Muira Puama to Treat Acne

Muira Puama to Treat Acne
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Muira Puama, otherwise known as potency wood or marapuma, is a small tree that grows 16 feet tall with white flowers and has a similar smell to jasmine. It comes from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and is frequently used in Europe. The bark and roots hold the most potency of this herb and it contains numerous qualities and medicinal properties to help fight and treat acne.

Essential Fatty Acids

These acids are integral to the whole body's system and when plagued with acne it comes to your defense. Muira Puama contains essential fatty aids and fatty acid esters. Unlike saturated fats that clog and clump, essential fatty acids contain more liquid and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. If you are deficient in them the oil producing glands within your skin create sebum that is mixed with oleic acid. When this happens your skin gets irritated and develops clogged pores making you susceptible to blackheads, whiteheads and acne.

Essential Oils

Muira Puama contains essential oils that relieve and help acne skin sufferers. These essential oils in Muira Puama have anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. It is a healing oil and soothes mental stress. It can be applied topically but it is best if you consult with your doctor or herbalist before applying it.

Detoxifier and Laxtive

Muira Puama is a natural detoxifying herb and is a mild laxative. It helps cleanse out the body system such as your bowel movement. When your body becomes clogged or backed up you can suffer from blemishes, upsets, flare-ups, blotchiness and acne. A good internal cleansing may be needed and if so, it is best to follow a prescribed cleansing routine by your health care provider.

Balances Hormones

Muira Puama is a beneficial herb that helps balance hormones including your sex hormones. During the time of pregnancy, puberty, menopause and other symptoms, your hormones can go into chaos and acne appears. Hormones are known to clog hair follicles, which produce bacteria, pimples and blemishes.

Depression and Stress

Both of these symptoms are major components to many of Americans medical symptoms, including acne. Both depression and stress are strenuous on your emotional, physical, and mental health. Stress, in particular causes an anti-inflammatory response that results in the breaking of your pore walls. When this happens your body produces a red ring around the broken pore and there arrives a zit. Muira Puama benefits in the healing and treatment of stress and depression.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Dec 1, 2010

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