August is Psoriasis Month

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.  It's one of the most common autoimmune diseases in the country today. Psoriasis develops when faulty signals in the immune system cause new skin cells to form too rapidly. The body can't shed these excess cells so they pile up and cause unsightly scales to form. While there is currently no "cure" for psoriasis, the latest research indicates that healthy skin starts with a healthy microbiome. Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is not contagious.

One of the easiest home treatments for psoriasis is to keep your skin moisturized. Traditional creams, soaps, and ointments contain pine tar or neem oil, among other things. Commercial soaps can be very harsh and drying and can actually worsen the symptoms of psoriasis, but our moisturizing Pine Tar Neem Oil Soap does just the opposite.

Creosote free pine tar has been known to soothe the itching and flaking while anti-inflammatory neem oil is said to reduce swelling, itching, and redness. Both are believed to fight germs that become trapped in scratched, raw skin, helping to keep the skin free of infection. Our clients tell us that A Wild Soap Bar's Pine Tar Neem Oil Soap is an effective home treatment for psoriasis and eczema. They also say it works as a dandruff shampoo bar as well as a deodorant bar.

Do you have an effective home remedy for psoriasis?  Do tell.

New Black Walnut Shampoo & Body Bar

Ditch the plastic bottle and avoid all those harmful chemicals! Our new multi-purpose truly natural Black Walnut Shampoo & Body Bar is perfect for the gym, at home, or travel. Featuring black walnut extracts and neem oil and scented with an invigorating lemon eucalyptus essential oil blend, this solid shampoo bar is for those who like to keep it simple and healthy. Simply rub the bar on wet hair to work up a thick lather, then shampoo and rinse as usual. Follow your shampoo with a lemon juice and water or an apple cider vinegar and water rinse for added shine.

Native black walnut Juglans nigra is known to be anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and antiseptic and has many reputed health benefits. When rubbed on the skin, black walnut extract is said to be beneficial for eczema, psoriasis, and even skin parasites. External applications have also been known to kill ringworm. The brown stain found in the black walnut green husk contains iodine which has antiseptic and healing properties as well. Black walnut hulls can also be used to darken hair, but we're not claiming our soap will do any of this! We'd rather not bring on the wrath of the FDA or any other governmental body.

ps I tried to cover my gray at one point with black walnut hulls, and it was helpful (although not a miracle worker). Nowadays, I just let nature take it's course. Whatever will be will be.

The Virtues of Honey & Honey Oat Balm

Honey has been used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years, but modern research is finding new uses for this ancient remedy. Honey covered dressings are being used to cover open wounds to prevent infection and speed healing. Honey shows great promise in combating MRSA, a super strain of staph bacteria that resists antibiotics. And honey & lemon has been shown to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs. (Add a little whiskey and you'll sleep like a baby!)

Our new fragrance free Honey Oat Body Balm possesses all those qualities and more! (well maybe not so much for sore throats...) But you will want to slather it all over after your bath or shower to hydrate and soften dry skin. Rough heels, elbows, knees, lips and hands absolutely LOVE it! The soothing oat infused sunflower oil and ever so light natural honey scent is an added bonus. People with super sensitive skin can use it freely too. It's even safe for tiny little babies. So baby your skin with our new Honey Oat Body Balm!