The human body is a complex machine, and most outward problems, like acne, are the external manifestations of internal imbalances. The natural balanced state of the body, or homeostasis, is the base state of the body, the ideal state. Any imbalance or change in this state produces external symptoms like acne, among others. Herbal acne remedies can be a low-cost, safer, and more natural way of restoring that balance.
Any chemical-based, or antibiotic, acne treatment is not only expensive but also has a negative effect on skin health. Harsh chemicals, and the side effects of most drugs, might be something you have to put up with when serious illness threatens. However, skin-friendly herbal acne remedies might be a good idea if you really want to uproot the problem and restore the natural balance of your system. The phytochemicals in herbal remedies can help to undo the chemical imbalance – in your internal systems – that is causing the acne in the first place.
Herbal acne remedies stimulate the cleansing of blood, liver function, and restore hormonal balance. They help to eliminate harmful bacterial and fungal infections, and they can even help to suppress the production of androgenic hormones in your body. Some of the herbs used regularly for acne remedies also have anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in treating acne and other skin conditions.
The prime mode of operation of many of the herbal acne remedies is to reduce the amount of the P. acnes bacteria in your body. This leads to the reduction of acne in a much softer and far less harsh way than blocked-pore treatments like benzoyl peroxide. As a general rule, such herbal remedies often work just as well as drugs, but have far fewer, or no, side effects, and don’t do your skin nearly as much harm.
Some common herbs used for acne control include German chamomile, calendula, witch hazel, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, licorice root, aloe vera, burdock root, jojoba oil, neem, and tea tree oil. Aloe vera, for example, has healing and soothing properties which are great for skin complaints in general and acne in particular. The same properties make it effective in the treatment of acne. Burdock root can be made into a tea and purges toxins from the skin.
Jojoba oil decreases the excess production of sebum, thus lowering acne breakouts. It is also a natural moisturizer with soothing properties. Neem is a great skin herb from India and has a number of medicinal properties. A herbal neem tea, although bitter, will go a long way in cleaning up that acne, as will applying a paste of it, preferably missed with some gram flour as a pack. Tea tree oil is antibacterial as well as antiviral and can be used topically, right on the pimple.
Whether you use fresh herbs, herbal teas, or homeopathy, which is often derived from herbs such as these, you are sure to get good results, without putting your skin through the irritation, itching, and other side effects that normal acne treatments have.
