Acne
Excerpt from previous naturopathy assignment (Herbs) HLT60512
Case Study 1
A 16-year-old female has come to see you to get help with acne. It has been a problem for the past couple of years. She does report that it worsens just prior to her menstrual cycle. Her cycle is regular and apart from very mild cramping she does not experience any other problems with it. She is prone to constipation and also reports that she eats a lot of sugary foods. She is not on the oral contraceptive pill or any other medication.
Case Analysis
Presenting Symptoms
Acne
Menstrual Cycle Hormonal Acne Response
Constipation
Sugary Diet
Medical History – Medications
None
Lifestyle factors
Sugary Foods
Key Case Priorities
Support Immune system and Digestive system organs of elimination
Provide Neuroendocrine Support to assist hormonal Balance
Treat the Integumentary system: acne
Reduce Sugar intake
Drink 2 litres of water a day and stay hydrated throughout the day. Some of the prescribed herbs have a diuretic effect increasing urine flow
Herbal Treatment Objectives
Hormonal modulator, immune modulator, liver support for adequate digestion and hormonal clearance, topical cream
Herbal Prescription Example Adult Dosage ranges.
See Naturopath for individual dosages and medical contraindications.
Do not take this formula without individualised professional naturopathic advice about your specific medical condition and the contraindications to taking the formula; including (not limited too) allergy, anaphylaxis, and contraindications to existing medications. This is an example only and specific to the Case Study Presented above.
| Herb | Ratio | Weekly Adult Dosage Ranges | Weekly Adult Dosage Ranges | Dosage | |
| Burdock | 1:2 | 20-25ml | 20ml | ||
| Barberry | 1:2 | 20-40ml | 35ml | ||
| Cleavers | 1:2 | 30-50ml | 30ml | ||
| Red Clover | 1:2 | 20-40ml | 20ml | ||
| Total | 105ml
|
7.5ml 2 x daily |
Herbal Cream
| Herb | Ratio | Weekly
Amount |
60mg Vitamin
E Cream |
|
| Calendula | 1:2 | 5 drops | Mixed | |
| Poke Root | 1:2 | 5 drops | Mixed | |
| Tea Tree | 1:2 | 5 drop | Mixed |
Prescription Arctium lappa
Burdock
Antipsoriatic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, aperient, depurative, diuretic
Burdock can be used for treating acne and has digestive, blood cleansing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This will help predominantly with nutrient absorption and elimination of waste material via the bowel or kidneys thus reducing build-up of toxins in the lymph and integumentary system which may be a contributor to the client’s acne. It may also get the bowels moving, thus dietary fibre and adequate intake of nutritious foods including vegetables, protein, essential fatty acids and adequate water will be needed to support digestion (Web MD 2018), (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018).
Berberis vulgaris
Barberry
Choleretic, cytoprotective, bitter tonic / digestive, antiseptic (GIT), aperient, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (GIT), antiprotozoic, antiemetic, antibacterial, spleen tonic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, digestive tonic, hepatotonic
Barberry support digestion, specifically the stomach, liver, and microbiota in the intestines. Good bacteria assist improved digestion and immune system responses to pathogens. Its affinity the spleen supports it function at recycling red blood cells and storing white blood cells which fight bacterial infections. It is used with some success to treat acne (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018).
Galium aparine
Cleavers
Alterative, astringent, diuretic, lymphatic
Cleavers is a diuretic and detoxification herb which assists elimination of waste via the kidneys, bowel, and skin. It supports and tones tissue and has an antiinflammatory effect on the mucosal membranes and skin cells due to its high tannin content (Web MD 2018).
Trifolium pratense
Red Clover
Alterative, antispasmodic (muscles), expectorant (general)
Red clover is a detoxifying herb via the lymphatic system and can help move waste through the client’s skin and kidneys predominantly to aid in prevention of waste presenting in clogged pores and producing acne (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018).
It also contains isoflavones (hormone-like chemicals) which are changed in the body to phytoestrogens similar to estrogen. Due to the low dosage of this herb in the tincture, the clients menstrual cycle is not likely to be affected at the current dose (20ml per week), (Web MD 2018).
Calendula officinalis
Calendula
Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antifungal (topically)
Calendula is soothing to inflammations of the skin and mucosa and aids in healing acne via its vulnery antimicrobial and antiseptic actions (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018), (Web MD 2018).
Phytolacca americana
Poke Root
Anti-inflammatory (topically)
Poke root is used topically as a cream to treat acne (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018), (Web MD 2018).
Melaleuca oil
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. Tea tree oil is applied to the skin (used topically) for infections such as acne. The chemicals in tea tree oil may kill bacteria and fungus, and reduce allergic skin reactions (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018), (Web MD 2018).
Contraindications
Arctium lappa
Burdock
Web MD states: ‘Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Burdock’ (Web MD 2018). (Professional supervision is suggested for pregnancy and lactation. MediHerb Liquid Prescriber’s Guide (2016) As this client is of childbearing age, it is important to ascertain her pregnancy status prior to each new prescription of this Herb.)
Berberis vulgaris
Barberry
None known (Drugs.Com 2018). (Professional supervision is suggested for
pregnancy and lactation. MediHerb Liquid Prescriber’s Guide (2016) As this client is of childbearing age, it is important to ascertain her pregnancy status prior to each new prescription of this Herb.)
Galium aparine
Cleavers
None known (Web MD 2018) (Professional supervision is suggested for pregnancy
and lactation. MediHerb Liquid Prescriber’s Guide (2016) As this client is of childbearing age, it is important to ascertain her pregnancy status prior to each new prescription of this Herb.)
Trifolium pratense
Red Clover
None known (WEB MD 2018) (Professional supervision is suggested for pregnancy
and lactation. MediHerb Liquid Prescriber’s Guide (2016) As this client is of childbearing age, it is important to ascertain her pregnancy status prior to each new prescription of this Herb.)
Calendula officinalis
Calendula
Known sensitivity to members of the Compositae (Asteraceae) family
Phytolacca americana
Poke Root
Contraindications:
Herb Drug Nutrient States: ‘Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and in patients with lymphocytic leukaemia and gastrointestinal irritation. Do not apply to broken or ulcerated skin’ (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018). (Good)
Melaleuca oil
Tea Tree
Do not take internally (Web MD 2018).
Herb Drug Interactions
Arctium lappa
Burdock
Web MD states: ‘Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Burdock’ (Web MD 2018).
Berberis vulgaris
Barberry
None Known (Drugs.com 2018)
Galium aparine
Cleavers
None known (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018), (Web MD 2018)
Trifolium pratense
Red Clover
Web MD states: ‘Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with Red
Clover…Red clover might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills (Web MD 2018). For this client the dosage of Red Clover is low (20ml) therefore it is unlikely to affect birth control pills however extra contraceptive precautions should still be taken. (Very good Heather)
Web MD states:
‘Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Red clover) …Red clover might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking red clover along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking red clover, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver (Web MD 2018).
Calendula officinalis
Calendula
None indicated for topical use (Web MD 2018).
Phytolacca americana
Poke Root
None indicated for topical use (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018).
Melaleuca oil
Tea Tree
None indicated for topical use (Web MD 2018)
Side Effects
Arctium lappa
Burdock
Web MD states: ‘Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to certain flowers and herbs… burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family (Web MD 2018).
Web MD states:
‘Bleeding disorders: Burdock might slow blood clotting. Taking burdock might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders… Surgery: Burdock might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery’ (Web MD 2018).
Web MD States: ‘Diabetes: Some evidence suggests that taking burdock might lower blood sugar levels. Taking burdock might lower blood sugar levels too much in people with diabetes who are already taking medications to lower blood sugar’ (Web MD 2018).
Web MD states: ‘Pregnancy and breastfeeding concurrent use is not recommended’ (Web MD 2018).
Berberis vulgaris
Barberry
None known (Herb Drug Nutrient 2018).
Galium aparine
Cleavers
WebMD States
Diabetes: ‘There is some concern that the juice that is squeezed out of cleavers might affect diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have (or develop) diabetes and use cleavers (Web MD 2018).
Web MD states: ‘Pregnancy and breastfeeding, concurrent use is not recommended’ (Web MD 2018).
Trifolium pratense
Red Clover
Web MD states: ‘Red clover can cause rash-like reactions, muscle ache, headache, nausea, and vaginal bleeding (spotting) in some women’ (Web MD 2018)
Web MD states: Pregnancy and breast-feeding, concurrent use is not recommended (Web MD 2018).
Web MD states: ‘Surgery: Red clover might slow blood clotting. It might increase the chance of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking red clover at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery (Web MD 2018).
Calendula officinalis
Calendula
None indicated topically (Web MD 2018)
Phytolacca americana
Poke Root
None indicated topically, however irritation might occur in some people. Discontinue use if this occurs (Web MD 2018).
Melaleuca oil
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil might cause skin irritation and swelling. In people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness. Discontinue use if this occurs (Web MD 2018).
Heather Indiana Rose
Copyright 2019