Mid Brain previously posted about Chinese herbal remedies for eczema. But I thought the story was worth a mention from the Left Brain since here at the Beauty Brains, I occasionally hear the criticism that I spend too much time telling everyone what doesn’t work and not enough time on what does. It is true that I frequently debunk cosmetic marketing myths, but I also try to point out surprising things that work. This story, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, provides a somewhat surprising result. According to researchers, some traditional Chinese herbal medicines show benefits for eczema patients.
In the study, 85 eczema patients were divided into two groups and given either the herbal remedy or a placebo. It turns out patients who got the herbal remedy reported a 33% improvement in quality of life. And the effect was verified as more than just psychosomatic. In blood tests the herbs were shown to reduce the expression of proteins and cytokines thought to be involved in eczema.
Take Herbs for Eczema
The herbs that were tested in a blend include the following.
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Peppermint
- Root Bark of peony tree
- Underground stem of atractylodes herb
- Amur cork-tree bark
But before you decide to go self-medicate your skin condition, be aware that in the United States herbal supplement manufacturers are not regulated by the FDA. In fact, there is no way for you to know for certain what herb you are buying despite the label on the bottle. Your best bet is to get advice from a trained dermatologist first.
Loading ...
Emily Skin Soothers Says:
HI Brains–
I love this study. Being an herbalist/acupuncturist, I am always glad to see modern scientific studies confirm what we already see daily and know clinically.
To further explain, this study was done on a internal capsule form of this simple herbal formula, it was not topical.
While I would agree it is reasonable to consult a dermatologist for a diagnosis of your skin troubles, asking him or her about these herbs or herbs in general would most likely generate a blank stare. I would hazard a guess that 98% of dermatologists would know NOTHING about this study or herbs in general.
If you want more on this study or the use of Chinese herbs, consult a trained and licensed acupuncturist who is also trained in herbs. Or, look for a wonderful topical product using Chinese herbs made by Emily Skin Soothers (I am obviously very biased).
For the sake of this study the researchers picked a small group of herbs that are commonly used to treat skin issues. Most trained herbalists would prefer to do a differentail diagnosis and treat the individual according to their particular signs and symptoms. So, do not be surprised if a skilled acupuncturist does not want to give you this very simple, general formula. They probably think they can do better by treating your specific presentation. I would say that in most cases, if their diagnostic skills are good, they probably can come up with a better formula that the one in this study.
Thanks again to the Beauty Brains for getting this info out there. Sincerely,
Mike Arsenault
Emily Skin Soothers, Inc
Left Brain Says:
The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology so dermatologists will be aware of it.
I would respectfully disagree that an acupuncturist is the best one to seek advice from. There is no way to know which acupuncturists are “trained” and which aren’t as they aren’t required to go through medical school and get certifications.
Since they have a pharmacological effect, these herbs are really non-purified drugs. People would be better off consulting trained medical professionals.
Emily Skin Soothers Says:
Everyone has a bias, yours is showing! Dermetologists might read the study and be aware of it, but I still am sure that 98% would know little about the herbs, how they are formulated, where to get them, the dosage, etc. It is simple not an area they have any knowledge of. You are a trained scientist, correct? Should I asssume that you know about the herbs in this study because you studied and know chemistry?
Acupuncturists are trained medical professionals. They are licensed through the state Board of Registry in Medicine, the same board that registers MDs and nurses. They must complete formal schooling and pass a national licensure exam. You can check their training through your state board, as you would with a MD.
Seeking advice on herbs from a MD is like asking a plumber about an electrical problem. Yes the plumber is trained and an expert in his field, but you are asking him about something completely outside of his realm.
Not all acupuncturists train in herbs, but those who do complete hundreds of hours of formal training and then follow that with a supervised clinical training in most schools.
I like the site and it is clear you know a lot about science, but I think, on this topic, you are talking about that which you do not know.