Scalp Issues

Scalp issues like skin issues are far more than skin deep.

I started out my professional life as a hair stylist, and I worked in the cosmetic industry for over fourteen years. Clients would often ask me for my personal recommendations for products to use to treat extreme scalp and skin issues.

I found myself looking at my clients skin, scalp and hair, thinking to myself that the issues were deeper than what could be cured by a bottle of stuff.



In almost all cases, what I was seeing was some sort of imbalance from deeper in the body.  This could be signs of irritation from the products there were using, but for the most part, what I was seeing was signs of allergies, nutritional starvation or signs of systemic (whole blood/body) infections that were building high levels toxin in the blood and the toxins were in turn draining out through the skin.

More than just skin deep
The most common infections are bacteria, yeast/fungus, viral and parasitical.  Micro-organisms don't play nice.  Mixed infections 'dysbiosis' are a mixed bag of infection acting together like a street gang (dysbiosis is like symbiosis but with a bad attitude). Bacteria can either show as large yellow oily flakes, often with an inflamed looking scalp with sores underneath.  Another type of disturbance is small white dry flakes with an overall red irritated scalp underneath, sometimes in localized patchy raised red areas. The dry version is often accompanied by an intense itch.

Psoriasis is a blood toxin issue that has an infection (usually a combination bacterial/fungal) root.  This condition really amps up when there is more personal, dietary or life stress.  Psoriasis will also get worse in the presence of sugar, simple carbohydrates, beer, yeast, wine, mushrooms and junk food.  Antibiotics or hormone imbalances can make it worse to the point where the skin cracks and 'weeps'.  Eczema looks similar, and can worsen with outside factors, but has more of a deeper genetic or inherited root than other skin conditions.  Cradle cap (it doesn't just affect babies) is a sign of a systemic yeast overgrowth.

Cleaning up the diet can really help.  Drinking warm water and lemon first thing in the morning can be a good habit to cultivate.  Cleansing herbs, cleansing teas and green foods can really help to clean up the blood. Just be aware that chronic digestive issues may also be showing all sorts of symptoms and issues, including skin irritation. This may require a deeper and longer look to focus on restoring the health of this primary system.

Single homeopathic remedies may also really help the body to overcome the problem.  Also recognizing that when overgrowths are the root of the problem, a protocol for clearing the infection may be the most sensible first step for lasting change.  Remember that what you see on the skin is the symptom not the cause.

All that being said, I have some advice concerning treatment and balancing of the scalp.  I love LUSH products which are handmade small batches of body care products using only natural ingredients.  I like owner Mark Constantine's philosophy.   His advice is to treat the scalp and hair separately.

Be careful with styling products and conditioners on the scalp
A while back I got into trouble by using a styling product directly onto my scalp.  I was trying to amp up the curl by getting a lot of product at the base of the hair.  Wrong!  It irritated my scalp to the point where I was crazy with the itch.  It took months to get the balance back.  Now prevention is the key so I still follow the system I outline below at least twice a month.

Healing and preventative program
Here are some ideas for a scalp and hair healing program.  Superbalm is a treatment for the scalp.  I use the flat surface of a toothpick to scrape up a little of the product and then warm it between my fingers.  Then I massage it into my scalp being careful to avoid getting it in my hair.  This is a exercise in patience.  If you do this at bedtime, cover your pillow case to protect it and leave the treatment in overnight.  Shampoo it out in the morning as usual.

Exfoliate your scalp
Roots is another great healing product for the scalp, especially if the scalp is dry and itchy. It is minty and soothing. To exfoliate the scalp, you can add sea salt to the Roots product to create a salt scrub to clear away some of the dry skin on your scalp, or use Ocean Salt  as your creamy scalp exfoliant.  If you have open skin, it is going to sting so be wise here.

Using a gentle touch is key.  Going tooth and nail is just going to make things worse. Gently massage for a bit; rinse out and then shampoo as usual. The salt treatment will also make your hair extra shiny.  Ocean Salt scrub gets full bonus points with me.

If you have the oily large flake variety of dandruff, you may need to soften the scales off with oil first (castor oil, or olive oil is good, but if you go slap happy here, you are doing to have a bugger of a time getting all the oil out of your hair after).  You can add antiseptic essential oils to the carrier oil. Lavender, rosemary, oregano are great choices.  Again, you can leave this on overnight and shampoo out the treatment in the morning.  Don't be a 'flash in the pan'.  You will have to keep up using the treatments until the scalp is 'fixed'.

Treat the scalp and hair differently
I have long curly hair that tends to be scary big hair unless I take serious measures. If you have short hair that doesn't need conditioning, ignore this.  For a full treatment I would use the Superbalm on the scalp first and then put a moisturizing conditioning treatment on the hair.  Either leave on for twenty minutes or overnight before shampooing off. After shampooing I use a leave-in anti frizz boost of moisture, called R & B.  If I do all this, I don't need a styling product, or at least very little of it.

I want to point out here that I am not affiliated with, or paid to endorse Lush products.  Lush hair products just happen to have worked better than anything else I have tried so far.  I personally will not use chemical laden treatments.  The Lush product line is also affordable.  You can order on line or visit store locations. The staff are really helpful and they are very generous with giving out samples to try.

Home made 'Snake Oil'
Lush produced a bar scalp treatment that I liked called 'Snake Oil' that is now discontinued.  I now make my own version of it. I start with a jar of cocoa butter (with 5% jojoba oil) by a company called 'Now'.  I melt it using a bain marie method.  When it is evenly melted I add about 20 drops each of essential oils of: lavender, rosemary, cade (juniper), tea tree and balsam of peru.  Pour the mixture into molds (nothing fancy, I just use the plastic form that rice crackers came in).  When the bars are firm wrap the bars individually in waxed paper. I keep one bar handy and store the rest in the fridge.

To use, as with the Superbalm; the heat from your fingers will warm the oils and you can massage it into the scalp.  If you have extra dry or frizzy hair, leave this treatment on overnight.  It will work its way down the hair shaft a bit and work miracles to tame unruly locks.

Experiment until you find what works.  Consistency is the key.  If you stick with the program, I trust this will help.  If the topical approach is not working, you most likely have a very tenacious underlying infection or your core digestion is whacky.  In a way it is a blessing that your body will not hide the problem.  Such is the body's wisdom.

Keep well_ Nelda

Kids in the Car! - Natural First Aid Travel Essentials

Attempting to travel or camp with children can be a daunting task.  You want to imagine the worst things that could befall your family and be prepared; yet you don’t want to end up with a bulky package of what –in-cases that take up precious cargo room.  Here are some tried and true summer first aid basics.

The over-all best resource book to have with you is:  ‘Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child’, Zand, Walton and Roundtree.  This resource will cover all the medical, herbal and homeopathic basics.

Most of these resources are available at Health Food Stores.

 Health Care Basics

Hypericum Lotion also called Mother Tincture.  This is used in place of alcohol or peroxide for open wounds, broken skin, inflamed tissues and to prevent infection.  Alcohol or peroxide although it sterilizes, does eat away at the freshly healed tissue somewhat. 

The great thing about Hypericum MT is that it sterilizes, feeds the wound and heals the wound from the inside out.  This is especially beneficial when you suspect particles that may still be in the tissues.  You don’t want the skin to seal on the surface when you’re not sure if there is hair or debris still trapped in the wound

Method:  Dilute 1 part MT to 4 parts water.  Apply with Q-tip or cotton pad or it can be mixed in a sterile spray bottle.  Attempting to spray it on is more successful that trying to come close to an ‘owie’.  Use often to cleanse the wound and speed its healing.  This is a wonderful remedy for post-scratched infected or inflamed bug bites.

Calendula Lotion also called Calendula Mother Tincture.  Whereas Hypericum Lotion is used anytime the skin is open, calendula is most effective for abrasions, burns, chafes, sunburn or any kind of itch.  Calendula does come in an ointment form, but I don’t like putting oil on burns or abrasions.  Calendula, a type of marigold flower, speeds healing, is an antiseptic, and reduces inflammation and pain.

Calendula cream can be used for soothing and healing an irritated scalp and works well for a dandruff prone scalp.  It is great for reducing the itch of insect bites heat rash and for sunburn.  In regard to diaper rash, calendula can be used on the skin as a healing layer, and a barrier product used on top of it.

As a quick first aid for kitchen burns, Calendula is without rival.  Calendula helps to take the heat out of a burn fast. A word of caution, Calendula is not recommended for open wounds and where the skin is broken.

Method:  Dilute 1 part MT to 4 parts water.  Apply with Q-tip or cotton pad or it can be mixed in a sterile spray bottle. Use often to speed healing and increase comfort.

Summer dehydration

It is the minerals in our bodies that keep the water balanced in the cells. In the summer we gravitate to cooling hydrating foods such as celery, peaches, watermelon, and cucumber.  Adding sea vegetables such as kelp, nori or dulse to our diets can help us to keep our cool during hot weather (much better than refined table salt).  Enduralyte or a quality unsweetend electrolyte formula can really help us to keep our blood minerals balanced in the heat.

Biochemical cell salts

When we are cremated, what is left over is cell salts.  They are the carbon components of our own tissues.  Cell salts stimulate and support proper function of cell/organ/system.  They keep water in balance and feed the body at a cellular level.

The Summer Cell Salts

To relieve stomach upset, bloating, intestinal discomfort and lassitude consider Kali Mur, Nat Phos, and Nat Sulph.  They are usually found in low potencies such as 6x or 12x.  Their value is vastly underrated especially in regard to very young children.

Homeopathics are diluted forms of plant material that cause a healing and balancing response in the body. For home use you would be using low potencies.  I will let you do your own research on this. 

Think of an aeroplane traveling down a runway, and you notice one wheel drifting off the tarmac, Homeopathics are a way of nudging the body back on track.  (Balance)

The Integrative Approach

Use herbs and vitamins and minerals as well as Homeopathics.  Not all or nothing.

Also support the body long term. What else would help?  Don’t lose sight of the cause.

Heat Exhaustion

Tissue Salts 12 in One-Melange (all of the 12), Encourage small sips of water,

Consider Homeopathic Aconite

Skin eruptions

 Kali Mur, Kali Sulph, Calc Sulph, and Silica

Rashes, itch, nettle rash, or heat rash

Urtica homeopathic

Poison ivy

Rhus Tox 6x homeopathic or Urtica

Also avoid eating cashews and mangoes which are in the same food family.

Sprains and Bruises

Arnica 30k

Can use Arnica liposome topically for swelling

Ruta 30 or 200k for deeper bone bruising

Concussion

Arnica 200k

Always seek medical care.

Burns including sunburn

Calendula Lotion topically

Utica Urens or Cantharis Homeopathic

Protect the skin from sun by using non allergenic pure mineral makeup as sunscreens.  These fine powders will not sweat off easily or get easily washed off.

Insect Bites and Stings

Hypericum Tincture topically

Golden Seal Herb poultice and internally as a tea (not when Pregnant)

Homeopathic Apis or Urtica

Motion Sickness

Cocculus homeopathic

Bone Breaks

Symphytum homeopathic

Always seek medical aid.  This remedy encourages and stimulates the natural healing of the broken bones.  I would also recommend the extra use of a good cal mag for the initial first week or so of the healing. I suggest Floradix Liquid Cal Mag.  This product is made from food, and is more body friendly.  This is especially important for optimum absorption for children.  It will, however, require refrigeration.

Muscle Cramps or growing pains

Again, Flora Liquid Cal Mag.   Give a couple of teaspoons every 10 minutes or so until the cramping stops.  This is especially important for absorption for children

Food Poisoning

Nux Vomica homeopathic and Choline 1 tablet every 15 minutes.  Cheladonium Plex is a helpful homeopathic plex that can be taken ongoing for a week or so to bring the digestive system fully back to balance.  The use of live culture probiotics is essential.

Digestive Disturbances

The summer tissue salts are helpful: Kali Mur, Nat Phos and Nat Sulph.  Probiotics and digestive enzymes are helpful to restore the gut.  The overall reducing fatty foods and processed foods can help.  Reducing mucous forming foods such as dairy and wheat can be helpful while the body is recovering.  Cheladonium Plex can be helpful when used over a longer period of time to strengthen the digrestion. 

Parasites

Black Walnut Tincture, Cina 30k, Unda # 39

Over-indulgence of food, alcohol or too much mental work

Nux Vomica 30k or 200k, Choline

Coughs and Respiratory Congestion

Drosera, Spongia, Dulcamera in 30k or 200k

Flu or Sudden illness

Unda # 37, Oscillococcinum by Boroin or Flu Buster by Homeocan are good treatments when used at the earliest onset of flu symptoms

Aconite homeopathic is good to have on hand for anything that comes on suddenly.  Even for emotional scares, like a near traffic accident, aconite is helpful to restore balance.  Keep this in mind for when there is stuttering from fear or anxiety.

Another product worth keeping on hand is ‘Febriplex’.  This is an especially effective for children, when coming down with cold, fever, flu and gripe. Most products that people choose tend to suppress the body’s functions.  Febriplex is a homeopathic plex that supports the body’s self-healing efforts.

Plexes (combinations) are helpful for motivating the healing process, and helping increase comfort.

Just a note of wisdom; sometimes emergency treatment is necessary.  Natural and 1^st Aid basics can be employed even while proceeding to Medical care.  According to Steig Larsson,author of 'Girl with the Dragon Tatoo', if you are absolutely desperate for something to cover a wound and there are no bandages handy; our ever handy duct tape can keep a wound clean and effectively slow bleeding until you reach a medical facility.

The Sanity Section

For Mom:  Hormone - PMS and Menopause

Sepia – hateful/spiteful/ wants to be left alone

Pulsatilla – moody/weepy/consolable wants you near

Keep Grounded

Stopping frequently is essential for adults and children alike.  Stretching your legs once an hour or two at the most, is a great way to keep alert and grounded.  Switch drivers at least once every two hours.

Keep Hydrated

We often think we are hungry when the body is really crying out for water.  Hydration makes us more electrical.  It keeps our brains alert.  Water keeps our kidneys working well and flushing properly.

Keep Nourished

Healthy snacks are another way to nourish, hydrate and entertain.  Visiting Fresh Produce stands can be a great way of getting a break as well.  Traveling is usually a time when our systems can feel sluggish.

Pay particular attention to include fibre rich foods.  Fresh fruits, vegetables are essential for keeping our bowels working.  Reduce the glue foods like sugar, pasta, chips and refined flour.

Keep Rested

Avoid being over tired.  Stop for the night rest early and settle in and do something fun.  Nothing beats the ‘grumpies’ like a refreshed and well rested crew.

Keep Entertained

Pack efficiently.  Creating a clutter free space for each traveler reduces irritation for everyone.

 

Put some brain-space into preplanning your trip. Get your hands on some really great kid’s pastimes that work well in a confined space.  Hide them away and create a new surprise to open up each day of travel.  Create travel games.  Counting horses with spots, or being the first to spy non-home-province license plates, or playing interactive word games can be a fun way of putting in travel time.  My friend Amy brought along small DVD screens that could be attached to the back of the front seats. 

One very creative Dad I know took along dice.  This way the family could leave a lot of decisions to chance.  Stop?  Not stop?  Eat here?  Stop x minutes.  Who wins a decision score?

Drivers, invent a signal that means we’re off NOW!  What ever it is, make the signal consistent and tolerate no doddling. I remember traveling across the continent.  The signal was a final rev of the engine in neutral which meant ‘all aboard’.  After the first day, we were all ‘hopping to’ just like trained dogs.

Create an intention of FUN!  Even young children can appreciate that the purpose of the travel is to spend time enjoying each other.  Take lots of fun photos. Don’t be afraid to create whacky photos.  Consider writing an ongoing group travelogue for your trip.

Do you have some great ideas?  Please share.

Have a great summer and keep well_

Nelda

Nutritional Solutions for Winter Ravaged Skin

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Many people at this time of year are noticing the discomfort of cracked fingers or are experiencing other weather irritated skin issues. It is important to remember that our skin is an organ. Our skin is responsible for regulation (fluids, temperature, and toxin removal) and protection. Basically it keeps our insides in and the outside, out.

With this in mind, it is important to nourish the skin from the inside out. Winter is a good time to supplement with essential fatty acids. When the body is nourished this way, you will notice a reduction of the need to use a topical moisturizing product, or that what you use topically will be more effective.

If you would benefit from intensive hand or foot treatments, I suggest buying a pair of light cotton gloves/socks. Slather on a heavy moisturizing product at bedtime and put them on to protect your bedding and keep the product on the affected area longer.

In respect to topical products, many natural based creams and ointments are available and are amazing in their ability to help heal the skin. A light application of Grape seed oil is a wonderful protection for dry irritated skin. The oil is more ‘skin friendly’ and is used by many massage therapists for this reason.

I keep a small vial of a mixture of Grape seed/Calendula oil handy. The benefits of Calendula are many. First, it protects the skin from bacteria entering deeper into the tissues. As an antiseptic, it reduces inflammation and itching of the skin. It takes the heat out of burns and soothes abrasions. Calendula also promotes and speeds healing. A light coating of this over my regular moisturizer provides a bit of extra protection before going outdoors.

It also stands to reason, to take precautions to clothe your self adequately when going out and about in cold climates. Gloves and scarves are a wonderful invention.

I am outdoors more; walking downtown or to my renovation site on a daily basis. I am also experiencing the drying effect of drywall dust on my skin and hair. At this time I am using Super EFA Liquid, Berry EFA Plus, Evening Primrose Oil, Black Current Seed based GLA. As well as nourishing my skin, I am nourishing my glandular system, nervous system and immune systems.

Be sure to keep well hydrated. Drink plenty of pure water. Also consume broth and teas on a regular basis. Also make sure that your trace minerals are up to snuff. I like to use sea vegetables (Gomasio) to meet this need. Minerals are responsible for holding water balance in our tissues.

Morning Smoothie

3 ounces pure water

½ banana

¼ cup frozen berries

½ ripe avocado (optional)

1-2 heaping Tablespoons protein powder (Rice Pro or Soy or Harmonized Vegan Protein

1 teaspoon Progressive Nutrition - Vegge Greens or Vegge Greens Blueberry Medley

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1 Tablespoon Progressive Nutrition – Phytoberry Powder

1Tablespoon Berry EFA Plus (essential fatty acids)

1 Teaspoon Super EFA Liquid

Blend until smooth. Dilute down with more water as desired.

Optional:

Use juice instead of water

Use peaches or any soft fruit

Use a purchased smoothie blend diluted half and half with water

Add 1 tablespoon organic golden flaxseed, freshly ground

Give this a try daily for two weeks and you will be amazed by the change in your skin.

Treating the Skin Inside Out

As a child I had re-occuring tonsillitis. When I was in my very early teens, my skin started to break out badly. The skin on my face was always red with inflamed bumps. Underneath were these deep cysts. My misery continued for 12 years.

It was at this point, that in desperation, I went to a dermatologist who put me on a wide range antibiotic. I remained on this drug for five more years. Although my skin was problem-free, by this point I was having repeated yeast infections and digestive problems, and my cycle was wonky. I also had re-occurring rhinitis and sinusitis.

All in all, this-bucket-of-misery was my sorry self until the age of 34, when I had my wake-up call. An alternative health practitioner helped me identify that I had an intolerance to cow’s dairy (that was the cysts, tonsillitis, rhinitis and sinusitis), was allergic to oranges and the orange juice I drank by the gallon (the red inflamed bit was hives). My practitioner also determined that I had Candida, which is a systemic yeast infection that was made worse by the extended use of antibiotics. This explained the digestive issues, and wonky cycle. If I had only known…..

Often I see clients who complain about the condition of their skin, and many people mistakenly assume that they have a topical problem. When we understand the natural healing pathways of elimination in the body, we can see more clearly why the skin is showing the stress. Many skin conditions evolve from improper elimination. When the body gradually becomes overloaded with toxins, it attempts to eliminate them through eruptions through the skin.

Systemic problems that may show in the skin are: liver overload, poor kidney or bowel, elimination, allergies or even hormonal imbalances. Viral, bacterial, yeast, fungal, parasitical overgrowth and their generated wastes can affect the skin.

Small improvements in diet and lifestyle can begin remarkable changes to what we see in the mirror. A complementary health provider can help develop a specific, personal and customized detoxification plan. This would be a good first step towards improved health and appearance. I always encourage clients to look to the root of their problems, rather than just treat the symptoms.

I recommend the use of spring, distilled or filtered water such as reverse osmosis to cleanse the skin. Paper products such as facial tissue or even the use of ordinary tap water may be an irritant to dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. Don’t overlook laundry products being a source of irritation for the skin. You are making contact directly with your towels, sheets and pillow cases.

Many natural products help to protect and heal the skin. Although we have dramatically different skin, with different needs, both my 30 year old daughter and I use products from the same Organic Skin Care line. This company uses pectin and zinc cream bases; pure flowers, herbs and minerals. They use only food grade preservatives. I call it skin food.

I encourage my clients to choose a simple skin care program, using the purest natural ingredients. Keep your fingers out of the jar, and store products in the fridge. Like any good self care, the bottom line is ‘pick the best, keep it simple and stick to it’