Herbs for Acne

Acne is an extremely common skin condition, characterized by occasional flare-ups of blackheads, pimples, and pustules. Most often, pimples develop on the face, neck, upper chest, and/or the back. When the liver becomes congested or sluggish, toxins are not filtered out of the body, instead get into the bloodstream, which can show up as a skin problem like acne. Some of the factors that contribute to acne are a diet having excessive sugary, fried, salty and processed foods; insufficient intake of water, fruit, vegetables, and fiber; and excessive intake of foods such as chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, milk products, seafood and other iodine-rich foods. Certain herbs that purify the bloodstream of toxins, by improving liver function, are used to treat acne as well. Some of the major herbs for acne have been listed below.

Burdock
Burdock has been traditionally used to treat a lot of ailments, more so as a blood purifier to clear the toxins from the blood stream and a diuretic, helping the body to get rid of excess water by increasing urine output. The herb has also been used as a tropical remedy for treating skin problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Burdock is often used with other herbs to cure sore throat and colds in traditional Chinese medicine.

Yellow Dock
Yellow dock, botanically known as Rumex Crispus, is a perennial flowering herb that is found in Europe and all through the US. Traditionally, the plant has been used for treating a variety of conditions, such as constipation and diarrhea and also dermatitis and venereal diseases, thereby preventing skin problems from erupting. The powder made from the yellow roots of the herb has also been used to wash face, in order to get rid of acne.

Dandelion Root
Dandelions roots and leaves have been traditionally used by Native Americans for the treatment of not just skin problems, but also conditions like kidney disease, swelling, heartburn, and upset stomach. The medical practitioners in China traditionally used the herb for curing digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). The herb is known to be very effective against acne and other skin problems as well.

Red Clover
Red clover, botanically known as Trifolium pretense, is a clover species that is native to Europe, Western Asia and Northwest Africa. Historically, the herb was used to treat conditions like cancer and respiratory problems such as whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis. In present times, ointments made from this herb are used to treat skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Red clover also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, chromium, potassium, and vitamins such as niacin, thiamine and vitamin C, which are known to promote a healthy skin.

Sarsaparilla
The sarsaparilla plant is a vine, which grows in Mexico, Central America and South America. Its root is the most valued part of the plant and has been used for medicinal purposes since ages. Many shamans and herbal practitioners use the roots of the Sarsaparilla plant for treating leprosy and other skin problems, such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It has also been used to treat acnes and pimples.