Sarsaparilla rhizome (Smilax ornata)*

A mild adaptogen that contains plant sterols which are anti-inflammatory. It is used for psoriasis, arthritis, gout, bursitis, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of connective tissue. Sarsaparilla has specific activity for red skin that is hot and inflamed. It is also used for skin problems caused by food allergies (leaky gut syndrome). It binds endotoxins in the gut and increases their elimination.

Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus)*

Indicated for chronic skin problems i.e. psoriasis, eczema and acne with excessive secretions, especially oozing, weepy, serous discharge. It is used for liver and gall bladder insufficiency, jaundice and poor iron absorption and storage Yellow Dock is also a cholagogue and mild laxative.

Burdock dried seed (Arctium lappa)*

Used for dry, crusty or flaky skin conditions. Use with essential fatty acids and Milk Thistle seed. It is a mild diuretic and alterative.

Horsetail spring gathered herb (Equisetum arvense)*

A rich source of vegetal silica. Horsetail acts as a co-factor with calcium increasing bone mass and density, gradually reversing osteoporosis, speeding the healing of fractures by increasing the maturation of osteoblasts and improving bone density. Horsetail is also a diuretic useful for urinary tract infections, especially with bladder irritation and blood in the urine.

Red Alder bark/Tag Alder bark (Alnus rubra, A. serrulata)*

Used similarly as alteratives, mild laxatives, cholagogues and antibacterials. Alder bark is considered specific for skin conditions where the eruptions (pimples) are red, raised and never come to a head. It can be used orally and topically for boils, carbuncles, staph infections and large painful pimples on the back, buttocks, face or neck

Bibliography:

Bartran, T.  Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1995.

Ellingwood, F.  American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919.

Locke, F.J., Felter, H.W. and Lloyd, J.U.  Syllabus of Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1901.

Sherman, ND, J.A.  The Complete Botanical Prescriber, 1993.