THE SKIN: Essential Oils are of benefit to the skin because their solubility in lipids draws them readily into the skin and allows them to diffuse and penetrate in the skin. Their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, emollient, analgesic, and healing properties are of direct benefit, while calming, immunostimulating, detoxifying properties support the correction and healing of underlying causative processes.
Since skin disorders are often the first indication of systemic imbalance, it is important to treat at the systemic level (food allergy, chronic stress) since failure to do so may cause the ailment to go deeper and manifest as a more serious complaint.
For this reason, essential oils should be used as adjuncts to a broader treatment approach or they will be no better than mainstream suppressive therapy.
Last month we covered Acne – This month the series on the skin continues with Athlete’s Fungus and Ringworm.
ATHLETES FOOT AND RINGWORM: Fungal infections of the foot (Athletes Foot) or on other body areas (ringworm). Athletes foot and fungal infection of the groin often occur together. Athletes Foot and groin infections are often associated with excessive perspiration. All forms of Tinea are infectious. Ringworm is often caught from animals (as well as people). Both can be aggravated by warm, moist conditions or poor hygiene. Severe or recurring cases are indicative of run-down health in general.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): antifungal, anti-inflammatory, calming, cicatrisant, tonic (general).
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): anti-inflammatory, antifungal, sedative, tonic.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin): antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, digestive, hepatic stimulant, soothing (to skin). Do not use with children and babies; an ointment with menthol applied to baby’s nose area has been reported to cause instant collapse. NOTE: Although peppermint herb is calming, peppermint essential oil is stimulating.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, neurotonic.
Incorporate relaxing essential oils and immune stimulating essential oils as needed.
METHODS OF USE: aromatic vinegar; ointment; neat applications of 1 to 2 drops of lavender or tea tree; diluted in water (90% water / 10% essential oil) and sprayed on.
RELATED HERBAL REMEDIES: Echinacea, garlic. Address immune function and toxicosis.
SUPPLEMENTS: acidophilus, multi-vitamin, zinc, Vit. A, fish oil.
OTHER: Expose affected areas to air and light when possible (do not over-expose to sunlight). Avoid socks, hosiery and underwear made of synthetics. Avoid sugar and excess carbs. Watch closely. In people who are immunocompromised this can spread quickly.
*This information is provided for educational interest only and is not intended for the diagnosis, management, treatment, or cure of any mental or physical illness.
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