Using herbal acne remedies can be an effective and natural approach to treating acne. There are many safe and easy to use herbal acne treatments which reduce the inflammation associated with acne, remove blackheads and whiteheads, and improve the appearance of acne scars, sometimes removing them altogether. Many acne sufferers find that commercial preparations dry their skin and don’t work for them anyway so they are turning to natural treatments such as herbal acne remedies.
Herbal acne treatments are natural and safe ways to kill the bacteria, which causes acne and to also soothe the skin and encourage healing. Freedom from acne can mean the same thing as freedom from low self esteem for many people. Self esteem is such a serious problem for people with severe acne that it is truly worthwhile to explore the benefits of herbal acne remedies. Not only do they tend to be far less expensive than other treatments, they are safe and do not have the side effects associated with many commercial preparations.
Acne is often an inherited condition. Other factors which can trigger acne are hormonal changes associated with menstruation or puberty, stress, allergic reactions, drug side effects, nutritional deficiencies, compromised immune system, overloaded and malfunctioning detoxification system and having an acidic body. All of these factors can affect hormonal balances within the body. If the liver cannot handle the level of toxins in the body which need to be eliminated, the skin will do some of the work. If there are more toxins than the skin can deal with, acne can result.
This is where herbs come into their own. Certain herbs can assist the main detoxification organs – liver, skin, kidneys and lungs – function more efficiently and normalize body functions.
Here is a list of excellent herbal acne remedies (and a few non herbal but natural ones) that very effective in bringing the body back into balance, assisting the detoxification process and therefore healing acne:
- MILK THISTLE. Milk thistle supports the liver, our most important detoxification organ, particularly for hormonal balance.
- GREEN TEA. Green Tea in Chinese herbal medicine is used for acne. It has natural antibacterial qualities, reduces inflammation and excessive hormonal activity and is a powerful antioxidant. It also aids in detoxification and when drunk after a meal helps digestion.
- LAVENDER. Lavender is an essential oil which helps to relieve stress. Stress is a common cause of acne. Lavender oil is not to be taken internally but is very helpful used in a relaxing bath.
- GARLIC. Garlic has antibacterial properties which work to kill the acne causing bacteria. It also strengthens the immune system and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
- ECHNACEA. Echinacea also strengthens the immune system.
- TEA TREE OIL. Tea tree oil must not be taken internally. It is applied topically to the skin and has antiseptic properties. Studies have shown that it can be more effective than benzoyl peroxide.
- PROBIOTICS. Probiotics are friendly bacteria which improve our digestive and eliminative processes and support the immune system. This in turn supports the body’s detoxification processes and minimizes the toxic demands on the skin.
- N ACETYL CYSTEINE. This is an amino acid, not a herb, however it needs to be included because it is an essential nutrient for liver function and liver function directly impacts the health of the skin and the incidence of acne.
- ZINC. Zinc is a mineral, not an herb. However, it also needs to be included in this list because it has been found that acne sufferers are deficient in zinc. Zinc supports the immune system and helps the body detoxify and reduce inflammation.
This list of herbal acne treatments is by no means complete, however it can be a starting point to explore the many benefits of herbal acne remedies. Here are some more herbs that can be used to improve acne. You’ll need to do some follow up research to find out more about them:
- Lemongrass Tea taken internally.
- Lemongrass Oil in aloe vera gel applied externally.
- Gymnema to regulate blood sugar. High blood sugar has been linked to acne in some people.
- Blood and lymphatic cleansers such as burdock, cleavers, red clover and Echinacea.
- Liver herbs such as dandelion root, globe artichoke and yellow dock.
- Apply a comfrey poultice to the affected areas. Comfrey is very healing.
- Sarsparilla is also a good herb for acne.
If you want to overcome this scarring skin disorder, while at the same time improving your overall health and avoiding unpleasant side effects, then eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, exercise and support your body with products from nature’s own pharmacy.