Rosacea is a skin condition that creates a rash or flush of pus-filled pustules or small bumps on the surface of the skin, most commonly on the face. A variety of topical and oral prescription medications are often prescribed for the irritating and often embarrassing skin condition, though alternative methods for treating symptoms of rosacea are also available.
Feverfew
A natural herb that may be brewed into tea or taken in supplement form, feverfew is a common herb used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea. Feverfew contains a variety of natural components that inhibit blood platelets from clumping in a central location. When this happens, a red flush appears in the cheeks. Feverfew helps to reduce this collection of blood platelets, according to the Rosacea Support Group, a website dedicated to resources and support for rosacea sufferers.
Green Tea
Brewed green tea offers a wealth of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It may help with occasional rosacea flare-ups. Green tea components reduce the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of bouts of rosacea, according to the Rosacea Support Group. Green tea may also help maintain and repair skin cells and tissues damaged by rosacea.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants restrict and heal damage to skin cells caused by a variety of bacterial and viral infections, as well as protect against environmental conditions that may cause flare-ups of rosacea. Ingesting foods rich in antioxidants may help reduce the frequency of skin flare-ups as well as the severity of rosacea bouts. Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins C and E include fruits and vegetables, especially those with red, yellow and orange skins, and fish.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is also used to treat rosacea. Evening primrose contains a component called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. The herb helps reduce inflammation and is believed to encourage the synthesis or production of protein, which is vital for skin cell and tissue development and health.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another topical remedy for easing the symptoms and appearance of rosacea. The oil is believed to help encourage healthy skin cell and tissue growth, as well as reduce and relieve inflammation caused by blood pooling and clotting in the cheeks during rosacea flare-ups.
