Although there are many proven and effective commercial acne treatments available in the market today many people prefer to treat their condition the natural way. Natural or herbal treatments for acne are usually milder on the skin and cause fewer side effects than most of the chemical treatment options.
However, before choosing an herbal acne treatment you must research on the herbs and proper way to use it and also learn the proper way to utilize them.
Choosing the Right Herb
There are a quite a few common herbs that have been shown to have properties that can soothe and heal the lesions associated with acne. Some of these herbs work well on their own while others need to be combined with other herbs to produce the best results. Also, some herbal treatments call for the herbs to be applied directly to the skin or acne lesion, while others are intended to be taken internally or consume by water as per steps written on or prescribed by a doctor..
One of the popular combination herbal acne treatments is the blend of yellow dock, sarsaparilla, cleavers, and burdock herbs. These herbs are well known for their lymphatic cleansing properties and are thought to unclog the skin and allow for healing. This combination is meant to be taken internal and the recommended dosage is one half of a teaspoon and the combined herbs should be taken three times a day.
Other herbs that can be taken internally to heal acne include Echinacea, oregano, and basil. For proper dosages it is best to consult the labeling of each supplement before using it as a remedy for acne treatment. Best of all, each of these herbs can also be applied to the skin to boost healing results. Echinacea can be applied as is, but oregano and basil must be used in oil form for effective results.
For topical use witch hazel, tea tree oil, and Oregon grape root are popular choices. Witch hazel, also found in many commercial solutions, acts as an antiseptic to cleanse the skin and kill surface bacteria that can cause acne. Tea tree oil can be found in many preparations including gels, lotions, cleansers, and creams. This herb is well known for treating many ailments and is praised for its anti-microbial properties. Since the oil can kill bacteria and other harmful organisms it works to reduce inflammation and eliminate acne breakouts. Oregon grape root also has bacteria killing properties and is sold in a cream form for more effective acne fighting results.