Herbs to Treat Acne

What are the best herbs to treat acne? Here is a list of acne herbal remedies including Chinese herbs and essential oils.

Growth factor, hormonal changes, hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet, certain cosmetics, taking anabolic steroid, working conditions, some medications and stress are the various causes of acne breakouts including adult acne, blackheads, pimples and whiteheads. Using skin care products that are harsh on the skin, scrubbing the face too hard and too often, stress and taking certain medications can worsen the skin condition and may lead to cystic acne. And popping the zits will not only make it worse but also cause acne scars .

There are many over the counter acne treatment cream, gel, mask and peel. They normally contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or both. There are also acne solution treatments that contain herbal extracts such as tea tree, osun and white willow bark and natural products such as Dead Sea mineral mud.

If you are looking for herbs to treat acne, check out those that contain compounds which are able to unclog and reduce the appearance of pores, fight acne causing bacteria and cleanse the skin. Most of the herbal acne treatments are for topical applications. Taking herbal supplements may help treat the problem internally. This is because certain herbs help improve the functions of the liver and remove toxins through the stool instead of causing skin breakouts or eruptions.

Herbs to treat acne No. 1 - Garlic

One of the cheapest and easily available acne herbs is garlic. Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. You can try it by crushing a few cloves of garlic and applying the juice on the zits to destroy the acne causing bacteria. But since it is strong and may burn, test it first on a small part of your skin to see if it irritates. Or you can buy garlic oil instead of crushing the fresh garlic.

Herbs to treat acne No. 2 - Castor oil

Jamaican black castor oil which is obtained from castor bean or castor seed is a natural emollient. It is often used in the oil cleansing method or OCM which is a face cleaning system using oils.

To use it on oily skin, blend 3 parts of castor oil to 7 parts of sunflower oil, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil or evening primrose oil. If you have a balanced skin, combine 2 parts castor oil with 8 parts of carrier oil. And for dry skin, blend 1 part of castor oil to 9 parts of any of the carrier oil.

After blending the oil, apply it on your face and leave it on your skin for about two minutes. Then, cover your face with a warm cloth and leave it until it cools. You can also use steam therapy after apply the blended oil on your face by covering a towel over your head. The heat will open up the pores. After that, wipe the oils and impurities on your face with a cool face cloth. Finally, moisturize your skin with aloe vera or jojoba oil.

Herbs to treat acne No. 3 - White willow bark

White willow bark contains salicin which is a derivative of salicylic acid which is an ingredient used in many over the counter acne solution. The herbal extract has antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. To treat acne, apply the paste or liquid extract on the spot.

Herbs to treat acne No. 4 - Calendula

You can buy calendula cream or calendula tincture that contains calendula flower extract. Calendula has anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is a natural moisturizer. Apply the cream on the affected area after washing your face.

Herbs to treat acne No. 5 - Yellow dock

Yellow dock has astringent and antiseptic properties and is one of the best herbs to use for external cleansing. Taken internally, yellow dock acts as a natural detoxifying agent and it supports liver health functions.

Herbs to treat acne No. 6 - Dong quai

Chinese researchers revealed that dong quai extract or angelica sinensis produces anti-acne activities similar to some acne medication. Dong quai is also able to balance hormonal imbalances especially for women.

Herbs to treat acne No. 7 - Essential oils

Some essential oils contain compounds that are able to reduce sebum production, have antiseptic, anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent and treat acne and blemishes.

Tea tree oil for example, has antibacterial properties and helps in reducing, preventing or treating pimples and spots. Rosewood oil with its antiseptic properties and ability to reduce sebum production is beneficial for people with oily skin. Other essential oils that are used as herbal remedies for acne are bergamot oil, clove oil, lavender oil and patchouli oil.

Pure essential oils are strong and should always be blended or combined with a carrier oil before applying them on your skin. And you should try applying a little bit first on a small part of your skin to see if it causes an allergic reaction. The recommended blend is 15 - 20 drops of an essential oil with 12 teaspoons of carrier oil or 3 - 5 drops of essential oil with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil.

Other acne herbs that may help prevent or treat acne are chamomile, dandelion, goldenseal, horseradish and witch hazel. You can use any of these herbs as a paste, face wash or moisturizer and even as an herbal supplement.

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