Our purpose is not to hinder the physiological processes of the organism. Ours is a holistic approach. An approach that encourages the ristoring of the physical balance, by facing the causes as efficiently as possible and by ensuring a fast relief of all the symptoms.
Symptoms and relief
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Skin
The skin is one of the largest organs of the human body: in fact, if stretched out completely it can reach 2 square metres and in terms of weight it makes up 16% of the total body weight. Its main function is to protect organs and internal tissues from aggressions of the “world outside” and therefore constitutes a physical barrier covering the entire body surface. It plays a fundamental role in protecting the body from heat and cold (thermoregulatory function), from injuries and from aggressions of external pathogenic agents. Last but not least, it is seat of nerve endings of the sense of touch.
The surface of the skin is not uniform: it has a very complex design that varies due to the presence of parallel patterns along its surface that determine, particularly on the fingertips, typical figurations (called “fingerprints”) that vary from individual to individual. The skin is formed by two layers: the epidermis and the dermis. In the human species, skin colour depends on many variables (thickness of the corneous layer, level of blood perfusion, presence and optical absorption of melanin, vitamin A dimer, hemoglobin). For this reason, colour varies not only according to the ethnical group but also with individuals and, even though in small nuances, it also changes in different body regions of the same individual.
The epidermis is the outer part of the skin, formed by several layers of cells, of which the most external ones are basically dead but resistant to external agents. The principal functions of this layer of skin are: to form a physical barrier against external agents; prevent dehydration of the body; prevent penetration of bacteria or other pathogenic agents; protect the body from sunburns by means of special cells called melanocytes, which produce a protein called melanin, responsible for skin coloration; rapidly repair the skin in case of injuries.
The dermis is the layer right under the epidermis. Its principal function is to support and nourish the skin. In fact, it contains blood vessels carrying nutrients to the skin itself, as well as the sebaceous and sweat glands, in charge of regulating the body temperature; nerve endings that receive impulses coming through the epidermis; hair roots.
The skin is a very delicate organ that can incur several problems, either injuries or irritations. The most frequent are pressure sores, ulcerations, burns, injuries, bruises, erythema, abrasions, cuts, etc. The skin undoubtedly performs essential functions for the health and well-being of the entire organism: it is therefore important to maintain its integrity and functionality adopting correct hygiene habits that include specific cleaners and, in case of pathologic events, using appropriate natural remedies.
A problem frequently affecting the skin is represented by mycosis. The term mycosis indicateS an infection caused by pathogenic fungi, called mycetes. These are saprophyte organisms living outdoors or parasites living on plants or animals. Around 45.000 species of fungi are known, of which over a hundred are responsible for causing mycosis in man. When these organisms settle on the skin they cause disorders called dermatomycosis or cutaneous mycosis.
Spread of the disease and predisposing factors
Cutaneous mycoses are constantly on the increase. The reason for their dissemination is to be traced in particular lifestyles adopted (going to saunas, gyms, frequent travelling, being away from home, etc.), as well as in their incredibile ability to “exploit” weakness of the organism’s immune system. As a matter of fact, fungi are opportunistic microorganisms, capable of taking over in situations of immunosuppression (prolonged or frequent antibiotic therapies, use of cortisone, chemiotherapy, etc.). In general, mycotic manifestations become visible when the organisms is undermined and has lost its ability to control and defend itself naturally from fungi attacks.
In this respect, even stress and anxiety can negatively influence the organism’s defence capabilities, exposing it to the risk of developing mycosis. Nutritional lifestyle plays a fundamental role. Sugars and carbohydrates in general, particularly if refined, weaken the immune system and create the conditions for the insurgence of intestinal dybiosis on the one hand; on the other they represent the ideal nourishment for mycotic proliferation.
Other foodstuffs that can potentially contribute to weaken bacterial flora inhabiting the mucosae and the skin, exposing the organisms to the risk of fungal overgrowth, are also dairy products, particularly due to their lactose content, as well as fermented foodstuffs and other foods to which one is intolerant or allergic. To heal from mycosis it is therefore absolutely essential to also intervene at nutritional level, eliminating foodstuffs that promote the proliferation of fungi.
Dermatophytes and yeasts
Cutaneous mycoses are generally superficial and caused by dermatophytic fungi or yeasts. Infections from dermatophytis (tineae) represent 40 – 50% of all superficial mycoses. Dermatophytes feed on organic material, specially keratin (horny layers of the skin, hairs and nails). Different types can be identified according to the affected area: tinea corporis, tinea cruris (located in the inguinal folds), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea mannum, tinea faciei, tinea capitis and tinea unguium (onichomycosis: affecting the nails).
Conditions of humidity encourage mycotic proliferation: that’s why skin folds, interdigital spaces, genitals or areas covered by non transpiring clothing are more at risk. Predisposing factors are also: going to saunas, swimming pools, gyms, use of too aggressive soap, poor hygiene.
The most important yeast in dermathology are Candida and Pityrosporum, responsible for the development of Candidiasis and Pityrosporosi, respectively. Unlike dermatophytes, whose infectious spores live in the environment, frequently coming into contact with the organism, attacking it when it is weakeast, Candida yeast and Pityrosporum almost always inhabit the human body as saprophytes (70% of cases). When the immune system weakens due to reasons connected with unhealthy nutritional habits, food intolerances, use of medicines (antibiotics, contraceptives, cortisone-based drugs, etc.), physical and environmental stress, these mycetes can take over: from harmless saprophyte yeasts they turn into invasive pathogens. According to the mycotic agent responsible and to the particular area of the body involved, visible skin manifestations can range from edema, reddening, swelling, with pinkish white scaly blotches. Itching is almost always present.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is one of the most common forms of cutaneous mycoses. Caused by the proliferation of a microscopic fungus called Trichophyton or of other types of fungi belonging to the Epidermophyton genus, it generally affects the toes. This type of mycosis is common mostly during the Summer, when higher temperatures favour maceration and sweating of the skin, making it fertile ground for the proliferation of fungi. Contagion occurs through direct contact with the ground, typically in humid places such as swimming pools and gyms, using shoes that do not enable correct perspiration, and contact with infected linens or with the infected people.
During the initial phase, the infection appears with a yellowish colour, reddening or scaling of the skin. During the second phase, the skin may take on a more whitish colour, possibly developing vescicules, eruptions and abrasions. Other fairly common symptoms are an itching feeling between the toes, unease when wearing shoes and a painful burning sensation. Finally, the infection can also extend to the nails, which can initially appear to be greyish and opaque and then become thickened, rough and irregular. The disorder affecting the skin does not cause any particular symptom and if not cured it may remain permanently.
Treatment of cutaneous mycosis
Cutaneous mycosis are infections that do not heal spontaneously; healing periods are often very long. Most of the times, treatment involves antimycotic products for topical use (such as creams, ointments, gel, powder, etc.), to be applied daily.
In the most severe cases, moreover, in order to obtain heightened effectiveness in the treatment, systemic intervention is necessary to avoid prolonging the therapy with the sole use of topical remedies. In this respect, during the past few years conventional medicine has developed several medicines for both topical and systemic use which, however, have not always yielded effective results; in several cases there have been unwanted side-effects. In particular, with medicines to be taken orally, problems most frequently occurring are visual disturbances, skin affections, hepatic, neurological, kidney and cardiac disorders.
In some cases, appearance of such side-effects has even made it necessary to discontinue “conventional” treatment. Besides, given the action carried out by certain antimycotic medicines on the organism, their use is not recommended during pregnancy. Other inconveniences caused by their low level of efficacy is evident in cases of onichomycosis (nail mycosis), in which difficulty in obtaining complete healing makes removal of the nail necessary. Given these considerations, it is necessary to identify a treatment ensuring efficacy and harmless at the same time.
Fortunately, Nature can once again provide valuable help, offering elements of proven efficacy and harmelessness for both topical and systemic use to defeat cutaneous mycosis.
A natural and effective approach
Cutaneous mycoses are infections requiring a complete approach to ensure definitive cure. “Conventional” medicine relies on an approach that more often than not does not ensure satisfying results, with “artificial” solutions that because of their intrinsic nature and action can lead to numerous and frequent undesidered effects. In order to handle this problem in a natural and effective way, a possible solution goes through a mechanism of action including the following features:
- cleansing of parts affected by mycetes as well as of other delicate body areas;
- counter the development and proliferation of mycetes directly on site, differentiating action between: small extended mycoses and onichomycosis (of the nails) or very extended mycoses and athlete’s foot;
- counter mycetes from inside stimulating the organism natural defensive barriers
Finally, in order to ensure a definitive and complete solution, this natural approach must be associated with a correct nutritional lifestyle and general healthy lifestyle, eliminating or at least reducing predisposing factors triggering cutaneous mycosis.
Cleansing of parts affected by mycetes and of other delicate body areas
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: with its bactericide property and antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic activity, it carries out not only a protective and preventive action on particularly delicate areas of the skin, against aggressive external agents, but can also be considered as a valid suppot in the treatment of several skin pathologies.
Its extraordinary antifungal activity against 100 strains of yeasts and moulds must be emphasized, including Candida albicans, responsible for mucosal infections and systemic disorders (pneumopathies, kidney disorders, etc.) in immune compromised individuals.
Studies carried out by Dr Leo Galland in New York on chronic Candidiasis (both intestinal and systemic) have reached interesting and significant results: success in 99% of treatments effected (only two failures out of 297 cases), without cases of resistance nor side-effects.
Rice bran oil: obtained through pressing of fresh rice bran, it is characterized by the high level of tocopherols and tocotrienols, as well as for its high oxidative stability. Main substances contained are proteins, starches, amylopectins, essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, gamma oryzanol and inositol; it has refreshing, nourishing, emollient, antiseptic and astringent properties.
Icelandic lichen extract: lichens are twofold organisms. In fact, they represent a plant body consisting in the symbiotic association of a fungus and an algae. In Icelandic lichen, starches, mucilages and a series of acids called lichen acids have been isolated. The plant surely has specific, marked antimicrobial properties, principally due to the presence of a particular substance, namely a furan derivative called usnic acid. This ingredient has proven to exert an interesting antibiotic activity towards several groups of germs.
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate: this is an extremely delicate cleansing agent (a surfactant), an irreplaceable element, ideal to cleanse delicate areas of the skin (face, nipples, etc.), particularly sensitive skin or affected by pathologies, i.e. cases requiring particular attention for the skin’s hydrolipidic film and physiology are paramount.
The ideal means to convey these elements is an extremely delicate cleanser, enabling targeted use on delicate areas such as the face, underarms and nipples. Daily use is recommended also as a preventive measure.
To counter the development and proliferation of mycetes directly on site, differentiating action between: small extended mycoses and onichomycosis (of the nails) or very extended mycoses and athlete’s foot…
Nature can help you with …
Grapefruit Seed Extract: used externally it has proven to be extraordinarily effective in the treatment of dermatosis, dermatitis, psoriasis and shingles. When extracted, glycerine and coconut fat are employed. In actual fact, this is not a simple extraction but a series of processes during which new chemical bonds are created. For instance, bioflavonoids (polyphenols) are transformed into quaternary bonds.
These bonds exert a powerful action, restricting the proliferation of almost all pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites and some viruses, maintaning an extremely low level of toxicity towards man and animals, as proven by numerous Laboratory analyses and tests conducted.
Podophyllin: podophyillin is extracted from the roots and rhizomes of Podophyllum (Podophillum peltatum L., belonging to the Barberidaceae family), a plant native to the Eastern regions of North America. Podophylllin is a plant active constituent capable of destroying condylomas and warts. This substance makes cellular replication impossible, (typically accelerated in infected cells) thereby eradicating the infection.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): an Australian evergreen tree, known as Tea Tree, with a typical bark. It grows up to 6 metres in height and is characterized by white flowers blossoming from Spring until Summer. An oil (Tea Tree Oil) is extracted from its mature leaves and has extraordinary health properties. Up to 200 tons of leaves a day can be used to obtain 2000 Kg of Tea Tree Oil. The production process is organized to respect the environment. Tea tree essential oil is a powerful natural antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral: as such, it is successfully used in the treatment of common and genital warts.
Black Poplar extract, Wheat germ oil and Olive oil: its anti-inflammatory, soothing and re-epithelising properties contribute to make action on warts non traumatic, so as to avoid the insurgence of relapses.
The best means to convey these elements is an anhydrous ointment allowing targeted used and good absorption. Application is recommended three times a day until one week after symptoms have disappeared.
To counter the development and proliferation of mycetes directly on site, differentiating action between: small extended mycoses and onichomycosis (of the nails) or very extended mycoses and athlete’s foot…
Nature can help you with..
Grapefruit Seed Extract: results obtained from researches conducted to date indicate that this extract acts against around 800 strains of bacteria and viruses, around 100 strains of funghi and many single-cell parasites. No other known antimicrobial is capable of similar results. Dr J.A. Botine of the University of Sao Paulo in Brasil has tested and proved GSE’s total efficacy as a disinfectant (100%) compared to traditional substances (98%) and alcohol (72%).
All this explains why Grapefruit Seed Extract in powder is recommended by dermatologists worldwide for the treatment of the following problems: lesions of different nature (wounds, sores, scaldings, etc.), dermatitis, dermatosis, erythemas, diaper rashes (newborn babies, female genitals, etc.), mycosis of the skin and athlete’s foot. GSE is the real first aid for the skin.
Melaleuca Oil (Tea Tree Oil): its essential oil is a powerful antiseptic, natural antiviral and antifungal, therefore useful in curing severe and extended mycoses.
Rice starch and oatmeal, enriched with olive dry extract: powder as a supporting vehicle.
The ideal vehicle to convey these elements is a dermatological power, enabling easy, extended use while ensuring rapid absorption of the plant active ingredients. Recommended application: spread on the affected area two or three times a day.
To counter mycetes from inside, stimulating the natural defensive barriers of the organism…
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: with its selective bactericide action, GSE can be useful as a preventive measure, since it acts as a “garbage collector” in the intestinal tract. In fact, elimination of pathogenic microorganisms encourages the development of physiological bacterial flora, thus improving our natural defenses.
Echinacea: it slows down the spread of pathogenic germs, triggering a defensive mechanism against them while promoting the regenerative activity of tissues. For this reason, Echinacea preparations are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions in infective pathologies.
Rhodiola rosea: it can heighten the organism’s resistance against toxins, increasing the level of enzymes, of RNA and proteins and is therefore capable of reducing recovery time following fatigue and prolonged diseases.
Uncaria tomentosa: besides stimulating the immune system, it is capable of repairing both single and double stranded DNA, stimulating the proliferation of lymphocytes and increasing the number of white cells.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): with amply demonstrated antiviral properties, it is effective against bacteria and fungi and is a powerful stimulant of the immune system.
The ideal form of intake of such plant ingredients is represented by swallowable tablets, to be taken at the recommended doses, preferably before meals, for one month. For children, the drinkable version is to be preferred, containing the same composition of the tablets.
The association of the above-described ingredients, essential to ensure a definitive approach, can be further supported by specific remedies indicated for the following actions:
- Rebalancing the intestinal flora while strengthening the organism’s natural defences: for adults, single use vials with patented measuring cap, based on probiotics (B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Uncaria and Morinda citrifolia (Noni); for children, single use vials containing probiotics (B. infantis, B. longum, L. Rhamnosus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Astragalus and Uncaria Tomentosa.
