The dreaded zit—also known as Acne vulgaris, or simply pimple outbreaks, is an inflammation of the skin that results from clogged pores. Acne is likely to occur when sebum, a waxy substance that lubricates the skin, and keratin, a skin protein, block the sebaceous glands. Acne can have many causes, including allergies, poor circulation, constipation, food sensitivities, medications, nutritional deficiencies, smoking, stress, yeast overgrowth, inadequate sloughing off of the skin’s cells, overactive oil glands, and lack of fatty acids (which reduce inflammation). Excess sebum production can be partly genetic or hormonal, thus acne is most likely to occur on oily skin. Stress can cause the skin to produce more oil. These tips can help.
ANTI-ACNE HERBS
Herbs that can be used in tea, tincture, or capsule form that can help improve skin quality include burdock root, raw dandelion root, Oregon grape root, and yellow dock root. These herbs are available in combinations at health food stores and help improve liver function, bowel action, and help the body metabolize fats. Burdock and Oregon grape root also have mild antibacterial activity.
Herbs to apply to an impending breakout include tea tree oil or lavender essential oil. Either can be applied undiluted to a problem area. A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 showed that tea tree oil was just as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide lotion, with less dryness, stinging, burning, and redness.
Spirits of camphor, available at drugstores, is also effective for spot treatments. Just dab this on an impending pimple and it will help dry it up quickly.
The company Desert Essence makes a blemish stick (available at health food stores) that contains tea tree oil and is a favorite product for those who suffer occasional breakouts.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
To encourage healthy skin, drink the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water one to three times daily to help the liver break down toxins. You can warm the water up slightly but not so hot that it destroys the vitamin C in the lemon.
BEST FOODS FOR CLEAR SKIN
Foods that are most beneficial for improving acne include apples, apricots, artichokes, barley, beets, carrots (with the skins), celery, cucumbers (organic with the peel), flaxseeds, green leafy vegetables, lemon in water, parsley, radishes, sweet potatoes, raw sunflower seeds, and winter squashes. All of these foods are cleansing yet high in minerals or beta-carotene that can help the skin be more resistant to outbreaks.
A raw high-fiber diet, without heated oils, refined carbohydrates, dairy, sugar, and wheat, is the ultimate.
Foods to minimize include peanuts, peanut butter, wheat, high-fat dairy products, sugar, heated oils (this includes commercially bottled salad dressing and oils like canola, soy, and safflower oil), fried foods, and hydrogenated oils. Not only is eating fried foods a possible problem, but heated oils in the air (such as those around a fryer) can also clog the pores. Acne can be inflammation related to a food allergy. By removing the offending food, the problem can go away.
Thrifty Cures!
At the first sign of an acne outbreak, apply an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth for several minutes at least twice daily to reduce inflammation. After cleansing the face, apply a cotton ball soaked in equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to restore the skin’s proper pH.
BEST PRACTICES FOR CLEAR SKIN
Here are some additional clear skin tips:
• Consider changing your pillowcase every other night to minimize exposure to bacteria.
• Wash hands frequently during the day and avoid touching the face unnecessarily, and only touch with clean hands.
• Keep hair off the face and be aware that hair products such as sprays, gels, and mousses can contain pore-clogging ingredients. Be aware that products that are used on the skin (make up, cleansers, moisturizers, even sun screen) can also contain pore-clogging mineral oil, allergens, or chemicals that cause reactions.
• Keep in mind that holding a telephone receiver against your face can contact you with bacteria that causes acne. Wipe the phone down with alcohol daily.
This Herbs For Acne article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
