Irritants are herbs used to treat Skin diseases causing slight inflammation or other discomfort/ irritation to the skin/body. Irritants are herbs used to treat skin diseases.
Food Irritants
Alfalfa
Cayenne
Cinnamon
Cloves
Curry Powder
Garlic
Horse Chestnut
Horseradish
Lemongrass
Nutmeg
Oat Oil
Paprika Pepper
Parsley
Rice Bran
Rosemary
Slenderleaf
White Beans
• Alfalfa – It helps in the healing of any Infections that may have occurred as a result of bed sores or after a surgery.
• Cayenne Pepper – The Pepper is mildly analgesic, thus can be applied locally to the Skin. Cayenne capsaicin poultice applied to the Skin, desensitizes nerve endings and acts as a counter-Irritant for relieving neuralgic pain. Cayenne is a potent warming herb that stimulates circulation.
• Cinnamon – Its rich in cinnamaldehyde along with compounds (such as eugenol) which are highly effective in treating conditions that are caused by bacteria and virus. Its highly helpful in treating Skin conditions caused by fungal activities (such as Candidiasis).
• Cloves – Cloves can be used to treat Acne, Skin ulcers, sores, and styes.
• Curry Powder – Curry Powder Vitamin E content helps to improve the condition and appearance of the Skin by contributing to its maintenance. Manganese is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy Skin, Bone, cartilage formation and glucose tolerance.
• Garlic – Its allicin content is highly effective against MRS (Multidrug Resistance Strains) bacterias which makes it highly valuable for the medical community.
• Horseradish – Its Selenium helps to heal Wounds and protects the cells, while its Glucosinolates have Anti-Biotic properties, thus can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms (such as bacteria and fungi).
• Lemongrass – Lemongrass is also beneficial in alleviating various Skin issues, from large pores to Fungal Infections. Its anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-fungal properties, helps limit bacterial or microbial growth on the Skin.
• Nutmeg – It can be applied as paste mixed with Water (or Raw Honey) to help reduce inflammation and irritation of the Skin, promote hydration and a smooth appearance, as well as reduce the signs and marks from pox, Boils, and Acne.
• Oat Oil – Oat Oil enhancing and Skin moisturizing properties is beneficial to the Skin as it soothes and nourishes damaged (or sensitive) Skins. Oat Oil can provide massive relief to Skin diseases caused by Fungal Infections (such as dermatitis).
• Paprika Pepper – It helps in forming clots in case of cuts and Wounds, aiding quick Wound healing.
• Parsley – Parsley benefits Skin and Dental Health by fighting off Infections and bacteria. Parsley has been shown to stop bacterial growth in Wounds, counters toxins, deactivates many carcinogens, builds blood, renews tissues, and counteracts inflammations.
• Rice Bran – Rice Bran Manganese content is an essential trace mineral needed for healthy Skin, Bone, cartilage formation and glucose tolerance. Vitamin B5 ensures an adequate production of healthy fat cells and contributes to healing Wounds, sores, Burns.
• Rosemary – It relieves inflammation. Aromatherapists use its oil in baths and massage lotions and consider it to have an enlivening quality that promotes healing and happiness.
• Slenderleaf – Slenderleaf leaves are used as a treatment for yellow Fever and also applied to sore feet.
• White Beans – White Beans Zinc is good for maintaining healthy Skin and an efficient treatment method against Acne. Vitamin B2 promotes beautiful Skin (contributes to Skin Health), strong nails and can also help treat dermatitis or Eczema.
Herbal Irritants
Aloe Vera
American Mandrake
Arnica
Asafoetida
Asmatica
Bellyache Bush
Betel
Blackberry Leaves
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Bogbean
Boldo
Buchu
Cajuput
Camphor
Cascara
Cashew Tree
Cedar Wood
Ceylon Leadwort
Chinese Anemone
Chinese Rhubarb
Copaiba
Cowslip
Croton Gossypifolius
Crowfoot
Echinacea
Elecampane
Eucalyptus
Cassia
Frair’s Habit
Graveyard Flower
Greater Celandine
Ground Ivy
Guaiacum
Henbane
False Unicorn
Horse Chestnut
Horsemint
Indian Birthwort
Jamaican Dogwood
Juniper
Kanghi
Figwort
Lavender
Lemon Verbena
Lime Flower
Levant Storax
Linden
Long Pepper
Lovage
Marshmallow
Mezereon
Milk Bush
Mistletoe
Mullein
Nipple Fruit
Peking Spurge
Pellitory
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Pilewort
Pleurisy Root
Pokeroot
Pulsatilla
Physic Nut
Pilewort
Pleurisy Root
Pokeweed
Pulsatilla
Queen’s Delight
Ramsons
Ribwort Plantain
Sarsaparilla
Sage
Senega
Senna
Skunk Cabbage
Slippery Elm
Smooth Sumac
Soap Bark
Soapwort
Sourdock
Squill
Stinging Nettle
Drosera
Thuja
Thyme
Tian-Nan-Xing
Wild Hydrangea
Willow
Witch Hazel
White Bryony
Wild Mustard
Willow Bark
Witch Hazel
Wood Sorrel
Zanthoxylum
• Pleurisy Root – Pleurisy Root poultice (used topically) faciltates and contributes to the speeding-up of Wounds healing process, thus work effectively to treat minor Skin related issues such as swelling, Wounds, Bruises and even Skin ulcers, besides other injuries.
• Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera clear gel has a dramatic ability to heal Wounds, ulcers, scrapes, scalds, sunburn and Burns, putting a protective coat on the affected area and speeding up the rate of healing.
• American Mandrake – Its rhizome poultice/lotion/ointment is applied externally as an effective treatment of all kinds of warts.
• Arnica – Arnica Essential Oil contain some moisturizer properties that are great to moisturizing dry Skin. Arnica oil can also be applied to insect bites to reduce irritation and inflammation.
• Asafoetida – Asafoetida Anti-Inflammatory properties work together to reduce Acne production, while its anti-bacterial properties inhibit the growth of pimples and rashes.
• Asmatica – Asmatica acts as a Skin cleanser, thus available in many cosmetic and medical facial packs. Its also beneficial for the treatment of Skin ulcers and Wounds.
• Bellyache Bush – Its sap when applied externally is well known for healing Wounds and treating Skin problems (such as infected Wounds, ulcers, cuts, abrasions, Eczema, dermatomycosis, scabies), ringworm and venereal diseases.
• Betel – Its leaves contain chavicol (a Phenol), which has powerful antiseptic properties, which is used as a counter Irritant in swellings, Bruises, and sores. Its applied externally to heal ulcers, Boils, Bruises, ulcerations of the nose.
• Blackberry Leaves – Blackberry Leaves has the power to heal Wound faster, where its poultices (or compresses) are used externally to aid in healing Wounds, Bruises, and rashes.
• Blue Flag – Blue Flag has a mild Laxative effect which in combination with cleansing actions makes it a useful herb for chronic Skin diseases (such as Acne, Eczema, Wounds and sores).
• Bogbean – It is useful externally to promote the healing of ulcerous Wounds.
• Boldo – Its tea leaves consist of different types of natural Anti-Microbial and anti-bacterial agents which help to relieve excessive inflammation in any part of the body, further improving the body’s defense mechanisms against the inflammation causing pathogens.
• Buchu – Buchu decoction is a good ointment useful in cleaning Wounds and Skin problems. Buchu oil has potent Anti-Inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which assists in the effective management of Eczema (recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory Skin condition described by itchy, dry, inflamed, flaky and reddened Skin).
• Cajuput – Cajuput Essential Oil is a potent antiseptic and produces a comforting effect when applied topically on the Skin, thus oil is extensively used for Eczema, Fungal Infections, and other Skin problems, while its leaves have been used for healing Skin cuts, Burns and Infections.
• Camphor – Camphor balms, lotions and creams can be used to relieve Skin irritation and itchiness and may help to improve the overall appearance of Skin. Applying Camphor spray (or ointment) containing natural ingredients (such as Camphor, menthol, and Essential Oils) to the affected Skin area several times per day, helps to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Cascara – Cascara bark protects the Skin from blemishes and wrinkles that provides clear Skin. Its application on affected area lowers the Skin ailments (patchy Skin and Acne).
• Cashew Tree – Cashew Gum is applied externally for Skin conditions (such as Corns and Fungal Infection). Its bark is Astringent (contracts tissue, including blood vessels, lessening secretions), Rubefacient/vesicant (causes blistering and often redness on the Skin).
• Cedar Wood – Cedar Wood Essential Oil is antiseptic in nature and helpful in curing Skin diseases, Wounds, and urogenital diseases. Resin is obtained from the wood of Cedar Wood tree, which is topically useful to the treatment of Bruises, Skin diseases and joint injuries.
• Ceylon Leadwort – Its irritating properties due to Plumbagin has been found to be effective in treatment of chronic Skin disorders (such as leucoderma and baldness). Its roots paste with Water can be applied at affected areas for dermatitis conditions.
• Chinese Anemone – It is considered very efficacious in homoeopathy (even a specific in Measles treatment).
• Chinese Rhubarb – Chinese Rhubarb can be applied to Burns, Boils and carbuncles. The root are externally used in the treatment of Burns.
• Copaiba – It is used externally, in the treatment of a range of Skin problems (including insect bites, Eczema, Chilblains, sores and Psoriasis).
• Cowslip – Its Flavonoids have Anti-Spasmodic and Anti-Inflammatory properties, potentially useful in the treatment of Asthma and other allergic conditions.
• Croton Gossypifolius – Croton Gossypifolius bark sap is useful against Pyorrhea, soften calluses and warts on the Skin.
• Crowfoot – Crowfoot roots possesses Skin inflaming and blistering property, Raising blisters with less pain and greater safety, hence applied for that purpose (especially to the joints, and Gout).
• Echinacea – Its applied to the Skin to treat Boils, Gum disease, abscesses, Skin Wounds, ulcers, Burns, Eczema, Psoriasis, sun-related Skin damage, herpes simplex, Yeast Infections, bee stings, snake and mosquito bites, and Hemorrhoids.
• Elecampane – The plant is sometimes recommended as an external wash for Skin inflammations and varicose ulcers, but has been known to cause allergic reactions.
• Eucalyptus – Its Essential Oil contain cineole (its main compound which has anti-bacterial properties) which is often applied topically to treat Skin Infections (such as Acne, Eczema, sun spots, blemishes, aging, and pimples) and help speed up healing.
• Fetid Cassia – Fetid Cassia leaves paste or root paste (with Lime juice) is applied on Erysipelas (an acute bacterial Infection disease characterized by large raised red Patches on the Skin) and Eczema (an itching and bleeding condition in which Patches of Skin become rough and inflamed) affected Skin area.
• Frair’s Habit – Frair’s Habit leaves are used externally as a disinfectant for sores and injuries.
• Graveyard Flower – Its bark decoction is useful as anti-herpetic, thus useful in treatment of ulcers, herpes, scabies. Its Bruised bark can be used as plaster over hard tumors and an application for abscesses.
• Greater Celandine – Greater Celandine is applied externally to soothe and encourage the healing of Skin conditions (such as Eczema).
• Ground Ivy – Ground Ivy terpene rich volatile oil is the best antidote for Nettle stings. Simply crush the leaves and rub juice on the afflicted area. Its infused herb compresses may be applied to inflamed Skin.
• Guaiacum – Guaiacum mashed leaves is combined with Coconut Oil to aid blisters, Skin sores, abscesses and Boils. It is also valued as a wash or lotion for Skin diseases.
• Henbane – Henbane leaves tincture (prepared by soaking leaves in Alcohol and Olive Oil) mixed in hot bath Water is considered effective in soothing the Skin and reducing Skin inflammation. Its seeds Ash can be applied externally to treat malignant sores.
• Horse Chestnut – Horse Chestnut tree’s bark preparations are applied to Skin sores.
• Horsemint – Drinking a weak Horsemint tea regularly can help to control Candida overgrowth internally. It can help with Digestive issues, cold care, bacterial Infection, and fungal overgrowth.
• Indian Birthwort – Locally/topically apply Indian Birthwort leaves paste on Skin diseases affected parts/areas (such as leucoderma, Skin diseases, Wounds, vitiligo, ulcers and swelling).
• Juniper – Juniper Berries Essential Oil is effectively beneficial for the treatment of Skin conditions such as rash or Eczema probably due to its anti-oxidant properties.
• Kanghi – Kanghi is great for treating all kinds of Wounds (treat the inflammation, reduce the pain and Infection), through its anti-bacterial properties. Kanghi mucilaginous effect benefits the Skin.
• Knotted Figwort – Knotted Figwort tea is used to heal Wounds, ulcers, Burns, and Hemorrhoids and externally to treat Skin conditions, such as Eczema and Psoriasis.
• Lavender – Lavandula stoechas is used as an anti-septic wash for Wounds, ulcers. Its Essential Oil can inhibit the growth of Skin bacteria.
• Lemon Verbena – Lemon Verbena can help fight staph Infection (Staphylococcus aureus Infection is a bacterial Infection that can range in severity from minor Skin irritations to life-threatening complications).
• Levant Storax – Levant Storax Resin /balsam is applied externally to encourage the healing of Skin diseases and problems (such as scabies, Wounds, and ulcers).
• Linden – Its wood is turned into charcoal and used as activated carbon applied topically for reducing cellulite. Its flowers are used to make a lotion for itchy Skin, due to its emollient quality.
• Long Pepper – Long Pepper help in healing Skin related problems, where it also reduces pain, inflammation and swelling on the Skin.
• Lovage – Lovage leaves are applied directly to the Skin to improve tone and appearance, increase blood flow to the surface of the Skin and to effectively reduce the symptoms of Skin conditions (such as Psoriasis, dermatitis and Acne).
• Marshmallow – Marshmallow is one of the most effective herbs for moisturising and softening the Skin, due to its emollient properties. It is used as a wash or added to creams for Eczema and Psoriasis.
• Mezereon – Mezereon is effectively used occasionally as an external counter-Irritant, where a homeopathic remedy (made from Mezereon plant) is used in the treatment of various Skin complaints and inflammations.
• Milk Bush – Its branches and roots Ashes are applied externally as a caustic to open abscesses. Its roots (or stems) poultice is applied to nose ulceration, Hemorrhoids, Wound healing and swellings.
• Mistletoe – Mistletoe berries ointment and oil is excellent for frost bites. Its fresh berries dressing are applied for blisters.
• Mullein – Mullein is emollient, thus applied externally as a good Wound healer. Its leaves are externally used to soften and protect the Skin.
• Nipple Fruit – The mixture of Nipple Fruit juice, roots and leaves is topically used to treat Skin problems and applied directly on the Skin, it can cure sores and ulcers.
• Peking Spurge – Peking Spurge ethanol content is an effective and highly useful remedy for reducing the effects of various Infections (bacteria, fungus and viruses) burn Wounds. Its Anti-Microbial characteristic helps in fighting against microbes that cause Infection on Burns and open Wounds.
• Pellitory – Pellitory root paste is applied over Wounds associated with pus.
• Pennyroyal – Its infusion can be used externally to treat itchiness and formication (a sensation of ants crawling over the body) and rheumatic conditions (including Gout).
• Peppermint – Peppermint Essential Oils affect the cold-sensitive receptors in the Skin, mouth and throat and is the property which is responsible for the natural cooling-sensation that it initiates when inhaled, eaten, or applied on the Skin.
• Physic Nut – Physic Nut leaves decoction is used as a wash for scabies. Its fresh latex is used externally, as an ointment over ulcers, bleeding Wounds, piles, Eczema, itch, herpes, itches, sores, ringworm and other Skin diseases.
• Pilewort – Fresh Pilewort consists of the Phytochemical protoanemonin, which has a fungicidal action, but dried plant do not contain protoanemonin.
• Pokeweed – Pokeweed root poultice or ointment is applied externally can help cure various forms of Skin conditions (such as Skin ulcers, Skin Rashes, Fungal Infections, Acne, infected breasts), assists the healing of Wounds and scar tissues and Eye conditions (such as Conjunctivitis).
• Pulsatilla – Pulsatilla anti-bacterial properties is quite beneficial in treating bacterial Skin Infections (especially Boils), septicaemia, Skin inflammation and chickenpox.
• Queen’s Delight – Queen’s Delight combines well with arctium, rumex, fumaria, galium and iris for the treatment of Skin problems. Its externally applied as a lotion to treat Hemorrhoids, Eczema, and Psoriasis.
• Ramsons – Ramsons (in the form of bath) is ideal for curing problematic Skin, inflammatory processes on the Skin, Skin irritation, Eczema and dermatitis.
• Ribwort Plantain – Ribwort Plantain leaves dressing is recommended for open sores on legs. The fresh, Bruised Plantain leaves is an old respected remedy for Wounds, cuts, scratches, stings from Poisonous insects, dog bites and snake bites (only stopgap measure).
• Sarsaparilla – It has Anti-Inflammatory and cleansing herb, thus can bring relief to Skin problems. Its root dramatically improves Skin lesions in people with Psoriasis as its roots main Steroids (sarSaponin) is able to bind to endotoxins responsible for the lesions in Psoriasis patients and remove them from the body.
• Senna – Its Essential Oils contain Resin and Tannin which can alleviate Skin inflammation and treat Skin conditions. Its leaves paste anti-bacterial property is effective in treating Skin Infections or Skin ailments such as Eczema, Acne (acetone and ethanol present in Senna can fight micro-organisms that cause Acne).
• Skunk Cabbage – Skunk Cabbage is externally used as a poultice to heal Wounds, draw splinters and thorns, and to treat Headaches. Its leaf bases are applied as a wet dressing to Bruises for healing.
• Slippery Elm – Slippery Elm direct contact with inflamed surfaces (such as the Skin or the intestinal membranes), soothes and coats the irritated tissue, protecting it from injury and draws out toxins or Irritants, largely due to its large quantities Mucilage.
• Smooth Sumac – Smooth Sumac milky latex is used as a salve on sores. Its leaves poultice can be used to treat Skin Rashes.
• Soap Bark – Soap Bark extract Anti-Inflammatory and emollient activity is external/topically useful for the treatment of dermatological disorders such as Skin sores, athlete’s foot and itchy scalp.
• Soapwort – Soapwort contain Saponins that can be combined with Water to create a foaming, lathery Skin wash with benefits including killing harmful bacteria and parasites. Its roots juice/decoctions are effective in treating Skin conditions.
• Sourdock – Sourdock is also taken for Skin conditions (such as Acne, Eczema, and Fungal Infections) and for arthritic problems. Its Vitamin B2 promotes, helps maintain Skin Health and can also help treat dermatitis or Eczema.
• Squill – Squill is applied externally to the scalp against oily dandruff and seborrhea.
• Stinging Nettle – Stinging Nettle is anti-allergenic, thus treats Hay Fever, Asthma, itchy Skin conditions and insect bites. Drink Nettle tea for Eczema (the cause of Eczema often lies internally).
• Sundew – Sundew leaf juice can be used externally for there Protein digesting enzymes to treat Corns, warts and bunions.
• Thuja – Its Essential Oil used in dilute form has an excellent Astringent and anti-bacterial qualities that may be useful in strengthening the Skin, improving Skin general appearance and alleviating chronic Skin conditions including Acne, Psoriasis and Eczema.
• Thyme – Its externally applied to the Skin to relieve bites and stings.
• Tian-Nan-Xing – Tian-Nan-Xing raw herb is used for its Irritant effect, where its being applied topically on Skin diseases with Infection and swelling (such as abscesses) as it damages the bacteria and stimulates a healing response.
• White Bryony – White Bryony root decoction cleanse the Skin wonderfully from all black and blue spots, freckles, morphew, Leprosy, foul scars, or other deformity.
• Wild Mustard – Wild Mustard leaves external application can be used to relieve rheumatism, treat Wounds and ulcers.
• Willow Bark – Willow Bark also contain Phenolic Acids, including salicortin, Flavonoids, salicin, Tannins, and Minerals, which aid in rejuvenating the Skin. It contain salicylic acid which is an excellent exfoliant used in Acne treatments because it clears the Skin pores and helps the Skin shed the dead cells and helpful in removing warts.
• Witch Hazel – Witch Hazel (combined with a small amount of Alcohol) is widely used to treat Boils, Burns and cuts. Its effective in reducing Skin inflammation and treating/suppressing erythema (a reddening of the Skin caused by injury or irritation — by up to 27%).
• Wood Sorrel – Wood Sorrel leaves are crushed and applied locally to dispel Boils and abscesses, they also have an Astringent affect on Wounds. Its ointment appears to be of benefit in the healing of cuts, scrapes, rashes, and Skin Infections.
• Zanthoxylum – Zanthoxylum bark is a holistic cleanser action can help improve Skin conditions (from Acne to Eczema) with the elimination of toxins.