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The skin is much more than a covering — it is the body's largest organ, and in herbal medicine we regard it as a mirror of internal health. Chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne rarely have a purely topical cause; they typically reflect imbalances in the liver, the gut, the immune system, or the hormonal milieu. This is why herbal approaches to skin health are so often whole-body approaches. We use herbs both internally — to support liver function, reduce inflammation, and improve elimination — and topically, to soothe, protect, and heal the skin directly. Calendula, chickweed, burdock, yellow dock, and dandelion are among my favourite herbs for skin health, and the articles here explore their use in depth.
ASOHM News
15 October 2019
The birch tree (Betula alba), also known as silver birch, gets its name from the Sanskrit word ‘bhurga’ meaning a tree whose bark is used for writing upon. Found growing wild through Europe in woods and mountain regions, this ornamental and medicinal tree can be found in many parks and is also popular with […]
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ASOHM News
10 September 2019
Acne is a very common skin condition, mainly caused by eating too many refined starches, fried foods, dairy products, added sugar, as well as high protein consumption. When the kidneys and liver become inadequate in expelling the excess waste, the skin, being the largest eliminative organ, is used instead. Mild cases of acne consist of […]
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ASOHM News
29 July 2019
The name “carota” for the garden carrot is found first in the writings of Athenaes (AD 200) and in a cookery book by Apicius (AD 230). It appears Galen (AD 130-200) named it “daucus” to distinguish the carrot from the parsnip and in the eighteenth century, Daucus carota was adopted as the official botanical name. […]
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Allergies
20 May 2019
Eczema can be a great nuisance and can cause considerable discomfort if the skin is scratched and becomes infected by bacteria. Childhood eczema is very common and often begins in infancy. There are many causes – contact dermatitis is common and is caused when an irritant either damages the surface of the skin or penetrates […]
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ASOHM News
19 October 2017
Bedstraw is a valuable plant for herbalists as it can be used for a wide range of problems, including thyroid, lymphatic and kidney complaints. Read more.
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ASOHM News
13 August 2017
An overload of toxins in your body will lead to chronic illness, premature ageing and death. You and I are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals, they are everywhere — all the time. They are in the air...
Read article →Skin disorders respond remarkably well to a combined internal and external herbal approach, particularly when the underlying drivers are identified and addressed. These articles cover both the herbs and the physiological understanding you need to approach skin conditions intelligently.
Eczema is typically an immune-mediated, inflammatory condition with a genetic component, often accompanied by gut dysbiosis and food sensitivities. Internally, burdock root (Arctium lappa) and yellow dock (Rumex crispus) support liver function and lymphatic drainage. Nettle (Urtica dioica) is anti-allergic. Turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids reduce the underlying inflammatory drive. Slippery elm and probiotics support gut health, which is increasingly recognised as central to eczema management.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is outstanding for soothing and healing irritated, inflamed skin — it is anti-inflammatory, mildly antimicrobial, and promotes skin cell repair. Chickweed (Stellaria media) cream is a classic herbal remedy for the intense itching of eczema. Oat (Avena sativa) baths are soothing and reduce inflammation in eczematous skin.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterised by accelerated skin cell turnover. Topically, mahonia (Oregon grape, Berberis aquifolium) preparations have good evidence for psoriasis — they are anti-inflammatory and inhibit keratinocyte proliferation. Internally, approaches that support liver function, reduce inflammation, and address gut health are most beneficial. Stress management is also essential, as stress is a major psoriasis trigger.
Acne involves excess sebum production, bacterial overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes), and inflammation. Internally, herbs that support liver function and hormonal balance — dandelion root, burdock, vitex (for hormonal acne in women), and zinc-rich foods — are helpful. Topically, tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties. Calendula and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) can help reduce inflammation and tone the skin.
Increasingly, yes — this is referred to as the gut-skin axis. Intestinal permeability, microbiome imbalance, and food sensitivities can all contribute to skin inflammation. Addressing gut health through dietary changes and appropriate herbal support often has a significant impact on chronic skin conditions.
Skin is covered in two of our lessons: Lesson 4 (Urinary System and Skin) addresses the skin as an organ of elimination and covers common skin disorders alongside herbal treatments. Lesson 9 (Musculo-Skeletal Systems and Skin Complaints) covers additional skin conditions from the perspective of the musculoskeletal system.
Calendula is perhaps the premier wound-healing herb — it has been studied for promoting tissue repair, reducing infection, and minimising scarring. Aloe vera gel is soothing and supports skin regeneration. Comfrey contains allantoin, a compound that promotes cell proliferation and has a long traditional use in wound healing. St John's wort oil is traditionally used for burns and nerve injuries.
Skin health is a deeply satisfying area of herbal practice because the results are visible and often dramatic. Our course covers the skin across multiple lessons, giving you both the internal and topical knowledge to address skin conditions comprehensively. View lesson packages and enrol today.