Godshaer.co.uk :: skinclear

herbs and Skin Conditions

SkinClear tonic

The skin consists of the epidermis and the dermis.

The Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin. It is composed of 4-5 layers, depending on the skin thickness and, unlike the underlying dermis, it has no blood vessels or nerves of its own. Instead, the epidermis relies on the interstitial fluid between the cells to supply oxygen and nutrients and remove waste. This means that good lymphatic flow is vital to ensure long term skin health (Cleavers for effective lymphatic support is included in the tonic).
The epidermis itself is composed of four kinds of cells:
- Keratinocytes make up 90% of the epidermal cells. They produce the protein keratin, which helps to waterproof the skin cells. New epidermal cells are produced at the bottom of the epidermis and get gradually pushed up towards the surface. During this time, the cells accumulate keratin, flatten and eventually die. By the time they reach the surface, they are no longer living and become easily sloughed off. In healthy skin, this process takes 2-4 weeks.
- Melanocytes, within the epidermis, produce the pigment melanin, which gives skin its colour and provides UV protection (this is supported by blue-green algae with its astaxanthin antioxidant included in the tonic). Melanin granules collect inside the Keratinocytes and cluster to form a layer over their nuclei, protecting the DNA. The amount and distribution of melanocytes is genetic and determines the skin colouration. A high number of melanocytes result in dark, easily tanned skin, whereas an uneven distribution results in freckles.
- Langerhans cels are specialised immune cells that reside within the epidermis and provide a first-line defence against foreigh nvaders that enter via the skin. Their primary role is antigen presentation, engulfing patheogens and presenting them to naïve T-cells to illicit an immune response. Langerhans cells are esily damaged by UV radiation.
- Merkel cells are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. They are attached to sensory nerve endings and play role in sensation.

The Dermis
The dermis is a layer of connective tissue, lying directly below the epidermis. It is home to a huge network of capillaries, nerves, lymph vessels, glands, hairs and fibres:
- Collagen fibres within the dermis bind water and help to give skin its tensile strength.
- Elastin fibres provide the extensibility and elasticity.
- Hairs are situated in follicles within the dermis, with each follicle connected to touch-sensitive nerve endings. The follicles are also attached to arrector pili muscles, which contact in response to low temperature or emotional stress, causing the hairs to stand on end (goose bumps). Like skin colour, hair colour is determined by your genetic distribution of melanin.
- Sebaceous glands are connected to the hair follicles and produce sebum, an antimicrobial substance that helps to condition the hair and skin.
- Sweat glands in the dermis release sweat into hair follicles or onto the skin surface through pores. This is important for temperature regulation and excretion. Sweat itself is odourless, but bacteria on the skin surface quickly metabolise it into compounds that have a distinctive odour.
- Specialised nerve endings within the dermis provide information about light pressure, deep pressure, pain and temperature.

Skin Ageing
Most age-related skin changes occur in the dermis. The collagen fibres decrease in number, break apart and become disorganised and the elastic fibres thicken into clumps and fray, losing their elasticity. In addition the dermis and subcutaneous fat begin to thin, causing the skin to take on the furrowed appearance we call wrinkles. The sebaceous glands also decrease in size so skin becomes dry, broken and more prone to infection and the number of Langerhans cells starts to dwindle, reducing skin immunity.
As we age, blood vessels tend to become thicker and less pliable. In the dermis, this impairs nutrient delivery and results in a slowing of skin cell migration and reduced healing ability. Within the epidermis, decreased functioning of melanocytes can result in unusual skin pigmentation, such as age spots and greying of the hair, as air bubbles replace the melanin. We have a specialist herbal health for all aspects of ageing, see AgeLess)

There are herbs that contain the most important dermatological herbs to help cleanse and clear the skin and improve the circulation and natural function of the skin. SkinClear is formulated to improve the health of the skin and the herbs have been selected to treat all skin disorders, including dermatitis, eczema, dry skin and blepharitis, oily skin. Click here for psoriasis.
A lotion, cream or ointment may also be applicable.

Find out about herbal medicine for treatment of your skin condition

Soapwort - Natural Soap for Skin and Hair

Avoid all the chemicals, petrochemicals and animal products (tallow) found in commercial soaps and shampoos, even found in so-called 'natural' products. No nasties found in other products like unnatural, chemical emulsifiers, silicon oil, aggressive chemical preservatives, SLS, mineral oils, silicone oil, PEGs, polyethylene glycols or parabens. These sorts of nasties along with all their false claims you certainly wouldn't want to be using on your skin. Our shampoo and soap couldn't be more natural: a blend of herbal powders with nothing else added. I recommend it to all my patients who consult me with cancer.
You use as much or as little as you want.
Our shampoo and soap are the ultimate safe and pure and natural products!

Soapwort's native range extends throughout Europe to western Siberia. It grows in cool places at low or moderate elevations under hedgerows and along the shoulders of roadways. Soapwort was originally grown near woollen mills so it was handy for washing wool. Plants have also been found near the sites of old Roman baths. Flowers smell somewhat like Cloves.

The root is rich in saponins and produces a natural soapy lather in water. Not just used for making soap, the plant can also be used to make a shampoo for dry, itchy scalp - although try to avoid getting shampoo in the eyes as it can irritate them.

Soapwort was used to wash the Turin Shroud. Still used today in cleaning old fabrics. This probably helped in its preservation because Soapwort contains a fungicide. A decoction of the plant can be applied externally to treat itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne and boils.

Our SkinClear Soap is simply a mixed powder of soapwort root, comfrey, slippery elm powder, marshamallow root, oats and lavender flowers - all perfect for your skin's health and cleanlines. It is gentle on the skin, healing for skin problems and a highly effective natural cleanser - for eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections (ringworm/tinia), and general health. Place some of the powder in your hand, add a little water and wash your whole body; or you can put some of the powder in a flannel mit or loofah, perfect!

Then wash your hair with our soapwort shampoo. Made from soapwort root, yucca and rosemary - nothing else - pure and simple. Yucca is known for its help in hair loss, hair thinning and baldness (including tinea or ringworm in the scalp which causes bald patches). Washes and softens your hair and cleanses your scalp; conditions and cleans - couldn't be more natural.
Both our soap and shampoo are low lather products - completely natural!

Buy our unique SkinClear Soap Powder:
50g - £5.95
100g - £8.99
250g - £19.99
450g - £32.95

"I love using this soap on my skin, it makes it feel soft and smooth" - Melissa (Northern Ireland)

Buy our SkinClear Shampoo Powder
50g - £4.95
100g - £7.99
250g - £17.99
450g - £29.99

"I've tried the shampoo & found it washed my hair well" - Linda (London)
"Your shampoo is really good. It becomes like a jelly and cleans my hair like the American Indians used to use. I'm glad you use Yucca in it which is so good for the hair and scalp. My wife likes it as well." Peter (Kent)

Click here for other specific herbal tonics for the skin:
psoriasis
acne and spots
blepharitis
ringworm/fungal infections
anti-aging tonic

Other related herbal remedies:
(Total) Detox
Liver Detox
Worms and Parasites
Lazy Bowels
Lymphatic Cleansing


Prices of all these tonics

Prescriptions

To make a donation to Godshaer Herbalist via PayPal click here

Our herbal tonic medicines are carefully prepared on a personal and individual basis for your healing by medical herbalist Alan Hopking MA MNIMH MRCHM FINEH. Only whole herbs are used in our herbal medicines. Nothing else is added. If you have symptoms which you consider might be helped with herbal medicine please contact herbal practitioner Alan Hopking for a friendly confidential professional consultation. Telphone using our freephone 0500 90 96 97.
Once you have received your herbal prescription you can contact Alan Hopking at any time for more free advice (preferably by email). When you have completed your bottle of herbal medicine and if you want a repeat prescription you are requested to phone or email so that your progress can be assessed and adjustments made if necessary so that there is no break in your treatment. To order or re-order, click here.

UK Government Dept - MHRA

General advice to consumers on the use of herbal remedies from the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

From the website of the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (www.mhra.gov.uk) Department of Health, UK

• Remember that herbal remedies are medicines. As with any other medicine they are likely to have an effect on the body and should be used with care.
• Herbal remedies may sometimes interact with other medicines. This makes it particularly important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a herbal remedy with other medicines such as prescribed medicines (those provided through your doctor or dentist).
• Treat with caution any suggestion that a herbal remedy is '100% safe' or is 'safe because it is natural'. Many plants, trees, fungi and algae can be poisonous to humans. It is worth remembering that many pharmaceuticals have been developed or derived from these sources because of the powerful compounds they contain. Any medicine, including herbal remedies, which have an effect on the body should be used with care.
• Treat with caution any herbalist or other person who supplies herbal remedies if they are unwilling or unable to provide written information, in English, listing the ingredients of the herbal remedy they are providing.
• If you are due to have a surgical operation you should always remember to tell your doctor about any herbal remedy that you are taking.
• Anyone who has previously experienced any liver complaint, or any other serious health complaint is advised not to take any herbal remedy without speaking to their doctor first.

PRECAUTIONS:

Pregnant/Breast-feeding mothers
Few conventional medicines have been established as safe to take during pregnancy and it is generally recognised that no medicine should be taken unless the benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risk to the foetus. This rule should also be applied to herbal medicinal products. However, herbal products are often promoted to the public as being “natural” and completely “safe” alternatives to conventional medicines. Some herbal ingredients that specifically should be avoided or used with caution during pregnancy. As with conventional medicines, no herbal products should be taken during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Volatile Oils

Many herbs are traditionally reputed to be abortifacient and for some this reputation can be attributed to their volatile oil component.(6) A number of volatile oils are irritant to the genito-urinary tract if ingested and may induce uterine contractions. Herbs that contain irritant volatile oils include ground ivy, juniper, parsley, pennyroyal, sage, tansy and yarrow. Some of these oils contain the terpenoid constituent, thujone, which is known to be abortifacient. Pennyroyal oil also contains the hepatotoxic terpenoid constituent, pulegone. A case of liver failure in a woman who ingested pennyroyal oil as an abortifacient has been documented.

Uteroactivity

A stimulant or spasmolytic action on uterine muscle has been documented for some herbal ingredients including blue cohosh, burdock, fenugreek, golden seal, hawthorn, jamaica dogwood, motherwort, nettle, raspberry, and vervain. Herbal Teas Increased awareness of the harmful effects associated with excessive tea and coffee consumption has prompted many individuals to switch to herbal teas. Whilst some herbal teas may offer pleasant alternatives to tea and coffee, some contain pharmacologically active herbal ingredients, which may have unpredictable effects depending on the quantity of tea consumed and strength of the brew. Some herbal teas contain laxative herbal ingredients such as senna, frangula, and cascara. In general stimulant laxative preparations are not recommended during pregnancy and the use of unstandardised laxative preparations is particularly unsuitable. A case of hepatotoxicity in a newborn baby has been documented in which the mother consumed a herbal tea during pregnancy as an expectorant. Following analysis the herbal tea was reported to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are known to be hepatotoxic.

Breast-feeding mothers

A drug substance taken by a breast-feeding mother presents a hazard if it is transferred to the breast milk in pharmacologically or toxicologically significant amounts. Limited information is available regarding the safety of conventional medicines taken during breast-feeding. Much less information exists for herbal ingredients, and generally the use of herbal remedies is not recommended during lactation.

Paediatric Use

Herbal remedies have traditionally been used to treat both adults and children. Herbal remedies may offer a milder alternative to some conventional medicines, although the suitability of a herbal remedy needs to be considered with respect to quality, safety and efficacy. Herbal remedies should be used with caution in children and medical advice should be sought if in doubt. Chamomile is a popular remedy used to treat teething pains in babies. However, chamomile is known to contain allergenic sesquiterpene lactones and should therefore be used with caution. The administration of herbal teas to children needs to be considered carefully and professional advice may be needed.

Perioperative use

The need for patients to discontinue herbal medicinal products prior to surgery has recently been proposed. The authors considered eight commonly used herbal medicinal products (echinacea, ephedra, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, St John’s Wort, valerian). On the evidence available they concluded that the potential existed for direct pharmacological effects, pharmacodynamic interactions and pharmacokinetic interactions. The need for physicians to have a clear understanding of the herbal medicinal products being used by patients and to take a detailed history was highlighted. The American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) has advised patients to tell their doctor if they are taking herbal products before surgery and has reported that a number of anaesthesiologists have reported significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure in some patients who have been taking herbal medicinal products including St John’s Wort, ginkgo and ginseng. MCA is currently investigating a serious adverse reaction associated with the use of ginkgo prior to surgery. In this case, the patient who was undergoing hip replacement experienced uncontrolled bleeding thought to be related to the use of ginkgo.

From the website of the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (www.mhra.gov.uk) Department of Health, UK

Quick links menu

Order by email

 

Contact details

Post

Alan N Hopking MA MNIMH MRCHM
HERBACTIVE ABC
Advanced Botanical Centre of Medicine
5 Station Road
New Milton
Hampshire
BH25 6HN
UK

Telephone

+44 (0) 1425 839280
Freephone UK 0500 909697

Email

alanhopking@herbactive.co.uk
for general information: info@herbactive.co.uk

Road and Rail

HERBACTIVE Clinic and Shop is near the New Milton Train Station
Take the train from London Waterloo to Bournemouth, Poole or Weymouth and get off at New Milton; turn left at Station Road; 2 mins walk to Herbactive.
Buses from Bournemouth or Lymington take Wilts and Dorset X1 or X2 to Whitefield Road, New Milton (2-3 minutes walk over the rail bridge).
Buses from Winchester and Salisbury take Wilts and Dorset X3 to Bournemouth Hospital then take X1 or X2 to Whitefield Road, New Milton (2-3 minutes walk over the rail bridge).
Directions and maps

 

How to Pay

You can pay by card (by phone), BACS, or by PayPal Secure (see below) or by Western Union Money Transfer (see below).
To make your order click here

Order from us with PayPal

This service is 100% secure and encrypted and confidential. To use PayPal do the following:
1. Email your order. Please say what country you live in.
2. I will then email you back the exact amount to pay, including p&p (shipping).

We take all card payments.
There is a 3.89% handling charge for credit cards and PayPal. For UK debit cards there is no charge.
With PayPal:
Pay for purchases in your selected currency. Payment is automatically converted to your desired currency. No need to hold a balance in another currency to send a payment.
We accept payments in:
Pounds Sterling
US Dollars
Euros
Swiss Francs
Swedish Krona
Danish Krone
Norwegian Krone
Polish Zloty
Hungarian Forint
Czech Koruna
Australian Dollars
New Zealand Dollars
Canadian Dollars
Yen
Hong Kong Dollars
Singapore Dollars

http://www.ukmoneytransfer.com), first email us for the total UK pounds you need to send; or simply tell us your credit card details by telephone and we'll do the rest.

Disclaimer and pledge

As a professional herbal practitioner I am in practice in conformity with the laws of England and the 1968 Medicines Act. The UK legislative provisions for herbal medicine are to be found in the Medicines Act 1968, Section 12, paragraphs 1 & 2, and Section 56, paragraphs 1 & 2.

Section 12:1 specifies exemption for herbal medicines from licensing provided that they are supplied subsequent to private personal consultation. Section 12:2 exempts herbal medicines provided that they are produced according to standard traditional, non-industrial methods. It also specifies that no written claims may be made for the use of the remedy.

Therefore at HERBACTIVE no claims about any medical condition regarding the herbal medicines prescribed by Alan Hopking are made. Indeed, be it a doctor, surgeon or herbal practitioner, the successful outcome of our treatments cannot with any certainty be predicted, let alone guaranteed. Further, following UK and EU law, the information on this web site attach no medical claims and no claims concerning the medicinal herbs mentioned relating to any medical conditions listed. All the herbal prescriptions are unlicensed and made by Alan N. Hopking at the address of HERBACTIVE for patients of Alan N. Hopking.

I pledge that, I shall do all I can, using my knowledge of herbal medicines and natural treatment, to help you regain your deserved health.
Alan Hopking MA MNIMH MRCHM

All our herbal medicines are made from the raw herb at our dedicated clinic and dispensary at HERBACTIVE Botanicals. We collect the fresh herbs, or import the dry herb. They are organic if at all possible. We only use whole herbs. We are against the use of standardized extracts, or the concentration of herbs by adding more of the active constituent. We recommend you do not use such products in any form (dry, in capsules or as tincture extracts). To use our herbal tonics you should follow the prescribed dose. Any side effects or problems should be reported to us.