Research was conducted on the traditional remedies used in Southern Italy on skin conditions in humans and animals.
Dermatological (skin) remedies make up at least one-third of the traditional pharmacopoeia in southern Italy. The identification of folk remedies for the skin is important both for the preservation of traditional medical knowledge and in the search for novel antimicrobial agents in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). The goal of the researchers was to document traditional remedies used from botanical, animal, mineral and industrial sources for the topical treatment of skin ailments.
The results of the study showed that the traditional dermatological pharmacopoeia of Vulture-Alto Bradano (In Southern Italy) is based on a dynamic folk medical construct of natural and spiritual illness and healing. Remedies are used to treat more than 45 skin and soft tissue conditions of both humans and animals. Of the total 165 remedies reported, 110 have never before been published in the mainland southern Italian ethno-medical literature.
One of the plants researched was Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae) – Chamomilla recutita. Although this herb should not be given internally to dogs, it has been used safely in external applications. German chamomile is best known for its anxiolytic and sedative properties. In the Vulture-Alto Bradano, it is also commonly used as a wash for skin conditions such as rash, acne and dermatitis and also as an anti-conjunctivital eye-wash. Application of German chamomile decoctions for the treatment of eye inflammation and infection has been broadly reported in Italy. German chamomile has demonstrated in vitro anti-staphylococcal activity and has been found to promote wound healing in vivo. The German Commission E has approved the use of German chamomile in external applications for the treatment of skin and mucous membrane inflammation bacterial skin disease, and ano-genital inflammation.
For further information on Chamomilla, go to: http://healyourdognaturally.com/blog/uncategorized/chamomile-found-to-be-more-beneficial-in-wound-healing-than-corticosteroids/
Please seek professional advice from a qualified animal herbalist or animal naturopath before using herbal medicines on your dog.
Yours in Health, Sar Rooney BHSc., ND., DC., DASc., GDSc. (Hons) Zoology, MHATO, MATMS. Canine Naturopath, Naturopathic Physician, Research Health Scientist, Zoologist
Naturopathic Animal Services
