Blemishes always seem to appear when you least want to see them, like just before an important social event. Blemishes, or pimples, are the byproduct of acne, an inflammatory condition of the skin. While acne is most commonly seen in teenagers, plenty of adults experience skin eruptions as well. In fact, many women see a sudden surge of blemishes after menopause. Fortunately, there are several herbs for blemishes that may help, regardless of your age.
Tea Tree
The essential oil of tea tree possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help to destroy blemish-causing bacteria when applied topically. In one study, Iranian researchers found that a gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil effectively improved blemishes in patients with mild to moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide lotion had the same effect. However, the group treated with the tea tree gel experienced fewer side effects, such as burning and dryness.
Guggul
Guggul is a resinous gum extracted from the mukul myrrh tree with active agents collectively called guggulsterones. In a small study involving 20 patients with nodulocystic acne, Indian researchers found gugulipid, the equivalent of 25 mg guggulsterones, slightly more effective than 500 mg tetracycline. The reduction in blemishes between the two groups was 68 percent and 65.2 percent, respectively.
The researchers also noted that study subjects with oily skin responded significantly better to gugulipid. In addition, a three-month follow-up revealed that four of the patients in the tetracycline group experienced a relapse, while only two in the gugulipid had a reoccurrence. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that 25 mg guggulsterone is near the equivalent of 500 mg of guggul taken two times per day.
The University of Maryland Medical Center also cautions that you should not take guggul products while pregnant or nursing or if you have a history of a hormone-driven cancer, such as prostate or breast cancer, due to the herb's potential estrogenic effects. In addition, this herb may interfere with a number of medications, including blood thinners. Please talk with your doctor before supplementing with guggul if any of these conditions apply to you.
Burdock
The University of Michigan Health System lists burdock root as a traditional herb used to treat blemishes and other skin disorders, but notes a lack of scientific research to support its effectiveness. Regardless, the dosages are given as 2 to 4 ml liquid burdock root extract per day, or 1 to 2 grams of the dried root in capsule form three times per day.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: The Efficacy of 5% Topical Tea Tree Oil Gel in Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Nodulocystic Acne: Oral Gugulipid Versus Tetracycline.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
- University of Michigan Health System: Acne Vulgaris
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