we need to look within, at the root of it all. The internal strategy when it comes to skin problems, is blood cleansing herbs. Once we include internal remedies to clean the blood, there should be no reason for it to show up on the skin.
How To Clean The Blood
Herbal blood cleansers promote elimination safely through the liver, bowels, kidneys and skin through sweat. We are supporting the eliminating systems of the body in order for them to do their jobs effectively. This approach is used for humans and animals. Some powerful herbs that can be considered are:
- Burdock Root
- Oregon Grape
- Nettles
- Cleavers
- Goldenseal
- Red Clover
- Yellow Dock
In chronic skin conditions, use these herbs as water-based remedies like an infusion or a decoction.
Skin Infections
Remedies used internally are very effective when we are faced with a skin infection that is a result of a skin condition, skin injury or a microbe. You will want a herbal remedy that will stimulate the immune system and also act as an antimicrobial. Herbs that will help with skin infections include:
- Echinacea
- English Marigold
- Myrrh
- Garlic (at very low doses)
It’s also wise to work from the outside in while we work on the inside out to manage inflammation, itching, keeping the area clean and speeding up healing. When it comes to chronic skin conditions, treating will take some time, longer than and acute skin concern. With these types of concerns, working topically with the following herbs will be beneficial.
Important Tips
- Itchiness can lead to scratching, which can cause the skin to re-open. This makes the area more prone to infections. Topical herbs that can be used are chickweed, lavender, peppermint, St John’s wort or cleavers.
- Inflammation that is prolonged which is expected in chronic skin issues, needs to be addressed. These topical herbs include marshmallow root, comfrey root, slippery elm or plantain.
- Decreasing histamines can be very helpful, these antihistamines include, nettle, Oregon grape, butterbur or golden rod.
- Antiseptics are important in chronic skin issues to allow the irritated skin to remain clean, these include chickweed and English marigold.
- Heal-promoting herbs are of great use to encourage healthy and normal healing of the skin. Aloe vera, chickweed, comfrey root, elderflowers, goldenseal, horsetail, Iceland moss, Irish moss, lavender, English marigold, marshmallow (root/leaves/flowers), slippery elm and woundwort can be used.
These are beautiful animal herbal remedies for skin issues that can be used for your animals and even yourself when it comes to skin concerns at home. Herbal medicine is a lovely option that is all natural and without any harsh chemicals or side effects. If you are able to skip a visit to the veterinarian, all the better for you and your animal.
Consult with a holistic veterinarian or holistic practitioner to lead you in the right direction. If you feel uncertain, holistic practitioners have the expertise and wisdom to direct you to top quality herbal products for your animal. Do not use any remedies if you are not certain which and how to use them, it is best to work with a practitioner. This blog is for educational purposes only.
If you are interested in a consultation from Maria for your animal, feel free to learn more here.
