Herbal Love 1 (Medical Phytology) (eBook)

The holistic medicine book: Healing 50 common illnesses with over 130 herbs | Volume 1

Eureka Circe (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: EPUB

2025 | 1. Auflage
342 Seiten
Books on Demand (Verlag)
978-3-8192-4137-6 (ISBN)

Infos

The holistic medicine book - healing 50 common illnesses with over 130 herbs Rethink health. Experience healing, engage in dialogue. Deepen your knowledge. HERBAL LOVE is the first comprehensive, AI-supported guide to more than 130 herbs, medicinal and healing plants and their uses in treating over 50 common ailments. This health book on medical phytology, which focuses on common and often researched diseases, combines medical findings with traditional, effective herbal medicine. With over 4,300 pages, this book series is a practical compendium for health, healing, and prevention - indispensable for patients, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to shape their health and own recovery naturally, consciously, and holistically. Inspiration, knowledge, and spiritual depth from the powerful symbiosis of the power of nature and the excellent expertise of artificial intelligence - to sustainably strengthen body, soul, and spirit. Content Volume 1: Acne | ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) | Alzheimer's Dementia | Angelica archangelica (Angelica archangelica) | Anise (Pimpinella anisum | Anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders | Arnica (Arnica montana) | Arthritis (joint inflammation) | Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) | Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) | Asthma | Astragalus (tragacanth root) | Basil | Bedstraw (Galium verum) | Bertram (Anacyclus pyrethrum) | Birch leaves (Betulaceae) | Bitter melon (Momordica charantia).

Textauszug

Acne

The picture shows the face of a person with severe acne. Numerous reddened, raised and inflamed pustules and pimples are visible, spread across the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. The skin is very red and irritated, indicating active inflammation. The person appears serious, their facial features are relaxed, but the expression may convey discomfort due to the skin problems. Overall, the picture illustrates a more severe form of acne vulgaris.

Section 1: Acne

Acne vulgaris is a widespread inflammatory disease of the skin that primarily affects the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. It typically occurs during puberty but can also affect adults. It is characterized by blackheads (comedones), inflamed nodules (papules), pustules (pustules) and, in severe cases, cysts or nodules. Although acne is visible and can significantly impair the appearance of the skin, it is generally harmless. From a dermatological point of view, a distinction is made between various forms (e.g. acne comedonica, papulopustulosa, conglobata etc.), all of which fall under the term acne vulgaris. Acne usually begins with a cornification disorder in the follicle, followed by sebum congestion and inflammation.

Causes and risk factors

The development of acne is multifactorial. Hormonal influences play a key role: testosterone levels rise during puberty, which promotes sebum production. More sebum leads to clogged pores more easily. Genetic predisposition also favors acne. Other risk factors are lifestyle and environment: smoking, stress and lack of sleep can worsen the skin's tendency. Comedogenic cosmetics or care products (which "clog" the pores) and medication (e.g. corticosteroids, some hormones) can also promote acne. It is often discussed whether diet plays a role - for example dairy products or a diet high in sugar. However, studies conducted over many years show that chocolate, cola etc. alone do not cause acne. However, a balanced lifestyle and gentle skin care are useful preventative measures.

Frequency and distribution (epidemiology)

Acne is one of the most common skin diseases. In Germany, around three quarters of young people get acne at some point. It is estimated that around 231 million people worldwide suffered from acne in 2019, corresponding to a prevalence of around 3% (30.8 per 1,000 people). On average, women are affected around 30% more frequently than men. A German epidemiology study even showed that acne has the highest lifetime prevalence of all skin diseases. Acne usually occurs between the ages of 13 and 25, but there are also late acne (acne tarda) and persistent forms that persist into adulthood. The following applies to both sexes: the later acne starts, the less severe the course can be.

How does the disease develop? - Pathological processes and mechanisms (pathophysiology)

Acne is caused by a combination of several factors. Firstly, hyperkeratosis - this means that the horny cells in the follicle opening do not detach properly and form a plug (comedo). Secondly, an overproduction of sebum (seborrhea), triggered by androgens. This excess sebum gets stuck in the hair follicle. Thirdly, this mixture of horny material and sebum causes the comedo plug to swell. Fourthly, commensal bacteria (mainly Cutibacterium acnes, formerly Propionibacterium acnes) settle there. They multiply anaerobically and trigger an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation forms the basis for reddened papules, purulent pustules or deep nodules. Genetic factors also influence how strong this reaction is. Overall, one can say: too much sebum + impaired skin desquamation + bacteria = inflammation.

Symptoms and clinical picture

Example of moderate acne vulgaris in the facial area. Acne mainly manifests itself through skin changes in the sebaceous gland-rich (seborrheic) areas such as the face, neck, upper body and back. Initially, closed or open comedones can be seen: small plugs, sometimes white (whitish under the skin), sometimes black (oxidized by air). This is followed by inflammatory elements: reddened papules (nodules) and pustules (pustules). In severe cases, larger, painful nodules or cysts develop. In most cases, the pimples are hardly painful and do not itch; patients complain more about their appearance. Typical secondary damage includes scars and spots after healed inflammations. Overall, however, the clinical picture is very characteristic, so that acne is usually diagnosed straight away during examinations.

Diagnosis

In most cases, the diagnosis of acne vulgaris is purely a clinical diagnosis: dermatologists immediately recognize the disease based on the typical picture of comedones, papules and pustules. As a rule, no special tests are necessary. Occasionally, additional examinations are carried out to rule out hormonal causes (e.g. laboratory determination of androgens if PCOS is suspected). A bacteriological culture is rarely necessary and usually only provides the known skin germs. It is important to record the patient's medical history (medication, diet, stress) and to differentiate it from other diseases such as rosacea or hidradenitis suppurativa. The classification according to severity (mild, moderate, severe) is based on the number and type of lesions but primarily helps with treatment planning.

Therapy and treatment

Treatment depends on the severity and extent of the acne. In conventional medicine, local and systemic anti-inflammatory therapies dominate. Topical agents are usually used for mild acne: Benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid degrease the skin, kill bacteria and open pores, salicylic acid has a keratolytic effect, and vitamin A acid derivatives (retinoids, e.g. adapalene, tretinoin) regulate keratinization. If there is an inflammatory component, a local antibiotic (clindamycin) or combination therapy (e.g. adapalene + benzoyl peroxide) is often used. Systemic therapy may be necessary in the case of pronounced, inflammatory acne: oral tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline) are recommended for several months. In extremely severe cases (e.g. acne conglobata), the use of isotretinoin (a strong vitamin A derivative) is the last option. In women, hormonal treatment approaches such as oral contraceptives or spironolactone can improve the skin condition as they reduce androgen levels.

At the same time, complementary medical treatment with herbal remedies is becoming increasingly important. Many patients want naturopathic alternatives or complementary therapies. Studies have shown that certain combinations of herbal active ingredients can be helpful: A cream containing 20% propolis, 3% tea tree oil and 10% aloe vera showed better results (faster redness reduction and lower acne index) than a conventional erythromycin cream for mild to moderate facial acne in a clinical study. This speaks for the potential benefits of herbal anti-acne preparations.

Herbal remedies for acne are mainly used externally. Their active ingredients (essential oils, flavonoids, tannins etc.) often have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Important examples are

• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Contains the active ingredient terpinen-4-ol, which is effective against C. acnes. In acne therapy, a 3-5 % solution of the oil in a neutral cream is often applied thinly. Caution is advised: Undiluted, it can cause severe skin irritation. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends a maximum of 1 % and, above all, a tolerance test beforehand. Studies show that tea tree oil can relieve inflammation somewhat, but has not been proven to cure acne permanently.
• Aloe vera: The gel from the leaves contains polysaccharides and anthraquinones (e.g. aloin) with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It makes the skin supple and can support the healing of spots. In one study, a 10 % aloe gel cream (together with tea tree oil and propolis) achieved a significant improvement in signs of inflammation. It is common to apply pure aloe vera gel (e.g. fresh from the plant or as a gel from the pharmacy) to the affected areas. Side effects are rare; occasionally aloe can cause local irritation.
• Camomile (Matricaria recutita): Its flowers contain bisabolol, chamazulene and essential oil. Chamomile has a strong antiinflammatory and antiseptic effect. A chamomile steam bath or compress made from freshly brewed tea can alleviate redness and reduce skin inflammation. Chamomile also kills bacteria and dries out pimples slightly. Chamomile extracts can be found in many mild facial cleansers. Only a few people are allergic to chamomile.
• Marigold (Calendula officinalis): Contains carotenoids, saponins and essential oils with an antimicrobial effect. It soothes the skin and promotes healing. Calendula ointment or extract soothes inflammation and prevents secondary infections. Application: Apply thinly to cleansed skin or use creams. If used excessively, calendula can slightly degrease the skin.
• Hamamelis (witch hazel): Distilled witch hazel water is rich in tannins and flavonoids. It has an astringent (pore-tightening) and anti-inflammatory effect. Witch hazel extract is often used as a facial toner to treat oily, blemished skin. Caution: It can lead to feelings of tightness on dry skin.
• Arnica (Arnica montana): Known for healing wounds, it also has an...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 5.8.2025
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Gesundheit / Leben / Psychologie ► Alternative Heilverfahren
• Schlagworte: Alternative natural healing methods • herbs • Medical Phytology • medicinal and healing plants • phytotherapy
• ISBN-10: 3-8192-4137-X / 381924137X
• ISBN-13: 978-3-8192-4137-6 / 9783819241376