Managing the Natural Environment

Our society today seems to have an overabundance of skin problems that manifest and continue to become chronic. Our retail stand at a local farmers market in Southeastern Pennsylvania is a focal point for folks who seem to have more of their share of these issues, as we market products that offer natural relief for such conditions.

In many cases, these people have been to medical doctors and have been prescribed varied medications that don’t seem to have worked so well. I recall one man who had eczema so bad on his hands that were raw and bleeding. He said that the medications that had been prescribed to him were not working at all and he was desperate for any kind of relief.

We suggested the application of a natural based salve, containing medicinal turpentine and Liquefied Phenol (also known as carbolic acid, an element used in sterilizing medical instruments) combined in a base of petrolatum, paraffin and cottonseed oil. The phenol sterilizes the area, killing any bacteria present and the paraffin and cottonseed oil coats the area and stops any itching which is a major cause of discomfort with eczema.

The man returned a week later with remarkable results. The affected area had shrunk markedly and his report of relief from the pain and itching was very positive.

While this remedy will not cure the underlying cause of most skin conditions, it will give ongoing relief. The recommended method of treatment of applying the salve before bedtime, then wrapping the area with a bandage or soft cloth, keeps the area apart from the environment so it won’t rub off, thus affording ongoing treatment and continuous healing.

Another example was the man who showed us his hands which were extremely dry and cracked due to the fact that his job required that he sort cardboard pieces all day long. His hands were raw and bleeding in many places. Our suggestion of applying the salve at night, then wearing cotton gloves brought his hands back to a manageable state in about a week.

These conditions are likely the result of diet, heredity, or environmental issues in many cases. If caused by diet, we recommend that people cut down or get off of sugar completely, eat more healthy foods, more green vegetable, etc. It is also good to build up the immune system, increase the B and C vitamin groups, and drink more pure water on a daily basis.