Prevent and alleviate
Medicinal plants can help with a wide variety of mechanisms for skin problems and skin diseases: For example, they have an anti-inflammatory effect, promote wound healing, relieve itching, soothe irritated skin and/or have a cooling and decongestant effect. In addition, medicinal plants can also support the maintenance of healthy skin and be used to care for dry or oily skin, for example.
The best known medicinal plants for the skin
The best-known medicinal plants for skin problems include calendula, chamomile, witch hazel, aloe vera, arnica and oak bark. They can be used to treat a variety of ailments: Oak bark and witch hazel, for example, are popular helpers for itchy, weeping and painful hemorrhoids.
Arnica has proven effective for treating bruises and contusions – for example as a result of sports injuries – but also soothes inflamed skin caused by insect bites.
Aloe vera, chamomile and calendula promote wound healing, which is why calendula ointment in particular can be found in almost every medicine cabinet. Aloe vera also moisturizes and cares for dry skin. An overview of the best-known medicinal plants for the skin and possible areas of application can be found below.
Medicinal plants for wound treatment
Calendula is recommended for wound treatment and inflammation of the mouth and throat. Read more about the healing power of calendula here!
Aloe vera helps against constipation and is said to support wound healing. Read more about the effect, use and side effects of aloe vera.
Medicinal plants against itching
Ribwort helps with itchy skin and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Read more about the effect of ribwort plantain!
Cayenne pepper is used to treat muscle, joint and nerve pain as well as inflammation and itching. Read more about cayenne pepper!
The fatty oil from the seeds of evening primrose is recommended for itching in neurodermatitis. Read more about evening primrose and evening primrose oil here!
Medicinal plants against inflammations
The bark of the oak tree is effective against diarrhea and inflammatory skin diseases. Read more about the healing power of oak here.
Arnica is used externally for inflammation – for example, as a result of insect bites – diaper rash, bruises and contusions. Read more about the effects of arnica!
Witch hazel is used primarily for hemorrhoids, skin inflammation and diarrhea. Read more about witch hazel and its effects!
Marshmallow relieves inflammation in the mouth, throat and stomach. Read more about the effect and use of marshmallow here!
Myrrh is a gum resin that is used mainly for inflammation of the mouth and throat. Read more about the healing power and application of myrrh!
Cloves have analgesic, disinfectant and local anesthetic effects. They help with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. Read more about cloves!
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist for a long period of time, do not get better or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
The skin briefly explained
With a size of one and a half to two square meters, the skin is the largest organ of the body and fulfills a variety of tasks: As a protective layer, it fends off pathogens and sun rays, for example, and protects against overheating, cooling and dehydration. In addition, the skin functions as a sensory and communication organ and plays a role in the excretion of pollutants and salts, for example.
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis. Here, in addition to elastic connective tissue fibers, there are fine blood vessels as well as lymphatic vessels, nerve fibers and various sensory cells, for example for pain and temperature stimuli. The dermis is also equipped with sweat, scent and sebaceous glands. The lowest skin layer is the hypodermis, consisting of loose connective tissue with fat deposits. Hair roots and sweat glands are also located here, among other things.
