I receive a number of calls regarding itchy skin. In helping those that inquired, it is important to ask when it started, what changed in their lives, are they taking any new prescriptions, are they eating something new, where does it itch, is the skin discolored, are there pustules, does it spread when they scratch, does it bleed? So many
questions but so many possibilities.
In general, I believe that the body sends out an itch signal to increase circulation in the area. Scratching could damage skin, which could become infected, and of course worsen and lengthen the condition. Using hot or cold therapy could increase circulation to the area and temporarily lessen the itch. Using
a hair dryer on the skin increases circulation, and the pain signal from the heat overrides the itch signal because they use the same neurological pathways. Taking Dr. Christopher’s Blood Circulation Formula could also help long term.
The permanent solution starts with avoiding the antigen or irritant that triggered the condition. If it was a
drug that triggered the itching, stop the drug and find an alternative therapy. If it was a food that triggered the itch, stop eating it. It could be simply changing laundry detergent, soap, or cosmetics. The itch could be caused by coming in contact with new substances like metals, i.e. copper or gold, so avoid them. Itching could come from touching something in nature, i.e. poison oak or ivy. Touching these plants triggers the immune system into hyperactivity, which triggers the itch
signal, so we first want to calm the immune system down. There is nothing better than Dr. Christopher’s Immucalm formula in large amounts for calming the immune system, even if one is suffering from contacting poison ivy. It is interesting to note that neither the urushiol oil nor any substance in the poison ivy damages the skin; it is the action of the immune system against the plant that causes the damage to the skin.
Next, we would want to help the body eliminate the trigger through cleansing. Cleansing the chemical or metal from the system could be done by eating nothing but fresh fruit and using Dr. Christopher’s cleansing formulas. If the itching is caused by a yeast overgrowth, then we would eat vegetables instead of fruit and follow the Dr. Christopher yeast overgrowth routine explained in his book Three Day Cleansing
Program, Mucusless Diet & Herbal Combinations.
In conclusion, we help the body heal naturally by understanding the purpose of the itchy sensation, knowing how to help the body deliver what is needed to the affected area, increasing circulation, and removing irritants from the system.
David Christopher is a Master Herbalist, director of The School of Natural Healing, and son of our beloved Dr. John R. Christopher. He is continually helping others improve their health and that of their family members. The School loves having him as the director.