Herbs for Melasma?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Martha
Posted on: April 29, 2005

What can I take for melasma? How do you get it? Will it go away?

Melasma is a hyperpigmentation of the skin. Although the cause is not known, it is often related to hormone changes in pregnancy, in taking birth control pills, or in menopause, to excess sun exposure or to taking prescription drugs. Some cases appear to be related to excess stress and nutrient deficiencies due to improper diet or to digestive problems that cause nutrient loss.

Melasma after pregnancy usually disappears within a few months. In nutrient deficiencies, you must find the cause: is your diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables? Does it include high quality protein? (i.e. a little meat, fish or chicken). Do you have digestive problems that cause nutrient loss? (for example, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome). How much coffee do you consume? Coffee limits the absorption of nutrients into your blood stream.

If you are in the menopausal years or have reason to believe that you have a hormone imbalance, herbs can be used to balance hormones. Please see our answers to other questions about balancing hormones on our website at www.richters.com. Choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then enter the word "menopause" or "hormone" for the search. For digestive problems, please search for the appropriate entry on our website.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.