Garlic is a traditional remedy for a variety of ailments and has a long history of use as a natural antibiotic. Volatile oils in the plant may help fight infections of all kinds, including inflamed and infected acne. Try garlic to boost your immune fuction and help heal acne. Despite its history of use, there is no conclusive evidence for the use of garlic to treat acne or other conditions.
Acne
According to the "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies," acne occurs when glands in the skin produce too much sebum due to hormonal activity. The sebum clogs the skin pores, often trapping bacteria. When pus forms as a rsponse to the bacteria, the pore becomes even more clogged and forms a pimple. Acne is usually characterized by clusters of pimples on the face, and they may become infected and painfully inflamed.
Garlic
Garlic's pungent odor and taste make it a popular herb for cooking as well as a traditional medicinal agent. Garlic may help to fight infections, reduce cholesterol, lower blood sugar and relieve circulatory problems, says ""The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" by Andrew Chevallier. Traditional use of garlic centers around its reputation as a natural antibiotic. Take garlic fresh, in syrup, capsules, tablets or pearls of garlic oil. There is no conclusive clinical evidence for these applications of garlic.
Garlic for Acne
According to ""The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," increasing intake of garlic in your diet or taking garlic supplements such as garlic pearls may help to support your immune system in fighting infected acne. Increasing vitamin C intake along with the garlic may help to boost your immune system even more. Take garlic and lemon together to get a combination of the anti-infective action of garlic and vitamin C.
External Use
Apply garlic directly to skin affected by acne. Hold a freshly cut garlic clove over pimples filled with pus. Rub the clove of garlic on your skin for up to 30 seconds and repeat the application twice daily until the acne resolves. There is no conclusive clinical evidence that garlic will effectively treat acne.
Warnings
Garlic is safe for almost everyone, but may not be safe for medicinal use for children under 12. Talk to your doctor before using garlic medicinally, especially if you are taking any medications or have a history of heart problems. Use of garlic is not meant to replace conventional medical treatment.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants"; Andrew Chevallier; 1996
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; Norman Shealy MD; 1998
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