Skin flushing, or blushing, is a natural response of the body to feelings of embarrassment, anger, excitement or other intense emotions. Skin flushing can be the cause of a skin condition called rosacea, which appears on the skin as redness, spider-like blood vessels or swelling. Herbs such as St. John's wort, valerian and kava kava may help to reduce facial blushing. You should check with your physician before attempting to treat your condition with these herbs.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herb with yellow flowers that grows prominently in Greece and gets it's name from the time of year it blooms, around the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June. In addition to treating skin flushing, St. John's wort may help to relieve depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. To treat skin flushing using St. John's wort, use 300 mg each evening for six to eight weeks. An excessive dose may lead to sensitivity to light. Take St. John's wort before bed because it can have a sedative effect. Do not take St. John's wort in conjunction with any other anti-depressants. More evidence is necessary before St. John's wort is considered a proven cure for skin flushing.
Valerian
Valerian is a plant native to Europe that grows up to two feet tall in damp grasslands. In June, this herb blooms with small, sweet-smelling, light purple flowers. You may find valerian in pill form, squeezed into fresh juice or freeze-dried to form powder. Herbalists in Europe began to use valerian in the 17th century to treat insomnia, anxiety and as a sedative. To use valerian for skin flushing, take 400 to 800 mg before bedtime. This herb may cause heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea and even allergic reactions if you take it in excess. Do not take valerian if you are already taking sleeping medication. You can expect drowsiness when taking valerian so do not drive or operate any heavy machinery. More evidence is necessary before valerian is considered a proven cure for skin flushing.
Kava Kava
You can use kava kava to treat skin flushing by taking 750 mg twice a day for three to four days per week. Kava kava will help to combat skin flushing by giving you a feeling of relaxation and lessening social anxiety. You may feel your muscles relax and a mild sense of euphoria when you take kava kava. Kava ava will give you an initial feeling of alertness followed by drowsiness which comes on after a few hours, so you should take kava kava in the evening, a few hours before you plan to go to sleep. Talk with your doctor before you take kava kave for skin flushing.
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