Chamomile for Acne

Chamomile, an aromatic plant used widely by herbal tea drinkers, grows to a height of two feet. The plant bears fern-like leaves and daisy-like flowers. While further scientific analysis is needed to confirm chamomile's efficacy as an herbal medicine, the University of Maryland Medical Center includes the herb as a treatment for digestive disorders, anxiety and skin conditions including acne.

History

There are two types of chamomile. The more popular German chamomile grows in most of Europe and other temperate regions where it has been used since the 1st century. Roman chamomile began cultivation in Rome during the 16th century, arriving there from England.

Cultivation

Chamomile flourishes in nutrient-rich soils and areas receiving plenty of sunlight. Found wild in fields, waysides and meadows, chamomile thrives in gardens where it makes a good companion plant for cabbage and onions. Herbalists pick the flower heads of both versions of the plant as they come to full bloom in summer. The heads are gathered in bright sunshine because the plant's key constituents decrease in rainy weather.

Benefits

Noted in Europe and the United States for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, chamomile appears in numerous commercial acne preparations. It soothes and cleanses the skin, heals wounds and contains antibacterial compounds that promote tissue regeneration. According to the book, "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," by Deepak Chopra, M.D., the German Ministry of Health approves the external application of chamomile for skin inflammation and bacterial skin conditions.

German chamomile's flower heads contain volatile oils that provide the principal anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic constituents of the plant. Certain flavonoids present in the flowers also contribute to chamomile's healing qualities. Additionally, chamomile can help reduce the weeping of fluids from pus-filled pimples. Scientific analysis further finds that a two percent chamomile tea lotion yields valuable results for alleviating acne, as stated in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies."

Use

Although the U.S. National Library of Medicine states that while there are no standard doses for the topical use of chamomile, they recommend ingesting 400 to 1,600 mg capsules taken in divided doses throughout the day.

To make a face wash, steep 1 tbsp. dried chamomile flower heads in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and apply the solution onto your face with cotton balls. Before application, make sure the solution is not too hot. You can also saturate a washcloth with the face wash and position it on your face for 15 minutes as a hot compress.

Considerations

Chamomile contains natural blood thinners called coumarins and should not be ingested if you use anticoagulants. Do not use chamomile if you have allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, an allergenic compound found in chamomile can cause skin rashes, throat swelling, difficulty breathing and life-threatening reactions. Additionally, excessive amounts of chamomile can cause drowsiness and vomiting.