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Dry skin Dry skin is a real symptom in TCM and not only a cosmetic problem. It can cause the skin to be tense and itchy in a very uncomfortable way. In severe cases of dry skin it might even be that the illness neurodermatitis evolves from it. Dry skin usually looks dry, shiny or cracked; sometimes it is even reddened and flaked. Wrinkles usually develop or worsen while suffering from this skin condition. Dry skin often gets inflammations and fungal infections. In TCM, the following pathogenic factors are often responsible for dry skin:
In some cases, there are imbalances in the body that cause the occurrence of dry skin. A TCM doctor can check if the condition is caused by inflammations, fungal infections or other chronic skin diseases. Below we present four herbs that are commonly prescribed in the treatment of dry skin. Please do not take these herbs without having consulted a doctor first. Ginseng (Ren Shen 人神)  Ginseng is a plant that is part of the family Araliaceae. It is typically found in regions with mountains or forests in North Korea, Northeast China and Southeast Siberia. China produces 70-85% of the world’s production of ginseng which amounts to 6,000 – 8,000 tons per year.
Ginseng belongs to the family of aralias. The root that is found under the earth reminds one, with some fantasy, of a human figure. This is why this plant is called “human root” in China. A ginseng plant has several life circles and survives the winter with the help of its root. It does not unfold its full properties until the age of 6 years. The root is well-known for its medical properties as it is the location of many active ingredients. The effect of the ingredients increases with the age of the plant. In TCM, ginseng is probably the most famous plant and has been appreciated for thousands of years. The ginseng root is a universal remedy that can influence the whole body through strengthening the body’s Qi (or in Western term the immune system). Concerning its positive effect for the human skin, its power to eliminate death cells, its antioxidant character, as well as its life-prolonging and health-keeping effect have to be mentioned. The plant moreover has a considerable property to fight bacteria, viruses and mycosis and works as catalyst for the metabolism, for improved hematosis, as well as for an increased supply of oxygen to the cells. The taste of ginseng is sweet; it has a warming effect on the body, specifically on the heart, lung and spleen organ system. Astragali Radix (Huang Qi 黄芪)  The Chinese Astragali Radix has small, light yellow flowers similar to those of the pea plant and blown-up, reddish fruits that contain the seeds. The plant reaches a height of 80cm, has an upright growth, likes sandy and permeable soil and is hardy. The natural habit of the plant is the temperate zone of Asia, hence Northern China and the mountain regions around that area. The Chinese Radix is a medical plant that has been known and used in China since primeval times. Huang Qi which means literally “Yellow Leader/Emperor” reflects the importance of this plant within Chinese Medicine. The yellow root can be used to cure all kinds of discomforts, as it supports the Qi, elevates the Yang and simply activates the self-healing process of the body. Concerning the skin, Huang Qi is used to ease skin infections and assist the regeneration of tissue (abscess, skin erosions, disordered wound healing). Moreover it is said to have an anti-aging effect. Astragali Radix is sweet in taste and has a warming effect on the lung and spleen system of the body. Ledebouriella Root (Fang Feng防风)  The so called parsley of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fang Feng, also belongs to the most popular plants.
Fang Feng is a perennial and hardy plant. It has a straight stem and numerous small branches. The plant can reach a height of 30cm and needs a sunny or medium-shady location. The plant can grow in ordinary garden soil. Fang Feng looks similar to fennel and is, as the former, used for cooking. The hardy plant with white blossoms is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to fight colds, fever, cardiac arrhythmia, migraine, rheumatism and arthritis as it expels wind from the body. She has a calming effect on the liver, spleen and urinary bladder. In respect to the skin, the plant dispels wind and cold and thereby calms the skin. It also fights the aging process. The taste of the ledebouriella root is bitter-sweet. Duckweed (Fu Ping 浮萍)  The duckweed belongs to the botanic family of lemna minor. It grows in cooler areas of North Asia, North America and Europe at the surface of stagnant water with small little blossoms. Duckweed is famous for its quick, area-covering growth. It is a popular food for ducks, birds and fish. In herbal medicine, duckweed dispels heat from the body. The herb is prescribed when suffering from headache, bodyache and skin diseases. Additionally, it fights swellings and water in the body which is the reason for its regular usage in dermatology. In summers, duckweed gets burned to fight gnats. In case of a gnat bite, duckweed can reduce the swelling. The taste of the herb is pungent and it has a cooling effect on bladder and lung. As the lung governs the skin (in TCM), every herb that cools the lung also cools the skin. If you have questions about these herbs and the treatment with herbal remedies in general, please feel free to contact us. We are very happy to assist! |
