Acne and rosacea are two distinct and common skin conditions that affect many Americans. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that acne is a skin condition associated with whiteheads, blackheads and inflamed skin lesions, whereas rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation of various parts of your face. There are many herbal remedies that may treat these conditions. However, you should always ask your doctor if herbal remedies are right for you.
Acne and Rosacea
Acne occurs when your pores -- small openings on the surface of your skin -- become blocked. Acne pimples or cysts usually develop on your face and shoulders, although they also may develop on your torso, extremities and buttocks. Common acne triggers may include hormonal changes, certain cosmetic products and certain drugs. Rosacea, a harmless condition, is more likely to develop if you are fair-skinned, female, blush easily and are between 30 and 50 years old.
Helpful Remedies
In "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch lists numerous herbal remedies that may be helpful in treating acne and rosacea. Helpful herbs for acne, notes Balch, include dandelion leaves, burdock root, red clover, milk thistle extract, yellow dock, chaste tree berry, lavender, strawberry leaves and tea tree oil. Beneficial herbs in treating rosacea include burdock root, red clover, alfalfa, aloe vera, nettle, rosemary, calendula, ginger, sage and slippery elm bark. Your physican can direct you as to which would be best for you.
An Effective Remedy
The root of the yellow dock plant may be an effective remedy in treating both acne and rosacea. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, an herbalist, naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that yellow dock is used in treating many ailments, including long-term skin conditions, congested liver and constipation. Yellow dock helps purify and cleanse your blood and may be used to treat inflammation of your nasal passages and other airways. Talk to your doctor before using yellow dock.
Warning
If left untreated, acne and rosacea may lead to certain health complications, including cysts, scars, reduced self-esteem, alterations in skin color and irreversible changes in your appearance. Herbs may provide a safe and effective way to treat your acne and rosacea without the damaging side side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical drugs used to treat these conditions. Check with your physician before taking any herbal remedies as they can interact with other medications and can cause side effects.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Acne
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Rosacea
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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