Externally applied botanicals are those that are used either alone or with other botanicals in various preparations to treat health concerns through the skin. Most frequently these preparations are used to treat skin and muscle illnesses, however they may be used to treat broken bones, tendon and ligament injuries, the vagina or anus and even internal diseases. Some of the most common external preparations are liniments, salves, creams, suppositories, plasters, washes, douches, and sitz baths. The botanicals in this category are those that are only used externally but it is important to remember that there are many other plants used externally not included in this category. Like all plants, those listed in this category have many other actions and choosing the best botanical for your needs rests on proper choices.