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Most people have had skin problems. Fortunately for most of us this is limited to a few pimples over the years. However, for other people acne persisting from teenage years, pimples flaring up prior to menstruation, eczema or dermatitis is a significant problem. In my experience skin problems often result in people feeling self conscious and frustrated, particularly if they have tried a number of promised ‘cures’.

From a naturopathic perspective, the skin is viewed as a channel of elimination. This means that the skin is one of five channels from which wastes are eliminated from the body. The major channels of elimination are the bowels and the kidney, which deal with the majority of waste products. Other channels are the lungs and the lymphatic system, which lead to mucous membranes. The liver is seen as the major organ of detoxification.

Following this understanding, when the skin is experiencing trouble, in the form of acne or eczema, then it is often because other channels, such as the bowel, including the liver or the kidneys are not working as well as they should. Common questions I ask patients suffering from skin complaints are whether they regularly have easy and satisfying bowel movements, and if their urine is of a dark colour.

Another important part of the puzzle is a person’s diet. If the diet contains many processed and refined foods and is high in sugar and fats, then the channels of elimination will also be placed under more strain.

So, from this point the question then becomes what can be done to fix such a situation? Obviously, a good starting point is the diet. Increasing fruit and vegetables, as well as water and herbal teas can be a great and easy place to start. However, I often find that herbal medicine is also necessary to bring the channels of elimination back to effective working order.

The class of herbs often used for treating skin problems is called alteratives or more traditionally ‘blood cleansers’ amongst herbalists. Common alteratives include dandelion, root and leaf, which grow in many people’s backyard, stinging nettle and cleavers, both of which grow as weeds, as well as burdock, echinacea and red clover. Each of these herbs work as internal cleansers, often supporting the bowel, liver or urinary system, helping clear the ‘back log’ created by overwhelmed channels of elimination.

On a final note, although herbal medicine is generally well tolerated, self-diagnosis and self-treatment can result in adverse effects. Herbal medicine may also interact with pharmaceutical medication. It is best to consult a qualified herbalist when considering herbal medicine. The National Herbalists Association (www.nhaa.org.au) provides a listing of qualified herbalists free of charge.

Sarah Buskens
NATUROPATH
B.H.Sc. (Nat)) N.H.A.A
Five Elements
348 St Georges Rd
Fitzroy, Victoria
Ph: 0403 200272
www.sarahbuskens.com.au