Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disorder in which the skin of the face reddens and swells, which can eventually cause acne-like welts and pimples. The condition affects adults, tending to begin in the 30s and 40s. If left untreated, rosacea will get progressively worse. Redness will deepen and blood vessels will become apparent. There is no cure for rosacea, but there are several herbs that can minimize flushing and improve the appearance of the affected skin.
Yellow Dock
In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," naturopathy expert Dr. Geovanni Espinosa explains that skin eruptions occur when the body isn't able to effectively expel toxins from the body through the normal paths. Therefore, he suggests drinking a tea of yellow dock three times a day. Yellow dock has traditionally been used to purify the body, aiding the gastrointestinal system and the liver. It is therefore used to treat skin conditions that can be attributed to toxins in the body. Boil one to two tsp of the root in two cups of water for 10 minutes to make a tea. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" states that while no side effects occur from normal dosages, eating numerous leaves of yellow dock can lead to death.
Burdock Root
Herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer also suggests a detoxifying herb to treat rosacea in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments." Burdock root has traditionally been used for ailments of the digestive tract and for purifying the body. In "Healing Without Medication," Dr. Robert Rister explains that most people who suffer from rosacea have some sort of digestive problem. Sometimes it's a lack of stomach acid, or the lack of a digestive enzyme, but the result is a deficiency of certain nutrients and high levels of toxins in the body. Burdock root promotes gastrointestinal health and regularity. According to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines," you should take burdock root as a capsule or make a tea by steeping 1 tsp in 150 mL of boiling water. There are no side effects with a proper dosage, though burdock root shouldn't be consumed by pregnant women.
Gentian Root
Gentian root is another potent herbal digestive aid which can help you get the nutrients necessary to control rosacea. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" states that much of its powers stem from its bitter taste, which leads to an increase in secretion of saliva and digestive juices. It also stimulates bile secretion. Consume gentian root as a tea by pouring boiling water over one to two tsp and allowing it to steep for five to 10 minutes. Drink this tea two to four times a day, a half hour before meals. Though there are no known side effects, because it stimulates the production of gastric juices, do not consume gentian root if you have ulcers.
Licorice
In "Healing Without Medication," Dr. Rister explains that a connection was found between bacteria Helicobacter pylori and rosacea in the 2001 study "Beneficial Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Dermatologic Disease." Though those suffering from rosacea were no more likely than other adults to have Helicobacter pylori in the body, antibodies that destroy this bacteria were found in 100 percent of those who completely recovered from rosacea due to antibiotics. It is therefore thought that while the presence of the bacteria doesn't cause the disease, its elimination cures it. Dr. Rister then cites a 1995 study entitled "Effects of Flavonoids on Parietal Cell Acid Secretion, Gastric Mucosal Prostaglandin Production and Helicobacter Pylori Growth" that found that licorice contains several flavonoids that prevent the multiplication of the bacteria. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice contains the same flavonoids and doesn't cause hypertension. Take 380 to 760 mg of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root 20 minutes before meals.
References
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed."; Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
- "Healing Without Medication"; Robert S. Rister; 2003
