So if you are like most people you have had to deal with acne at some point in your life. Maybe you are experiencing it now as an adult when you had no problems during your teenage years or possibly it has been a persistent problem that hasn’t stopped plaguing your everyday life. With a massive amount of acne remedies, lotions, creams and solutions on the market you may want to take a step back and really look at your acne problem for a moment. Most teens with acne will just grab any old acne solution off the shelf and try it to see if it works. If it does great their set, if it doesn’t their back to the store to try the next one. However, continually adding chemical based creams and lotions to your skin and body is not the answer. Adults who have acne normally try the natural or alternative routes to acne treatment.
Acne occurs within the body, when sebum clogs a sebaceous gland or follicle. Natural products and herbs have been used for over thousands of years all over the world. Therefore it’s only natural to use herbal products for your acne treatments. Herbs can be taken directly, mixed into a tea, broken down into a powder, liquid or dilution, or can be applied topically. There are thousands of herbs that have several different uses for the body. Treating acne with herbs is just one of the many options out there for you. However, treating acne naturally will not cause side effects on the skin or body and will eliminate your skin problem once and for all. So if you are looking for a natural way to rid yourself of acne or you have tried everything else, herbs will reduce the inflammation caused by acne, cleanse your system of toxic acne causing bacteria, and eliminate acne on your skin once and for all. Here you will find a list of the best herbs that can be used to treat acne along with the best ways to ingest, apply or use them.
Although this herb was originally used by the Indians to treat urinary and reproductive problems, in most recent medicine Saw palmetto is used to treat prostate disorders. However, in the same way that this extract is used to treat prostate problems, it is used to help acne skin conditions. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) has been related to several different conditions, one being acne, as well as enlarged prostate and male patter baldness. DHT is converted from testosterone, which is a hormone in both men and women. Saw palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT therefore eliminating the conditions caused by it. Saw palmetto can be used as an extract or as a pill. Always check the labeling on any pill formula because they are not regulated so there maybe additional ingredients in the capsule. If you decide to take the extract, it may cause upset stomach, so take it with food. Yellow Dock
Although commonly seen as a weed, the root of yellow dock is used for its medicinal purposes. Popularly used in Europe and Asia as a vegetable, it is considered a general health tonic. One of its primary uses was to treat skin conditions caused by poor digestion and liver functioning. Therefore it cleanses the digestive tract and acts as a mild laxative to remove toxic chemicals, and bacteria from the body. Yellow dock can be found in a capsule, tincture, tea or dried herb. However the best way to use it for acne treatments is to grind it up or purchase a powder form and spread it on your face before washing. Sarsaparilla
Grown in Central and South America, sarsaparilla root has been used as a general tonic to treat a wide variety of conditions such as sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailments, weakness, headaches, joint pain and leprosy. Sarsaparilla’s characteristics include blood purifier, diuretic, and sweat promoter. Sarsaparilla can be taken in capsule, tincture, or dried root. Burdock
Not only can this herb treat acne but also is effective at treating most forms of chronic skin conditions. Not does it purify the blood but also it’s a diuretic that cleans the body of toxins. Burdock can be added to water to make a tea, which is used as a skin wash to reduce and remove acne. Dandelion Root
Most often thought of as a pesky weed, the dandelion can be used for healing and medicinal purposes. Dandelion root is a natural diuretic, digestive aid, mild laxative, and blood cleanser and general tonic. Due to its powerful cleansing abilities it has been known to clear up skin conditions especially acne. Dandelion root is chock full of vitamins and minerals that are essential to the body. Dandelion root is available as a dried herb, in capsules, in liquid extracts/tinctures or teas.Red Clover
Red clover can be used to treat acne and skin conditions through isoflavonoid phytoestrogen chemicals that maintain proper skin and bone health. Red clover can be ingested to cleanse the blood and detoxify the tissues. In this way it treats many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Fennel flower
Nigella also known as fennel flower is an herb native to Asia. With natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretics, and antineoplastic properties fennel flower has been used to strengthen the immune system, which in turn helps reduce acne. Fennel flower removes excess toxins and bacteria in the body, which helps clear up the skin.
Calendula
Not as well known as other herbal treatments for acne, calendula has been used in Europe. Its properties include anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory which are very effective at treating acne. Calendula can be found in a cream, lotion or gel, however the root can be made into a tea, which can be used to wash the face as well.
Sarah Labdar, “Herbal Acne Treatments”, Everyday Health
