When you suffer acne, your pores are both clogged and inflamed. Acne can show up on the face, shoulders, neck, back or chest. Stress, heredity and hormone imbalances can all cause acne. The inflammatory skin condition is common in both teens and adults. In fact, it affects some 50 percent of adults between ages 25 and 49. Herbs can help reduce inflammation. With some herbs, however, you need to use patience, because you won't see the full effect for about two months, advises nationally known nutritionist Dr. Andrew Weil.
Rose
Rose extract is effective in inhibiting Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that is involved in causing acne, according to a study done by researchers including Tsung-Hsien Tsai in Thailand. The study was published in the April 2010 issue if the journal "Food Chemistry." Rose has astringent and toning properties that help to control bacterial infections and promote healing, according to the anti-aging herbal advice website Ageless. To prepare a rose water cleanser at home, combine 1 cup rose water, 10 drops rose essential oil and 2 tsp. glycerin, advises Natural-Homeremedies.com.
Basil and Oregano
You can use basil and oil of oregano topically for acne that has not responded to other remedies. For Basil, brew 2 to 3 tsp. dried leaves in 1 cup of boiling water. Keep it on heat for 20 minutes before letting it cool and applying it to areas of acne. Utilize oregano oil by putting two drops in a glass of water. Mix and apply to acne with a cotton ball. Oregano is strong disinfectant, advises Health 911, so if your skin turns red, you need to stop using it for two or three days, then try again with a more diluted solution.
Duzhong and Yerba Mate
Duzhong and yerba mate herb extracts both inhibit Propionibacterium acnes, advises Tsai. Duzhong and yerba mate, most often found in tea, also have anti-inflammatory properties and provide antioxidant action that fights free radicals.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can improve acne symptoms, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. When a 5 percent gel is applied to the skin, it can reduce bacteria and lessen inflammation. In fact, for mild acne, tea tree oil may work just as well as benzyl peroxide, with fewer side effects like itching or dryness.
Guggul
Guggul can have a similar effect to tetracycline on acne. Evidence points to taking about 500mg of guggul twice daily, according to the UM Medical Center. This herb should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women or by anyone who has a family history of hormone-related cancers because it has estrogen-like effects. It also can interact with birth control pills, blood-thinning medications, tamoxifen and other herbs with estrogen-like effects including soy, black cohosh and licorice.
Burdock
Burdock is effective in treating acne, and Health 911 dubs it the most important herb for treatment of chronic skin problems. Burdock tea can be used topically as a skin wash. To make it, you bring 1 quart of water to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and add 4 tsp. dried and cut burdock root. Simmer for seven minutes with a cover on the pot. Steep for an additional two hours before use.
Turmeric, Ginger and Boswellin
Three other herbs have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help with everything from acne to arthritis. You can take turmeric as an extract; Weil recommends 400 to 600mg three times a day. Ginger can inhibit prostaglandin levels, similar to the way aspirin works to combat inflammation, advises MotherNature.com. Weil advises using one to two capsules of 500 to 1,000mg strength twice a day with food. Boswellin is an extract of the herb Boswellia that is used in Ayurvedic medicine. You can take it in capsule form, and but make sure to follow the directions for use. Most products advise taking two capsules daily, according to Weil.
