The Best Herbal Remedies for Skin Diseases

We all strive for a healthy and clear, problem-free skin. But is that achievable? With the lifestyle challenges, pollution, and our busy schedule, we are not able to give the care that our skin demands! Which results in Acne, Pimples, Rashes, Infections, and pigmentations. But can we reverse them? That too without any side-effects! The answer lies with nature. 

It is one of the most important Gyanendriya (Five sensory organs) according to Ayurveda and is responsible for the function of touch. It plays out various capacities like insurance against physical, synthetic, mechanical, and natural wounds, thermoregulation, and so forth. 

There are two general types of skin, i.e. hairy and glabrous skin. However, the skin can be dry, sensitive, pale, sagging, or tired. People with a deficiency in essential nutrients such as Beta-carotene, the B-complex vitamins, vitamins C and E often suffer from dry skin.

The prevalence of skin diseases was reported a bit low in hospital settings compared to community-level medical camps. It varies from 4.2% to 11.6% in the general population. However, the prevalence is reported quite high (30%–40%) in the pediatric population. Surprisingly, a recent community-based survey in central India reported a very high prevalence of skin diseases that is around 60%.

Common Skin Problems

Skin diseases are quite common nowadays as it affects all ages, from the neonate to the elderly and causes harm in several ways. 

More than a thousand conditions may affect the skin, but most skin diseases can be categorized into eight common types:

1. Rashes  
   A rash is an area of red, inflamed skin or a group of individual spots. These can be caused by irritation, allergy, infection, an underlying disease, or structural defects, such as blocked pores, or malfunctioning oil glands. Examples of rashes include Acne, Dermatitis, Eczema, Hives, Pityriasis Rosea, and Psoriasis.
    
2. Viral infections  
   These occur when a virus penetrates the Stratum Corneum and infects the inner layers of the skin. Examples of viral skin infections include Herpes Simplex, Shingles (herpes zoster), and Warts. Some systemic viral infections such as chickenpox and measles may also affect the skin. 
    
3. Bacterial infections  
   A variety of bacteria causes such infections. The most common types being Staphylococci and Streptococci. Bacteria may infect the topmost layers of the skin, follicles, or deeper layers of skin. Examples include Impelling Folliculitis, Cellulitis, and Lyme disease. Bacterial infections are better treated with antibiotics.
    
4. Fungal infections  
   Harmless fungi are always present on the surface of the skin. Fungal infection occurs when these organisms enter the body. These infections are usually affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They also include the Athlete's Foot, Lock Itch, and Ringworm.
    
5. Pigmentation disorders  
   The amount of pigment in the skin is determined by the amount of melanin produced by the body. Loss of pigment (Hypopigmentation) can be caused by the absence of melanocytes, damaged cells, exposure to cold or chemicals, or some types of infection. Age Spots, Freckles, and Melasma are examples of hyperpigmentation.
    
6. Tumours and cancers  
   They arise when skin cells begin to multiply faster than normal. Not every skin cell’s growth is cancerous. Some tumours are harmless and will not spread. They most commonly develop on skin exposed to the sun. The three types of skin cancers are basal cell cancer (the most curable), squamous cell cancer (which may grow and spread), and malignant melanoma (the most deadly form). Prevention from tumours involves protecting the skin against damaging ultraviolet rays.
    
7. Trauma  
   Trauma describes an injury to the skin caused by a blow, a cut, or a burn. Whenever the surface of the skin is broken, the body becomes more susceptible to infection and disease. Diseases associated with trauma take a few days to cure.
    
8. Other conditions  
   Wrinkles, rosacea, spider veins, and varicose veins are among those conditions that cannot be neatly categorized. Wrinkles are caused by a breakdown of the collagen and elastin within the dermis, which results in sagging skin. Rosacea is a chronic disorder in which the skin of the face becomes red and develops pimples, lesions, and more rarely, enlargement of the nose. Strangely, the cause is unknown. Spider veins and varicose veins become visible through the skin's surface when blood vessels enlarge.
    

Herbal Remedies For Skin Diseases

Natural drugs from the plants are gaining popularity because of several advantages, such as having fewer to no side effects, better patient tolerance, being relatively less expensive and acceptable due to a long history of use. Also, herbal medicines provide rational means for treating many diseases that are rigid and incurable in other systems of medicine.

1. Aloe Vera 
   Aloe vera has shown very good results in skin diseases, and it is often taken as a health drink. It is also found effective in treating wrinkles, stretch marks, and pigmentations. It also seems to speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound. When applied to the skin, the gel seems to help the skin survive frostbite injury.
    
2. Neem 
   Neem oil contains the necessary fatty acids, promoting wound healing and making your skin healthy. Neem also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce Acne. The neem oil is believed to relieve skin dryness, skin itchiness, and redness. It also prevents pimples and skin blemishes.
    
3. Kanchnar
   Kachnar helps in wound healing by inducing the formation of new skin cells due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Ayurveda, applying Kachnar powder mixed with honey helps manage skin problems such as acne, or pimples because of its Seeta (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
    
4. Kesar 
   Kesar protects against UV radiations. When it comes to skin health, protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the best things. It also fights inflammation, supports wound healing, and reduces hyperpigmentation of the skin.
    
5. Chamomile
   Using chamomile oil on the skin brings along powerful antioxidants that help the skin regenerate, tighten pores, and slow down aging effects on the skin. Blemishes and redness can be lightened by chamomile, sometimes referred to as 'natural skin bleach'.
    
6. Heena
   Henna is a traditionally used plant of the Middle East that is applied on hands and feet. In the traditional system of medicine, leaf paste is applied twice a day on the affected parts to cure impetigo (a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children). 
    

Ayurvedic Supplements for Skin Diseases  

Ayurveda offers several supplements for skincare, which will not only help to treat skin diseases but also help to stop their reoccurrence. 

Some of the prominent supplements include:

1. Pancha Nimbadi Vati: This is an Ayurvedic supplement that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to improve skin health.
   Dose - 1 tablet twice a day
    
2. Kumkumadi Oil: Kumkumadi oil is a well-known skin care product that helps to improve skin complexion. It can be very helpful as an Ayurvedic medicine for pimples and marks. It is also an Ayurvedic medicine for skin itching.
   Dose -  Gently apply on the face at night.
    
3. Panchatikta Ghruta Guggul: This is a tablet prepared with herbal ghee. It helps manage eczema and other skin diseases.
   Dose - 1 tablet twice a day

Conclusion

Herbs have great potential to cure different kinds of skin diseases. Herbs are a rich source of active ingredients and can be a safer and cost-effective treatment for skin diseases. More than 80% of people in India depend on traditional health care and use different plant-based products to cure skin-related problems.