Herbal Acne Treatments

herbal acne treatmentIf you are looking for alternative acne treatments, herbal medicines provide a range of natural health benefits without most of the negative side effects associated with pharmaceutical medications. Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions like acne, and with scientific research now validating the traditional uses of herbs, they are now more available than ever before. If you are sensitive to chemical prescriptions and pharmaceutical creams, herbs are an effective, safe and holistic treatment option. Talk with your doctor and a registered medical herbalist about which herbs are most appropriate for you.

Herbal Acne Treatment #1: Milk Thistle Seeds

Milk Thistle is a traditional remedy for the healing and tonifying of the liver. Phytochemicals found in the seeds have shown in studies to improve liver function, increase bile production to clear toxins from the body, and stimulate the repair of damaged or inflamed liver cells. If you are suffering from acne, taking Milk Thistle Seeds helps to keep your liver healthy and strong, and ensures that you are able to clear out toxins, excess hormones, and allergens that contribute to your condition. When taking Milk Thistle for the first time, you may notice that your acne symptoms gets worse before they gets better — but don’t worry, as this is only a temporary effect that occurs in some individuals, and should pass.

Herbal Acne Treatment #2: St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort is one of the most popular, and controversial, herbal remedies on the market today.  St John’s Wort provides active chemicals that work to reduce mild depression and anxiety, support wound healing, and stimulate liver function. For sufferers of acne, this plant works on a wide variety of different levels and offers support to both mind and body. St John’s Wort also helps to clear excess hormones that contribute to acne, such as progesterone and testosterone, by stimulating a liver enzyme called P450. This is beneficial for acne patients as St John’s Wort does not directly interfere with hormones — instead, St John’s Wort supports your body’s natural ability to balance and regulate its own hormones. But be careful — St John’s Wort is contraindicated with many different types of prescription and over-the-counter medications, so check with your doctor before using it alongside any other drugs or treatments.

Herbal Acne Treatment #3: Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is a popular herb throughout Africa, Asia and India for the nervous system as well as acne and wound healing. If you are suffering from heightened levels of stress and anxiety from your condition, Gotu Kola has tonic effects on your nervous system and helps to reduce tension and stress. In addition, Gotu Kola directly supports tissue healing, stimulates microcirculation and prevents scarring. According to several studies, Gotu Kola reduces the formation of collagen that causes scarring, and improves elastin formation needed for healthy, supple skin. Applied topically, Gotu Kola reduces local inflammation and improves the healing of skin. Gotu Kola is generally safe and well-tolerated by the majority of the population, and is an option if you are under stress and cannot take St John’s Wort.

Herbal Acne Treatment #4: Echinacea

Echinacea is a traditional North American remedy for colds, flu’s, bacterial infections and snake bites. The roots and flowers of the plant are a source of phytochemicals that stimulate immune function by increasing levels of white blood cells within your body. In turn these white blood cells protect your body from pathogens, such as viruses, fungi and bacteria. According to research, Echinacea is also useful in the treatment of acne — the echinacea root phytochemicals are active against the strains of bacteria that cause whitehead formation. Echinacea prevents infection and reverses the inflammation begun by invading bacteria. When suffering from an attack of acne take Echinacea both orally and externally — internally Echinacea will improve your natural immunity to bacteria, and externally it can be used as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herbal cream.

Herbal Acne Treatment #5: Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a popular succulent plant containing a medicinal gel product. Studies on the gel have revealed its special properties for stimulating skin healing, reducing inflammation, and killing bacteria and viruses. When applied topically the gel is light and cooling, and avoids the problems caused by other skin products, such as clogging pores and irritating the skin. Natural anti-inflammatory properties in Aloe Vera reduce the discomfort of acne, while also killing acne-causing bacteria such as e. coli. Select Aloe Vera products in pharmacies or health food stores that are free of parabens, or other chemicals which might irritate the skin. Or better yet, find someone you know who is growing Aloe Vera in their garden and use the fresh gel directly on your acne.

Herbal Acne Treatment #6: Tea Tree

Tea Tree is a native Australian plant that contains volatile oils with a range of medicinal properties. In recent years, Tea Tree has become one of the most popular over-the-counter herbal products for treating acne and killing bacteria and viruses. According to one double-blind clinical trial, a 5% Tea Tree cream was significantly effective in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Its effect was comparable to the popular over-the-counter medication for acne, benzyl peroxide. Tea Tree has been known to irritate the skin of some individuals, so carefully test any Tea Tree product on a spot of healthy skin first before you purchase it.

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