Acne is one of the most prevalent and most difficult skin
problems to treat. Not only does acne cause physical
discomfort and blemish it also can be the cause of
stressful angst and embarrassment leaving the acne sufferer
with less than positive feelings about themselves.
Standard treatments range from various over-the-counter and
prescription drugs, ultraviolet radiation, oral anti-biotic
treatments, hydrocortisone based lotions, oral
contraceptives and a variety of abrasive topical treatments.
Acne is often thought of as a teenage affliction but men
and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s make up half the acne
population. Young children and elderly adults don't seem to
get acne. Teenage acne is equally distributed between girls
and boys but adult acne is more common in women.
The medical establishment blames acne on a combination of
hyperactive oil glands in the skin, hormones, and a
tendency for cells lining the pores to clog. Research by
Nicholas Perricone, however, shows that acne is actually
the result of a cascade of inflammatory reactions in the
body.
An inflammatory response - created by eating
pro-inflammatory foods, high levels of stress and not
getting adequate and restful sleep - creates inflammation
on a cellular level. Cellular inflammation accelerates the
aging process, as well as the onset and course of many
diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis,
and acne.
As Perricone states in his book The Acne Prescription,
"Inflammation always comes first and it is the inflammation
that is the cause of the clogged pore …" His research
points to the fact that acne is a systemic inflammatory
disease - which means that it happens from the inside out.
Herbalists have traditionally treated acne from the inside
out. Rather than relying simply on external topical
treatments to rid the skin of acne, herbalists have sought
to rebalance key internal processes:
Hormone production
Immunity
Detoxification
Liver health
Lymphatic health
Digestive health
Bowel function
Skin health
The new - and the traditional - approach to acne is to
treat it as a systemic imbalance in the body - as an
inflammatory response supported or prompted by imbalances
in several different body functions.
A "one treatment works for all approach" to clearing up
acne doesn't work, so how do you know what's behind your
breakouts and which treatment approach will work best for
you? A through diagnostic evaluation mapping out your own
personal imbalances can help target effective treatments
for your situation. Successful treatment of acne calls for
a multi-tiered, individually designed approach including:
Diet
Supplements
Herbs taken internally
Topical treatments
In addition to an anti-inflammatory approach, there are
some time honored herbal approaches that have been shown to
be helpful when used as part of multi-modality program.
Burdock - a deep cleansing herb that may help the liver and
skin more effectively cleanse waste and toxins. A liver
that is not functioning at its best is sluggish in breaking
down and clearing out hormonal by-products that can worsen
acne. Burdock has strong liver purifying and hormone
regulating actions with a special affinity for the skin.
Burdock contains inulin, which helps remove bacteria in the
skin and some research suggests that burdock has
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The root is most
often used and promotes sweating and urination.
Dandelion - stimulates liver and digestive function and
promotes bile flow. The liver is the major organ in the
body that helps get rid of toxins and excess hormones,
including those that are related to acne breakouts.
Dandelion root is anti-inflammatory and may help get rid of
skin bacteria associated with acne.
Dandelion leaves are vitamin and mineral rich - and make a
tasty green veggie. The vitamins and minerals in dandelion
greens are thought to support and maintain healthy skin.
Calendula - is a traditional skin remedy. It is
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and boosts immune
function. Calendula is used both externally and internally
to reduce inflammation and speed wound healing. Calendula
is considered to be the best herbal tissue healer for skin
problems. Calendula is on par with witch hazel as an
astringent and is one of the best antiseptics.
Chasteberry - If you are a woman and your acne has a
hormonal link, chasteberry might be just the thing for you.
Chasteberry has a long history of balancing women's hormone
problems. Chasteberry appears to regulate higher
progesterone levels that are related to acne outbreaks.
Chasteberry may be called for if your acne occurs along
with PMS and if acne reappears as you enter menopause.
Sarsaparilla - has long been used to clear up skin
problems. Sarsaparilla appears to work to clear up acne by
balancing hormones and improving the function of the
lymphatic system.
Yellow Dock - another favorite herbal remedy, clears skin
problems by improving digestion and regulating bowel
movements. Herbalists have long noted a connection between
constipation and skin problems.
Oregon Grape and Goldenseal - Both of these herbs contain
berberine, which is a potent anti-bacterial agent and may
help rid the skin of bacteria related to acne. Plus, both
of these herbs work to improve digestion and liver
function, helping the body get rid of toxins.
Oregon grape is particularly effective for all types of
skin problems. It stimulates bile secretions and is a
glandular tonic. Through its stimulatory and regulating
effect on the liver and gallbladder, it is useful in
overcoming problems with constipation. It is what
herbalists call a blood purifier and promotes healthy
functioning of the spleen and lymphatic system. Through its
combined actions it can work wonders to restore a clear,
smooth complextion. Caution - Do not use either of these
herbs internally during pregnancy.
Herbs for External Treatment:
Reduce inflammation - cat's claw, nettles, cleavers,
licorice, chamomile, chickweed
Deep pore cleaning - ginseng, ginkgo
Antibacterial/ antifungal - echinacea, white willow bark,
calendula, goldenseal, blue flag, nettles, cleavers.
Lavender kills germs on the skin, stimulates new cell
growth and helps heal acne scars.
Astringents -calendula. Witch Hazel is an old fashion
remedy that kills bacteria and helps remove excess oil on
the skin.
----------------------------------------------------
Mary Ann Copson is the founder of Evenstar Herbs and the
Evenstar Mood & Energy Wellness Center. With Master's
Degrees in Human Development and Psychology and Counseling,
Mary Ann is a Certified Licensed Nutritionist; Certified
Holistic Health Practitioner; Brain Chemistry Profile
Clinician. Find more herbal remedies at
http://evenstaronline.com/herbs
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