Acne rosacea is a chronic skin eruption that's symptoms begin with facial flushing and are gradually accompanied by bumps and red, pus-filled pimples. Although rosacea has no specific known cause, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, hot beverages, sunlight and extreme heat can trigger flare-ups. While a dermatologist should oversee extreme cases of acne rosacea, herbal remedies can keep the condition under control.
Grapeseed Extract
Grapeseed extract warrants a try in the battle against rosacea, suggests Dr. Jeanette Jacknin, an Arizona-based dermatologist, as cited in the book "Amazing Antidotes." Also known as pycnogenol, grapeseed extract contains potent anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and support collagen. Jacknin suggests taking a 50 mg capsule three times a day to alleviate the red, pus-filled pimples associated with rosacea.
Burdock
Although not proven by scientific studies, burdock has been used for generations as an herbal remedy for skin conditions, particularly acne rosacea. Taken internally, burdock root cleanses the skin by accelerating sweating and urination, as per the University of Michigan Health System.
For tea, steep 1 tbsp. dried burdock root in 2 cups boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. As heat can aggravate acne rosacea, cool the tea in the refrigerator before consuming. Another tip suggested by Jason Elias, a New Paltz, N.Y-based practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, as cited in the book "Alternative Cures," is a formula combining burdock with equal parts of eight additional herbs: red clover, yellow dock, dang gui, milk thistle, cleavers, schisandra, echinacea and licorice.
If tea doesn't tempt your taste buds, use the tea as a face wash. Brew the tea, let it cool and then use a saturated wash cloth to cleanse your face. Rinse with five to six splashes of lukewarm water. Alternatively, ingest two 400- to 500-mg burdock capsules three times a day.
Red Tea
It may sound ironic, but red tea, which comes from the leaves of a South African shrub, can actually alleviate the redness associated with rosacea. Rich in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits flushing and irritation, natural red tea can be used as a facial wash, as reported in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Brew the tea, and let it steep for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator, and then saturate a wash cloth in the liquid. Place the cool, saturated wash cloth on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also purchase commercial preparations that contain red tea. Look for Jason Red Element Red Clay Masque and Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Face Mist at your local drugstore.
References
- "Amazing Antidotes"; Marcia Holman; 2004
- University of Michigan Health System: Acne Rosacea
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Rodale; 2009
- Rosacea Support Group: Treating Rosacea with Herbs
- "Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; 2000
