Lips, chapped

Lips become dry, rough and eventually crack and bleed easily if they are not cared for. Chapped lips are a typical winter problem, when the lips are exposed to cold, dry weather, but they will also occur in hot, sunny climates, due to the drying influences of the heat and sun.

The lips chap as a result of moisture loss when the natural oils of the skin are removed through extended exposure to wind, sun and extremes in temperature. Frequently wetting the lips, and leaving them unprotected to weather allows the lips to chap more easily. Lipstick and other types of make-up used on the lips draw out moisture, resulting in chapping. If chapped lips are combined with dry skin allover the body, the problem often lies in a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet, or dehydration.

Supplements and herbs

Supplementing B vitamins can reduce a susceptibility to chapped lips.

Zinc is needed to speed healing. Silica is important in helping repair damaged tissues.

Herbal Remedies

• To supply body with iron, drink stinging nettle juice for a few weeks, alternating every other day with dandelion juice. Take 2 tbsp. of juice with water three times daily, fifteen minutes before meals.
• Drink 2-4 oz. aloe vera juice, three or more times daily.

What else you can do

• Apply aloe vera gel, zinc oxide ointment or calendula cream several times daily as needed.
• Apply wheat germ oil or vitamin E oil to lips several times a day. Mineral-based products should be avoided, as the mineral oil absorbed by the skin and through the mouth gets into the lungs and can weaken the lungs.

How much to take

• Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
• Silica gel, 2 tbsp. until symptoms are gone, then 1 tbsp. for prevention
• Zinc citrate, or picolinate, 30 mg with 6 mg copper

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