Herbal Remedies for Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis Rosea is a rash that spreads over the body. It is thought to be caused by a virus, but is not considered contagious. Pityriasis Rosea is usually painless, however many people experience intense itching from the rash.

Support the Immune System

• As with any virus, it is important to support your immune system when you have Pityriasis Rosea. This can be accomplished by using herbs such as echinacea and burdock.

  In her book, Herbal Remedies for Vibrant Health, Rosemary Gladstar suggests her Super Immunity Syrup to help ward off infections.

  2 parts oat tops
  1 part astragalus root
  1 part burdock root
  1 part echinacea root and tops

  Combine ingredients and make a syrup by simmering 2 oz of the herb mixture in 1 quart water. Simmer until there is 1 pint of liquid. Strain and add 1 cup of honey. Stir over low heat until honey is dissolved and mixture is well combined. Cool and bottle. Give 1 teaspoon every hour for the first 24 hours. Then give 1 teaspoon 4 -- 6 times a day until the infection is cleared.

Stop the Itch

• The most severe symptom of Rosea is the itching. It's difficult, but important, not to scratch the rash. Scratching can lead to broken skin and infection.

  To stop the itch mix 2 parts burdock root, 1 part echinacea, and 1 part valerian root into a tincture. Give children 1/8 tsp every 2 hours as needed for itching. You can also make this into a salve and apply directly to the rash.

  Teas made from herbs considered nervines, like skullcap, catnip and valerian, can help calm the child and reduce the desire to scratch.

  Exposure to direct sunlight can also help stop the itch.

  Another method for fighting the itch is to soak the affected area in an oatmeal bath. You can buy oatmeal soaks for this purpose, or you can use oatmeal from your kitchen supplies. You can make an easy oatmeal bath by grinding 1 cup of oatmeal in a blender or coffee grinder until it has the consistency of flour. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup in the tub as your bath water runs. Be sure to mix the water a bit.

  If scratching during sleep is a problem, try wearing soft socks on you hands while you sleep. It will keep you from scratching the rash open.

Avoid Infection

• If you scratch the rash open, be careful to guard against infection. Try this simple disinfectant powder suggested by Rosemary Gladstar.
  Combine ½ tablespoon goldenseal, 1 teaspoon powdered comfrey root, 1 tablespoon calendula flower powder, and 1 ounce green clay. Sprinkle on the open rash. This will stop the itch and help dry the rash, while at the same time help prevent infection. Store the powder in a glass jar with a shaker top for easy application.

Support the Skin

• Rub vitamin E onto the rash --- this will help feed the skin, assist healing and prevent scarring due to scratching. Small amounts of Vitamin A oil will have the same effect.