Toxic Herbs and Topical Application

[IdahoHerbalist]

Something I have been wondering about for a while is why are toxic/poisonous herbs, such as Arnica, not OK to take internally, but are perfectly fine to apply topically? :confused:

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

The skin is a remarkable barrier to all kinds of stuff. Think about all the toxic things that get on it and don’t kill us…paint, gasoline, germs etc…

There are a few chemicals that can penetrate it easily but for the most part, it’s remarkably impervious.

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

So, how does the skin allow the herbal things to go through then? Do you plan on a module on how this works? :poke:

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

IdahoHerbalist wrote: So, how does the skin allow the herbal things to go through then? Do you plan on a module on how this works? :poke:

Some herbal constituents go through and some don’t. Some go through enough to effect tissues locally but not in sufficient quantities to affect the body systemically. If you took a bath in Arnica tincture you might get adequate levels to poison yourself. Small, local applications just don’t have sufficient penetration/absorption to make you dead.

I will be doing a module on skin and how “herbal things” interact with it. 🙂

The skin is one of the most important organs of the body.

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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