Herbal Remedies for Winter Acne

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Herbal Remedies for Winter Acne

Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands secrete too much oil. Normally

the oil flows from the glands to the skin's surface, but if the dead

skin cells accumulate, they can clog the pores. The skin reflects our

internal health. Acne is sometimes an indicator of toxic conditions.

Too much waste product in the kidneys, liver, lungs, intestine or

digestive problems can all give cause for breakouts. Allergies, high

fat diet, emotional problems, pollution...these are all causes.

Most cases of acne will disappear by themselves at the end of

adolescence, but if acne persists or becomes severe, it should be

treated more aggressively to prevent scarring.

Sudden appearance of acne in adulthood may be a sign of hormonal

imbalance or drug toxicity (usually from steroids). Get a medical

checkup to rule out these possibilities.

Western drugs, derivatives of Vitamin A, are used to treat acne.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a topical preparation, while isoretinoin

(Accutane) is for internal use. These drugs are safe when used under

the supervision of a dermatologist but should not be used casually

because they can be irritating and toxic. (Caution: Do not use if

pregnant. These drugs may cause birth defects).

Clean the skin regularly with soap and water as well as with the

special acne formulas containing benzoyl peroxide. This is an excellent

cleansing agent and the active ingredient of many lotions and creams,

both over-the-counter and prescription varieties. Benzoyl peroxide may

irritate the skin, so it is best to leave it on for only two hours,

then wash it off.

Herbs used for general detoxification of the liver and bowels assist in

elimination and herbs that increase perspiration through the skin are

very helpful in treating acne.

Acne that grows into large groups can form sebaceous cysts, carbuncles

or furuncles. Boils can be large and inflamed and can be a sign of a

staphylococcus or (staph) infection. Weak immune function, diabetes

mellitus, poor nutrition and the use of immunosuppresive drugs are some

causes. Boils are often an infection that starts at the hair follicle,

inflammation occurs and then spreads. The bacteria in the pus reacts

the same as acne in that it is contagious to the surrounding skin.

Staph infection is contagious, can contaminate new skin, causing new

boils or enter the bloodstream and spread to other body parts. Without

treatment, a boil usually comes to head, opens and drains in 10-25

days.

This is something that should be watched carefully. If nausea,

vomiting, fever or infection grows, these are signs that these pus and

blood filled boils are not acne, but a bacterial infection. Severe

cases require, blood test and doctor to prescribe antibiotic and

draining incision and bed rest.

Boils are usually treated by lancing the boil to get the pus core out

and oral antibiotics are given to get rid of the infection.

Poultices, warm towels on a regular basis will help with pain and

drawing it out of skin. Do this 4 times a day for about 20 minutes.

Clean the wound. This is important to prevent infection and to decrease

the chance of permanent discoloration, or scarring. Wash the area with

soap and water Your own saliva contains many enzymes, which kill

bacteria. Use it to clean the area if soap/water are not available. The

object is to dilute the bacteria in the wound.

Disinfection is necessary, pour 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into the

wound, let it foam up, repeat, and pat dry with a clean piece of gauze

or cotton.

Yunnan Paiyao is an excellent Chinese herbal powder, which helps to

stop bleeding, close the wound and decreases scarring. This patent

formula alone helps the flesh regenerate and prevents blood stasis and

infections, which could lead to scarring. It can be used externally and

taken internally as well! Excellent treatment for boils and staph

infection.

Consider burdock root, which is a natural blood cleanser, red clover to

cleanse the blood, along with Chlorophyll and garlic, a natural

antibiotic. Take additional Vitamins A, C, E, which are powerful

anti-inflammatory and Co enzyme Q10, a fantastic antioxidant.

Herbal Remedies

Basil has been shown to kill bacteria on the skin surface. Apply this

tincture directly to the skin surface on a compress. This works to kill

the bacteria that forms blackhead and whiteheads. It is also possible

to steep two to three teaspoons of dried basil in a cup of boiling

water. Allow the herb to steep 5-10 minutes or more in order to extract

the healing oils from the plant. Then soak a washcloth or compress in

the tea and apply to the areas where acne is most present.

Burdock is a tonic herbs and have been used in the treatment of skin

conditions. Burdock is an herb that boosts immunity and purifies the

blood. It's a traditional liver tonic and a mild, natural diuretic.

Burdock's laxative and diuretic properties help remove toxins from the

system. The Chinese utilize it against tumors, inflammation, fungal and

bacterial infections. It is often recommended for dry, scaly skin. You

can take burdock in capsule form (follow the directions) or make a acne

fighting tea. Burdock root tincture may be taken in 2–4 ml amounts per

day. Dried root preparations in a capsule or tablet can be used at 1–2

grams three times per day.

Calendula is a good herbal treatment for the skin, commonly known as

Marigold. (It is not a true marigold.) Calendula is a popular

ornamental plant. Try washing your skin with tea made from the flowers

or taking the tincture orally.

Dandelion is a leading remedy for detoxing the liver. It stimulates the

flow of bile, a fluid that aids fat digestion, which is why it's used

for liver and gallbladder disorders. Dandelion has scientifically

documented potent diuretic properties. It relieves constipation and

eases bloating and swelling. Dandelion should be used for 4 to 6 weeks

at a time. For it's liver benefits dandelion is helpful for acne.

Garlic can be taken internally 2-3 times a day as well as massaging your acne with raw garlic several times a day.

Oregon Grape Root (Berberis aquifolium) has antibiotic properties and helps stimulate the immune system.

Red Clover is an herb suggested for chronic conditions affecting the

skin. It is a diuretic, but it's unknown exactly how it works for skin

conditions. Use nonfermented red clover which is safe. Red clover

contains a substance called genistein, which has anticancer properties.

Yellow Dock is another herb that purifies the blood. It has compounds

called anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate bile production, aiding

digestion and cleansing the liver. Some herbalists believe that chronic

skin problems like acne improve with long-term use of yellow dock.

Don't take yellow dock if you have kidney stones.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spiritSent from Midlothian, Virginia, United States