7 Herbal Remedies For Pellagra

Pellagra normally results from nutritional deficiency and mostly occurs in poor countries. However, you too can fall prey to pellagra if you are suffering from some disease such as diarrhea, cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, alcohol abuse etc. If your niacin intake through food is less than normal then also you can have symptoms of pellagra.

When you are suffering from pellagra you will have redness on the legs, arms, neck, face or hands. These will be accompanied by itching and burning. The rash may become thick and scaly depending on the severity. It may also be cracked and bleeding. Even the tongue and gum along with the lips may become sore and even start to peel. Pellagra sufferers slowly become more and more unsightly in appearance. Moreover, it is also a serious and life threatening malady if not treated at the right time.

Pellagra results form a lack of niacin, the vitamin. So the treatment of pellagra revolves around supplying the body with this vitamin. Vitamin capsules would have been sufficient, but it needs to be seen whether the body is able to assimilate the vitamin or not. For this you need to take proper food that is rich in niacin and herbs that help the body assimilate the vitamin as well as supply it to the body. Let us explore some herbal remedies for pellagra.

Herbal Remedies For Pellagra

Asparagus

This herb is a rich source of Vitamin B3 or niacin. This can compensate for the lack of niacin in your body. Apart from the nutritional content this herb is very useful as an anti-inflammatory medicine. You will get relief from the itch and burn on the scaly areas of the skin if you take asparagus regularly.

It is also a powerful antioxidant and antiseptic. Therefore, it can prevent infection of the cracked and bleeding wounds as well as reduce inflammation. You can have roasted asparagus every day with meals. You will rapidly recover from pellagra.

Lavender

This herb is very good for pacifying the burning feeling. The essential oils in lavender are highly anti-inflammatory in nature.

Keep a bottle of this oil ready at home. Whenever you are feeling the itch and the burning smear some of this oil on the affected areas. The oil will douse the feeling.

Aloe Vera

This is a common remedy for many skin disorders. The soothing and anti-inflammatory effect of aloe vera is useful in treating the itching and burning feeling that is almost always associated with pellagra. It is also a good moisturizer and has quite a strong antiseptic character. Thus, aloe vera can moisturize the scaly areas and lend a semblance of smoothness to it.

Due to the cracks there is acute chance of the skin getting infected. This too can be prevented to a large extent by applying aloe vera gel on the affected areas. So if you are taking niacin rich food and there is no systemic problem, then a concomitant application of aloe vera on a regular measure can get you back to your initial form.

Gumweed

It is one of these herbs that is used in many skin abnormalities. Its leaves are generally used for this purpose. It is high in some minerals such as zinc. Zinc is said to be a mechanic for the skin. It helps in the constant repair of skin damages. It is rich in selenium which lends elasticity to the skin and prevents it from becoming scaly and dry.

It also prevents skin cell damage due to the antioxidant character. You can have an infusion of young leaves or flowery part of this herb in water three times a day. It is also available in tincture form. However, if you have a weak heart you should not take this herb.

Alfalfa

Leaves of this herb are full of niacin. If you can not overcome the niacin deficiency through food, and you are averse to taking vitamin capsules then you can have alfalfa leaves. An infusion of alfalfa extract in water can remove the niacin deficiency.

Coriander Leaf

Coriander is a useful household spice, but did you know that its leaves are also useful? Coriander leaves are high in niacin. You can keep some dried coriander leaves at home.

Steep some leaves in water overnight. In the morning strain it and drink the water. This will compensate for the lack of niacin.

Fenugreek

This household spice is not only a good culinary additive, it is also able to cure your pellagra. Steep some fenugreek in water and have the water regularly.