If you have not taken enough PABA, you may show the following symptoms: fatigue, irritability, nervousness and depression as well as constipation. Weeping eczema can also be noted in people with PABA deficiency including patchy areas on the skin.

There is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) dosage but 50 mg per day is the usual PABA supplementation taken.

PABA is necessary for healthy hair and skin and the PABA supplement is known to prevent hair loss by protecting the follicles. It can even restore grey hairs to its natural colors. But this is applicable only if they have deficiency in vitamin B. PABA may have a possible role in treating Peyronie’s disease which is a disorder that affects an erection. It can possibly aid skin changes associated with scleroderma which is an autoimmune disorder, pemphigus which is a severe blistering of the skin and vitiligo which is a disorder that causes discoloration of the skin. People suffering from vitiligo, pemphigus and scleroderma have reported improvement in their skin after taking in PABA supplements. Although this is not a clinically proven fact, but some women claim that they got pregnant after increasing PABA in their diet. Excellent sources of PABA include: liver, kidney, brewer’s yeast, molasses, whole grains, mushrooms and spinach and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

PABA is often an active ingredient in sunscreen lotions; it protects the skin by blocking the damage ultraviolet rays. Its popularity as a sunscreen ingredient has waned recently though because it is reported to have caused skin irritation and cause allergic reactions in some people. When higher than factor SPF 8 sunscreens are used, manufacture of vitamin D in the body may be lowered. If it is taken in excess could also show the following symptoms: nausea, skin, rashes and vomiting. Excessive levels of PABA that are stored in the body can cause liver damage.

PABA is known to interact negatively with sulfa antibiotics since it interferes with its absorption. It can make sulfasalazine and sulfisoxazole less effective and you should not take it if you are using these antibiotics. High doses of PABA which is around 8 g. or more daily can cause blood sugar to drop and may cause a rash, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, PABA can cause liver function abnormalities. For hair problems, take 100 mg a day of PABA. You may use Vitamin B complex to cover PABA. It is best used with Vitamin C and Vitamin B group or vitamins. Folic Acid works well with PABA too.

Herbal body care for dry skin includes using body lotions, scrubs and bath oils. Refrain from using soap since it could dry your skin even more. For dry skin itches, add quarter-cup vinegar to bath. The herbs that could promote oil production and herbal body care in dry skin are: chamomile, fennel, rose, geranium, lavender, palmarosa, sandalwood and small amounts peppermint and rosemary. Frankincense, jasmine, neroli and rose although expensive are also beneficial.

Herbal body care for oily skin involves using herb that normalize overactive oil glands which include herbs such as sage, lemongrass, basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemon, yarrow and ylang-ylang. Bathing could also help oily skin if used with Aromatic Bath Salts or Aromatic Batch Vinegar. Avoid high heat in saunas since it encourages skin to become oilier. Bath salts make bath water feel silky, remove body oils, perspiration and soften the skin.

Herbal body care for sun-damaged skin involves PABA (part of the B-complex vitamins) and cinoxate (cinanamic acid from cinnamon). These two herbal body cares are commonly used ingredients in sunscreens. Sesame oil is also believed to decrease the impact of the sun’s burning rays by 30 per cent. Olive, coconut, peanut oils and aloe vera are herbal body cares that block out 20 per cent of the rays. Using three to six percent dilution of extract of helichrysum also called immortelle is also an effective herbal body care that serves as sunscreen. Carrot-seed essential oil is very helpful to sun-damaged skin and is used to treat pre-cancerous conditions. The beta-carotene found in this oil is also effective herbal body care used in protecting against skin cancer induced by ultraviolet rays. The South American herb pau d’arco is also an effective herbal body care that is an antioxidant that helps treat skin cancer.

Do not use bergamot if you go out into the sun. This herb contains phototoxic compound called bergaptene which skin’s sensitivity to light and can cause skin discoloration or rashes.

Vitamin B complex can be broken down into three general categories which include: Energy releasing – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and biotin. Another general category of B complex is hematopoietic – Folic acid (B9), B12, B5 and B6. And the third general category is Other- B1, B3, B6, B9 and B12. Vitamin B complex products are available in two forms: B-50s and B-100s. In purchasing B-50, look for minimum doses of the following vitamins: 400 mcg folic acid, 50 mcg B-12 and biotin and 50 mg of all other B vitamins. You can find twice of these in B-100 complexes. Folic acid (400 mcg) remains the same though. To lessen side effects and increase absorption of vitamin B complex, take this vitamin with food. You may notice your urine turning into a bright yellow color. This is a harmless side effect due to riboflavin (B-2).

Vitamin B complex treats a host of ailments such as alcoholism, depression, diabetes, hair problems, lupus, multiple sclerosis and stress. Other heath benefits one can derived from Vitamin B complex include:

- Promotes health of skin, bones, hair and muscle

- Promotes health of the mucosal membranes especially around the mouth

- Aids in intestinal health and bowel function

- Provides relief of moodiness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia and fatigue

- Improves liver health

- Enhances brain cell function and health

- Provides relief from skin problems such as dry and itchy skin and rashes

- Provides relief from PMS

- Promotes normal growth and development

- Maintains stomach acidity, normal appetite and health of the digestive tract.

Deficiency in Vitamin B complex could lead to moodiness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, muscular weakness, sore or dry mouth and tongue. Natural sources rich in Vitamin B complex include brewer’s yeast, liver, whole-grain cereals, rice, nuts, milk, eggs, meats, fish, fruits, green leafy vegetables and others.

Vitamin B complex supplements such as tablets should be taken earlier or in the middle of a large meal since taking vitamin B complex after a meal could cause irritation or gradual erosion of esophageal sphincter which could result in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Do not lie down immediately after taking the supplements. If you are pregnant or nursing or have an illness, consult your doctor first before using vitamin B complex as treatment.