Acne Care - Herbal Remedies

Herbs are classified as plants which have little or no woody tissue and only survive during the growing season and does not persist beyond this period. A plant where all the parts or different parts, such as the roots, leaves, stems, fruit or seeds, can be used for their aromatic, savoury or medicinal purposes. Herbs have been used since time immemorial. Many of our modern medicines owe their origins to herbs. Different regions throughout the world have indigenous plants where the differing climactic conditions favour the growth of specific species of herbs, typical to that area.

Herbs are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, minerals, fatty acids and vitamins, which support the overall health of the body. The loss of vitality and ensuing slowing down of bodily functions, leading to organs not functioning maximally, is thought to be due to free radical cell damage. Therefore, the valuable nutrients in herbs may help reduce wear and tear on the body thus helping to keep the skin healthy.

Herbs are used in many products such as teas, cosmetics, bath care products, creams, salves, balms and even enemas. A large industry has grown up around herbal supplements and medicinal herbal use. There are some excellent and fairly new pills and tablets which can be used for acne sufferers that offer a combination of pure natural herbal ingredients. These usually work in two ways by using herbs which help by correcting hormonal and chemical imbalances and those herbs which help to detoxify the body, thus working on the liver and blood.

However, there is no regulation on herbs and therefore they fall under the heading of 'Herbal' acne treatments. Before embarking on a herbal acne treatment course you need to think about the safety of your health. Research the ingredients that you are putting into your body. Herbs used as medicines can be poisonous if not used correctly. The World Health Organisation was set up to protect and promote public health with the Food Standards Act instituted in 1999. Therefore each country has there own food and drugs regulating authorities, which trials and tests substances consumed or used by the public. The web site is www.euro.who.int

Herbs in the UK have normally gone through food trials only and are therefore classified as food supplements. The web site of the Food Standards Agency is: www.food.gov.uk

In the US, some of them have gone through food and drug trials which make them, perhaps, safer to take. Two useful sites are The Center For Food and Safety and Applied Nutrition www.fda.gov

Always inform your GP if you do decide to go for a herbal acne treatment, as the herbs may interfere with other medication that you are taking or be harmful to your health if you have an existing medical condition. Many herbs cannot be taken as medicine if you are pregnant. There are many professional out there who can help you with the right choice of herbs. Medical Herbalists undergo a stringent University Degree course in Herbal Medicine. They belong to a professional body called the Institute of medical Herbalists. They will be able to put you in touch with a fully qualified medical herbalist who lives in your area.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL HERBALISTS, ELM HOUSE, 54 MARY ARCHES STREET, EXETER EX4 3BA TELEPHONE: 00 44 01392 426022 or you can email: info@nimh.org.uk

The National Center For Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the States is a clearing house which provides information on complimentary and alternative medicine. It does not provide medical advice on treatments give recommendations or referrals to Practitioners.

NCCAM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH, 9000 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20892 email: info@nccam.nih.gov

Here is a list of herbs which have helped to clear acne.

BURDOCK ROOT; Found in Europe and Asia. The root is used, which has been described as sweet and of a gummy consistency. Now used as a blood purifier, by removing toxins.It can be used orally and topically for skin disorders. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The seeds contain fatty acids, which help to increase perspiration, and thus help to cleanse the body. The root can be eaten as a vegetable, for it's iron and oil content. It contains polyacetylines, which are antibacterial and anti fungal. It is purported to enhance the performance of the liver and kidneys, therefore purifies the body by eliminating toxins and waste, and is a powerful diuretic. A few of the active ingredients are, iron, arcigen,flavanoids potassium, resin, tannin. It is used in teas, pills and ointments.

DANDELION; The leaves and roots are mainly used, have been used for hundreds of years for kidney and liver problems. Good for water retention and joint problems. It ia a rich source of vitamins. Some active ingredients are, iron, zinc, silicon and magnesium. The roots can be used as a coffee substitute and the leaves in salads.

ECHINACEA PURPURA; This has a reputation as a natural antibiotic. It increases the production of T cells and is therefore an immune system stimulant. The active ingredient has not been identified.

KELP; This plant grows on coastlines throughout the world. It is known to have been in use since 3000BC. It is a natural source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The high iodine content makes it a natural antibiotic. It is full of iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. It is used as teas, pills and tablets or just plain dried and a good salt substitute.

LICORICE ROOT; This plant has been historically known to treat skin conditions. It can also be prescribed by healthcare providers. It boosts the immune system.

MILK THISTLE; This is indigenous to Europe, especially the Mediterranean region, where it grows as a vegetable. The white spots along the ridges of the leaves, are said to be drops of the Virgin Mary's milk. The parts of the plant that are used, are the fruits, without the fuzzy bit, and seeds, which are rich in flavanoids and fatty acids. This plant has been used since Roman times as a liver tonic. The main active ingredient is sylymarin, which is used to treat liver disorders, and inhibits free radicals. It is good for the skin. Used as a tea or dried.

OREGAN GRAPE; This herb has been used in Europe, since Elizabethan times. It is known to detox and also stimulate a weak liver. The root is used as a medicine for several skin conditions. The active ingredients are Isoquinoline Alkaloids, which are strong antiseptics.

PLANTAIN LEAF; This plant has been known since Saxon times, for it's antibacterial and liver cleansing properties. Some of the active ingredients are mucilage,tannins, flavanoids and glycosides. It is rich in minerals, zinc and potassium. It is useful for skin problems, used as a poultice.

RED CLOVER; This plant is indiginous to Europe and North America. It has a reputation for it's beneficial effects for chronic skin conditions. It is also used for it's diuretic properties, and also helps in the menopause. The active ingredient is unknown, but it is found to contain high amounts of isoflavines, which have weak oestrogen properties. The flowering tops are usually used as a tea.

SARSAPARILLA; This plant is native to the Caribbean, West Indies and South America. It has traditionally been used to treat acne, by removing endotoxins in the bloodstream. Endotoxins are fragments of cell walls of bacteria. Therefore, it can be called a blood purifier. It is also used to promote sweating, which again is healthy for the skin. It contains a wealth of plant steroids, such as sitosterol, sarsasapogenin and smilogenin amongst others, which are the active ingredients. These have an effect on the hormones of the body. The flavanoids in the plant, help to fight autoimmune diseases.

VITEX; This herb is found in both Europe and Asia, where the fruit is used as a medicine. It has been used for 2,500 years. It is known to increase Progesterone, by stimulating the release of luteinising hormones from the Pituitary gland. It is good for Acne related to the menstrual cycle, which it regulates. However, this herb has many side effects, including Tachycardia, (fast pulse rate), hair loss, headaches, and rashes. It should be used with caution, when taking prescribed medicines, as drug interactions can ocurr. Taken as a tea.

These are just a few of the many herbs which are used to help acne sufferers and the information contained above has been gleaned from several sources and may not be entirely accurate.

The importance of consulting a Doctor or Dermatologist when undertaking a herb treatment cannot be overemphasized. Also, seek a qualified medical herbalist who will correctly prescribe a herbal treatment. If taking over the counter herbal remedies then do your homework on the ingredients which are written on the bottle and tell you GP. There are many herbal tablets which can be bought on the internet so make sure they have gone through food and drug trials or at least food trials and again look at the contents and consult your GP.

 

Information written and supplied by Christine Burden - TalkAcne Web Site Manager