Herbal Remedies for Acne

The facial spots and scars of acne usually appear at puberty, the time when young people are most concerned about their looks. The chest, shoulders, and back can also be affected. The cause of acne is not fully understood, but heredity, hormonal fluctuations, hygiene, and diet may all play a part.

Herbal Remedies for Acne

Antiseptic lotion for spots that have been picked or squeezed

Squeezing pimples is never advisable, but if you are tempted to do so, prevent infection from spreading by bathing the whole face with a lotion made from a teaspoon of calendula tincture or Tincture of Betadine in a glass of cold water.

Bring pustules to a head

Make a paste from a teaspoon of powdered marsh-mallow root or slippery elm mixed with hot water. Spread it onto the acne and leave for about 20 minutes. Wash the mixture off with comfrey infusion.

Heal damaged skin

An infusion of comfrey leaves also makes an excellent facial wash, and comfrey used externally in any form will promote healing and the growth of new tissue.

Improve circulation and disinfect the area

Apply lemon juice onto spots.

Cleanse the skin from within

Take the following herbs as infusions, tablets, or medicinal extracts:
-- blue flag
-- echinacea
-- nettle
-- dandelion root