Herbal Cure for Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores involving inflammation of the oil producing glands in your skin. It affects the areas containing the most oil glands including the nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, back and trunk. Acne is supposed to last longer in females but males are more likely to suffer from acne and its severe effects. Acne is most common in adolescents and generally disappears when you reach the age of 30. Although acne often appears as whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples but its severe forms can form painful cysts as well.
Causes of Acne
There are many causes of acne ranging from overproduction of oil, wrong feeding habits, bacterial buildup or irritation of your skin’s hair follicles to hormonal imbalance. These factors might also be due to side effects of certain medications, or one’s own genetic makeup. Though simple steps like washing your skin with a gentle cleanser twice a day, taking a shower or washing up after exercising and avoiding to rest your hands on your face can prevent acne to an extent, still acne seems to be a problem that everyone has to deal with at one point in time of life. Herbal cures have always been very affective in curing acne and rooting out their main cause so that the problem is nipped in the bud and does not arise again.
Effective herbal cures for acne
Vitex: Also known as chaste berry, vitex is believed to treat acne by balancing your hormone levels. While it is effective at curing acne, the herb has also been shown to improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Acne removing capabilities of Vitex are yet to be backed with studies.
Dong Quai: In a study conducted back in 2003, scientists discovered that dong quai, a Chinese herb also known as Angelica dahurica or Angelica sinensis has anti-acne benefits similar to that of erythromycin (an antibiotic often used as an acne medication). The same study claimed that licorice also had significant acne-fighting traits.
Guggul: According to a study published in 1994, this herb that is commonly used in Ayurveda helps treat acne, especially effective with people having oily base skin. The study was conducted on 20 people with cystic acne, and it was found that taking guggul supplements on a daily basis for just three months helped in reducing acne lesions to a great extent.
Neem: One of the most powerful blood purifiers and detoxifiers in Ayurveda, Neem is often used to keep the skin healthy and disease free. There is ample scientific backing for Neem’s immune enhancement properties.
More Natural Cures for Acne: Tea tree oil (an essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy treatments) and zinc (an essential mineral) also help treat acne in a natural way.
