Originally written by Rachelle Dupree for Dermascope Magazine, January 2019 ©

https://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/9893-herbal-remedies-a-breakdown-of-cbd-oil

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is derived from hemp, a variant of the cannabis (marijuana) plant. Marijuana plants typically contain both THC and CBD, and these compounds have different effects depending on how the plant is grown and processed.

Recently, traditional medical practitioners, as well as holistic health experts, have begun recommending CBD oils and topical salve compounds to treat everything from anxiety, insomnia, and stress to some types of pain, inflammation, seizures, and even acne. This oil has also been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory.

Unlike the high produced from THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that CBD does not change a person’s state of mind when they use it. Most hemp/cannabidiol products contain little, if any, THC.

In order to be effective as a topical or ingested treatment, CBD has to be safely concentrated. Products containing the CBD compound are now legal in many states in the United States where marijuana is not legal.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for treating two types of epilepsy. This has opened numerous paths of study for further pharmacological applications. The long-term results are still under evaluation, but many patients have reported markedly improved results for their ailments without the same side effects of other laboratory-formulated medicines.

So far, researchers have found no significant side effects on the central nervous system, vital signs, or mood – even among people who use high dosages.

CBD treatment options even branch out to cystic, chronic forms of acne, or acne vulgaris, caused by inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands.

How does it work? All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors already present in the human body and brain. The main receptors present from CBD usage include the body’s own innate endocannabinoid system and CB2 receptors, which are more commonly found in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.

For those considering using CBD oils or topicals, doctors recommend buying only those products derived from organic hemp, processed without harsh solvents and pesticides. If possible, it is a good idea to view the certificates of analysis for each product to see exactly what is included. Ninety-nine percent of cannabidiol oil is available without a prescription and can be purchased online and in health food stores. To reduce inflammation, topical CBD is absorbed through the skin and into the fatty sheath around a painful or damaged nerve. At least one month of consistent treatment is recommended to feel results.

Anyone who is considering using CBD oils or topical creams should talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner beforehand. They can provide information about safe CBD sources, dosages, and local laws surrounding usage.

Herbology, which is also known as herbalism and herbal medicine, is the study and use of plants for medicinal purposes. Herbology and botanical studies can incorporate many different paths, including basic herbal pharmacology, physiology, nutrition, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower essences. Modern herbalists can use all or some of these options to heal a wide variety of traumas, diseases, and infections.

History

Most modern medical and pharmacological practices can trace their roots to ancient herbalism or traditional medicine in some form or another. In India, the practice of Ayurveda dates back thousands of years and emphasizes plant-based treatments, hygiene, and body-mind balance. Egyptian papyri dating back to 1550 B.C.E. have also been found to document medicine with a catalogue of useful plants and minerals. The Chinese and Greeks developed their own versions of herbal pharmacology around the first century C.E. with extensive herbal prescriptions and a new focus to treat the cause of diseases rather than the symptoms. In the Middle to Dark Ages, medical treatments became a strange combination of folklore, religion, and herbalistic practices that may or may not have been effective.

Modern Herbalisim

Modern invention and the scientific method took over many industrialized nations in the 18th and 19th centuries and quickly pushed aside traditional medicine and herbalist practices. Only those nations that did not develop economically stayed rooted in the old ways of healing. Herbalists were soon considered antiquated and their herbal treatments were passed over for chemical compounds and prescriptions. Yet, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 25 percent of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants.

As a result of the rush to modernize society, many people in the new millennium are seeing destructive repercussions, including a prevalence of diseases and toxicity that did not exist before. The desire to return to how it was before has fueled a new interest in natural systems and the health benefits of organic living, sustainable farming, and herbalism.

Methods of Practice

Today’s certified or master herbalists will likely have been trained in one of the hundreds of professional schools or apprenticed under a licensed tutor or mentor. Most students focus on specific regional areas to become expert and their training should include in-depth botanical studies of native and non-native plants, diagnosis and treatment of conditions, and preparation and dispensation of herbal medications. Cultivating, harvesting, prepping, and storing are key factors to learning the best methods of preserving medicinal properties. Remedies can be prepared and administered as tinctures, salves, ointments, essential oils, teas, compresses, capsules, or tablets.

Herbal treatments can also be used alone or in combination with standardized scientific methods to supplement treatments, depending on the condition and diagnosis. While the debate about science versus nature continues, it is up to the individual to determine the method of treatment that is most beneficial for them.

by Rachelle Dupree, marketing and communications director for Vivoderm Natural Skincare
O c t o b e r 2 0 1 6 | D E R M A S C O P E

There are a number of anti acne face masks available in the market these days. These face masks can be found in many different formulas to aid in preventing new acne breakouts and healing old marks or scars from previous eruptions. So, how do you choose the best face mask for acne and skin healing if you want to get the best results for yourself?  If you suffer from sensitive skin and want to treat your skin in the gentlest manner then herbal and natural face masks will be best to prevent irritation and inflammation. Herbal facial masks can also be helpful for those with normal to oily skin as they are less apt to cause excessive irritation or chemical burning.

Most beauty stores stock multiple forms of anti acne face masks but they may contain parabens or harmful chemicals that are not good for your skin in the long run, as they can cause further damage. When using products that contain natural ingredients, you can clean your skin gently and let the inflamed skin tissues reduce and heal gradually. Comfrey, chamomile, calendula are natural herbs that reduce inflammation and redness. Powerful enzymes found in oat flour and rye flour hydrate and soften the skin and hair follicle to help dissolve trapped oil and exit the pores.

The Vivoderm Anti-Acne Facial Mask was developed by a holistic dermatologist years ago and used on thousands of his patients since, with great success. Some have even called this mask “miraculous” for healing and preventing acne. Take a look at the attached before and after photos for the actual results. This customizable, herbal mask is completely natural – made of pulverized herbs and lactic acid (from yogurt) – and does not contain any chemicals whatsoever.  Once blended and applied, the mask enters the skin pores and unplugs them by clearing out (or pulling) all the impurities as it dries. Moreover, the antiseptic properties of many of the herbs, including Rosemary and Lavender, help in clearing out the bacteria which causes the acne in the first place. Lactic acid helps to reduce dark marks and scars. This acne treatment will remove dead skin cells slowly and produce smooth and blemish free skin with continued use.

For best results, you can use the mask up to 3 times a week. If needed, the mask is all natural and gentle enough to be used daily.

• Good for teenagers and adults with acne.
  • For all skin types, especially those with adult acne or Rosacea.
  • Stimulates cell growth, reduces inflammation.
  • Prevents scarring and balances oil production.
  • Helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect.
  • Increases circulation which promotes health and repair.
  • Removes dead skin cells and repairs blemishes without drying the skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic and cellular regenerator.
  • Rosemary, Lavender, Dill, Mint, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, and Vitamins C and E absorb impurities and oil, detoxify and refine pores, reduce inflammation and thoroughly exfoliate.
  • Angelica —anti inflammatory, stimulant, tonic.

There are many different herbal shampoos and conditioners are available in the market these days. These shampoos provide you with an experience which is 100% organic. Herbal shampoos are gentle and are made with herbal extracts. The ingredients are completely natural and can include products like Aloe Vera, comfrey, sage, jojoba oil, coconut oil and chamomile.

Most herbal shampoos are pH balanced and suitable for all hair types. These products are beneficial for restoring the nourishment and strength of the damaged and dry hair.

Taking appropriate care of your skin is very important. As your face represents the outlook of your appearance you always need to keep it fresh and glowing. There are a variety of treatments which you can opt for to clean your face and provide it with a refreshing look. Herbal facial treatments have attained global popularity due to the effective results which they provide. All these treatments have been researched by the experts and found to bring a great feeling of relaxation. Your face gets a rejuvenated look and your appearance stays young as ever.

Popular Herbs Used in Skin Care and Their Benefits: Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Lavender and Rosemary

Today skin care and cosmetics are increasingly going natural. You may have heard that herbs and oils are commonly used in skin care and cosmetics; but, you may not know why or what purpose they serve. why, and what do the do? Four very common and popular herbs that are used in the form of oil or gels are chamomile, Aloe Vera, lavender, and rosemary. All provide unique benefits for the skin and body.

The benefits of chamomile for the skin and body range from calming effects to healing. Recent and on-going research has identified chamomile’s

chamomile herb

specific benefits as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic. Chamomile is most often recognized as an herbal tea; however, chamomile is present in many skin care products. Chamomile’s active ingredients extracted from the flower are essential oils and flavonoids. Essential oils help to calm and relax irritated skin. Essential oils have also been found to be beneficial to treat and sooth acne prone skin. Flavonoids – or plant metabolites- are rich in anti oxidants that help the body repair and heal damaged skin, as well as fight free radicals, which create damage to bodily cells. Chamomile has few side effects and is effective and beneficial to the skin topically or if ingested.

Aloe Vera contains numerous, minerals, vitamin, enzymes, and natural sugars that help with inflammation. Aloe Vera is commonly known for its healing properties, which explains its popular use in skin care. Aloe Vera aids in the healing of skin burns and cuts and moisturizes and softens skin. Aloe Vera is used in skin care products to help with dry sensitive skin as the plant has unique healing and soothing properties. Taken internally, Aloe Vera has been found to regulate digestion, which in turn builds healthy skin from the inside out. Aloe Vera is available as a gel, spray, lotion, juice, cream and in the form of a capsule. Aloe Vera is most commonly found in skin care gels or creams.

Lavender has many uses in skin care that include aiding skin repair, stimulating cell growth, reducing inflammation, preventing scarring and pigmentation, regulating oil production, and reducing pain. Lavender also works as antiseptic or antibacterial agent and is considered an essential oil. Due to its extensive benefits to the skin, lavender is often found in skin care formulated to treat acne prone skin.

Rosemary can be used as an essential oil just like chamomile and lavender. Rosemary and lavender are actually found in the same herbal family.

rosemary skin care

Rosemary tones the skin, helping to even out skin tone and texture, while reliving dryness. Rosemary strengthens capillaries and is good to use on aging skin. Rosemary is found in skin care cleansers, toners and creams.

There are many other herbs used in skin care and cosmetics today-most in the form of essential oils or extracts- and all can have different or positive effects on the skin and body. Herbs and oils have been used to heal for many centuries and now are being utilized for safe, natural ways to treat skin conditions and maintain a healthy complexion.

by Tiffany Oney