Acne
Hormones play a big role, as does heredity. During times of great hormonal change , such as during puberty, changes in the body create conditions ripe for causing pimples and breakouts. For example, sebum production increases and the oil, which ordinarily passes harmlessly through the glands, can harden and clog the glandular canals resulting in bumps known as pimples. Other factors involved in acne during puberty include increased production of keratin, a protective protein which covers the skin, and an increase in the number of sebaceous glands. All these things lead to clogged, infected pores and increased bacteria overgowth on the skin. Second to hormones, poor nutrition is the leading cause of acne. Fat, sugar, and processed foods can cause inflammation in the skin and make acne symptoms worse. Some research suggests that food sensitivities may also play a role in the aggravation of the skin. Unfortunately, most conventional approaches to the treatment of acne involve the use of prescription drugs which include harsh topical lotions that can cause red, irritated skin and sun sensitivity, or antibiotics which can disrupt the natural balance of intestinal flora and cause yeast overgrowth. Natural Approaches to Treating Acne A natural approach to treating acne will emphasize dietary changes, detoxification, stress reduction, natural hormone balancing and addressing food allergies. Diet A simple diet of unprocessed foods with lots of pure water is the best recipe for clear skin. Good Foods... Dark green leafy vegetables Foods to Avoid... Junk Food Natural Acne Formulas ***Native Remedies makes some all natural topical preparations that many people find very effective. Herbs for Acne Dandelion Root supports the liver, which can be overtaxed with toxins and excess hormones. It is a very gentle laxative that assists in waste removal. 300-500mg daily, in capsules is the standard dosage. Milk Thistle Seed also helps with liver detoxification and is a wonderful herb for the skin. 200-250 mg daily. Vitex is the most versatile female hormone balancing herb. It is used by both men & women to control hormone related acne. It should not be taken with birth control pills, or during pregnancy. Must be used for about 6 weeks before improvement is noticable. Burdock Root is a useful blood purifier and detoxifier, and also assists in balancing hormones. The usual dosage is 300-500mg in capsule form daily. You can also buy fresh burdock roots at the market and add them to soups or run them through the juicer with an apple and a handful of parsley. One study showed that a 5% tea tree oil gel extract was comaparable to the results of using benzoyl peroxide in treating acne. And those using the tea tree oil experienced less dryness, burning, redness, and itching. It can be dabbed onto blemishes or applied in over the counter topical preparations. Oregano Oil can be helpful if yeast is the culprit. 500 mg twice daily in liquid form is the standard dosage. Supplements for Acne Essential Fatty Acids are helpful in reducing inflammation and minimizing acne. Zincis one of the most helpful minerals in the treatment of acne because it helps to reduce the build up of DHT and promotes healing. One study found that 90 mg of zinc daily greatly improved acne. Homeopathy for Acne Pulsatilla.Acne, pimples, particularly at puberty, in young girls, pregnancy. Styes.Frequent itchy hives. Flushes easily. Pale, dry cracked lips (licks them).Chilly, but hates heat. Scanty, irregular or absent menses. No thirst.Affectionate, emotional. Forsaken, sad, weepy. Fear if alone or in crowds.Worse: evening, warm air, rich food. Better: fresh air, gentle motion.
Silica.Acne and rosacea. Forehead, cheeks, nose, back of hands. Pitting scars.Pustules, blackheads, boils, abscess. Itches and burns daytime only.Deep cystic pimples, do not come to a head. Easy infection, poor healing.Chilly. Profuse and offensive sweat. Sweaty hands, feet. Stubborn.Lack of confidence, afraid to initiate things. Wants good opinion of others.
Sulphur.Acne on forehead, scalp, nose, (becomes reddened). Rosacea. Oily face.Large pimples, close to the surface. Blackheads. Black pores on chin, nose, lips. Painless but itchy pimples, seeping fluid after scratching.Over intellectual, dreamers. Always dissatisfied. Selfish, lazy, messy.Hungry, weak at I I a.m. Worse: warmth, before menses, night, bathing. Calcarea sulphurica.
Kali brom.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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