June 3, 2008
Herbal Acne Remedies
Herbal acne remedies are often the preferred method of treating this skin condition, mainly because of the reduced risks of experiencing side effects. Some of the herbs used for treating acne include chaparral, burdock root, red clover, yellow dock root, lavender, dandelion, tumeric, strawberry leaves, angelica, horsetail, and gota kola.
Burdock seeds can be crushed and made into a tincture to treat ulcers and gout, rheumatism, arthritis, to purify the blood, and help clear up skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. Chapparal in tinctures and extracts is an effective topical treatment for skin conditions. Yellow dock root is known for it's laxative abilities, but it also has many other uses
It can help to stimulate bile production in the liver, which improves digestion. It is often used for treating jaundice, a fairly common liver condition. Because of the root's hepatoprotective activity (ability to help protect the liver), yellow dock is also used to treat chronic skin conditions and purify the blood. Taking it in large quantities is not recommended though.
Red Clover is used as an external application for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Dandelion is an effective remedy for cleansing poisons from the body and purifying the blood. It helps to stimulate the kidneys and liver to gently remove toxins and waste from the body.
Dandelion's natural nutritive salts can help neutralize the acids in the blood, and it's leaves have powerful liver cleansing and blood purifying properties, that can help to clear up acne. If your liver is not functioning properly, it can cause your acne to worsen, because it can't breakdown and remove excess hormones in the body. Dandelion can be used externally for treating acne also.
When used as a topical application, lavender's essential oils act as a pain killer and antiseptic. It can be used to treat various skin conditions, stings, insect bites, and minor burns.
Tumeric is a powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, which contains the compound curcumin. Curcumin deactivates immune cells that can cause inflammation, without diminishing the immune system's ability to fight infection. Reducing inflammation is considered important, because it can aggravate acne. Tumeric is also excellent for use as an astringent for treating facial acne.
Remember to consult your doctor and/or professional herbalist about using herbal remedies to avoid negative interaction with any prescription medications you may be taking.
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