Acne and boils are two common skin ailments that can be treated with herbs. Most herbal skin treatments are applied topically, either by holding a poultice of the chopped herb soaked in water on the affected area or by washing the area in a tea made of the herb leaf and flowers.
Burdock
The common burdock, Arctium lappa, is a shrubby plant that bears purple, thistle-like flowers which then turn into sticky round seed pods that catch on clothing and pets' fur like hook-and-loop tape. Burdock has been used medicinally for centuries as a treatment for numerous skin conditions, including acne and boils, according to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the roots are the medicinally operative portion of the burdock plant, advising that a topical application of a decoction--strong tea-- of the roots is used for skin treatment for boils as well as eczema. Burdock root as well as the cooked young shoots and leaves are also consumed as a general health tonic, which can improve ongoing skin conditions such as acne.
Chamomile
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that both German chamomile, Matricaria recutita, and English chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, although botanically unrelated, are used medicinally interchangeably both as the popular, calming tea and as a topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne and boils. The tea can be used as a wash on inflamed skin areas. Chamomile is also frequently used as an ingredient in topical skin creams. The useful portion of the plant is its cheery white flowers with yellow centers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the oil contained in these flowers has components that reduce swelling and limit fungus, bacteria and viral growth. These factors, along with its general soothing quality, make chamomile a treatment for skin ailments.
Lavender
Lavender, Lavendula vera, is most popular for the distinctive scent of its gray-green leaves and dusty purple flowers, which are often placed between layers of stored household linens to dispel insects and lend a comforting sweet scent, according to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension. While the soothing effects of lavender's aroma have long been used to dispel anxiety and insomnia, the University of Maryland Medical Center also advises that lavender oil has traditionally been used in complementary medicine to treat skin conditions including fungal infections, wounds and acne. Lavender oil can be added to warm bath water or to a special soaking tub for the affected skin area, or placed on a cloth pressed over the skin. A few drops of lavender oil can also be added to skin creams and shampoos to aid in their skin treatment properties.
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