Ayurveda Remedies for Acne

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian practice of medicine still used today. Considered an alternative form of medicine, Ayurvedic herbs and remedies are used to help to treat a number of medical ailments and conditions, including acne. Ayurvedic remedies are designed to treat acne below the surface of the skin, offering greater benefits. Use caution when trying herbs and herbal remedies to treat acne. Discuss use of Ayurvedic herbs with your dermatologist and don't replace prescribed medicines with herbal treatments unless under the direction of your doctor.

Papaya Paste

A papaya paste is often used to treat acne vulgaris in Ayurvedic practice. A ripe papaya is squashed and mixed with a small amount of water. Apply the resulting paste to the face and allow to dry for about 20 minutes, suggests Ayushveda.com. Then, wash the face with clean water and rub dry with a rough cloth or towel. Following this process, gently massage coconut or sesame oil into the skin. You can repeat this process daily for about a week to help to reduce the appearance of pimples.

Chandana and Turmeric

Also known as sandlewood, chandana is believed to help to purify the blood and reduce outbreaks of acne, according to Ayushveda.com. Chandana powder is often used by Indian youths, states TreatmentGuru.com., an Ayurvedic encyclopedic database. You can create an acne treatment paste by combining turmeric paste with chandana powder in a one-to-five ratio. Turmeric is often used as an antiseptic, while chandana is known for its cooling benefits. Mix the ingredients and add just enough water to make a thick but pliable paste. Apply the paste to the skin and allow to remain for about 10 mines. You can then rinse it off. You can do this once in the morning and repeat in the evening before bed.

Chick Pea or Almond Paste

Purchase some chick pea flour from your local health food store and mix about 1 tsp of the paste with just enough water to make a thin paste. Rinse off and then pat dry. You can also make a paste for deep cleansing by mixing roughly 1 tsp of almond power with 1 c of goat's milk. Apply and massage this thin paste to your face and then allow it to remain for several minutes, suggests Holistic Online. Rinse.

Lime Juice

Apply a wash of lime juice and groundnut oil in equal amounts to the affected skin areas and allow it to dry, which takes about 10 minutes. This remedy helps to calm acne flare-ups and may also help to prevent blackheads, according to Ayurvedic-Medicines.com. Gently rinse.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jun 30, 2010

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