Herbal Remedies and Other Non-Traditional Acne Treatments

Although you can enjoy various success with over the counter treatments for acne, with the appearance of the affliction being greatly reduced, there are other less known yet just as effective methods. This is by the use of less traditional treatments, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture and homeopathic approaches. As well as these, you may also want to try various diets and nutrients that will help combat the effects of acne.

Acupuncture:
Although it has still to be proven that acupuncture is an effective treatment for acne, there are many users who agree that it does make a noticeable difference. Two treatments in particular have proven popular – electro-acupuncture, which sends a mild electrical current through you, and auricular acupuncture, which is used via the ear.

Herbal medicine:
Herbs can also be highly effective when it comes to acne treatment, due to their anti-inflammatory ingredients. Some of the most effective are:

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) 
• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) 
• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) 
• Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 
• Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and flaxseed oil.

Tea Tree Oil:
One of the more traditional methods of treating acne is an ingredient called benzoyl peroxide, although it can cause itchy skin during treatment. An alternative to this is tea tree oil, which helps to reduce P.acnes bacteria, the main cause of acne, and one that doesn’t cause itchiness or a stinging feeling when used.

Homeopathic remedies:
This is where the treatment is put together with the exact needs of the individual patient in mind. A professional looks at your feelings, such as your physical, intellectual and emotional moods, and then the relevant treatment is set up.

Although still relatively new, some of the more successful homeopathic acne remedies include:

• Belladonna, which is excellent for acne sufferers with pus-filled pores.
• Calendula is good for blisters, as well as pus.
• Hepar sulphur is best for the really painful pus-type acne.
• Kali bromatum is usually used for forehead blemishes and sores.
• Silicea is used for deeper sores, especially ones with pus.

Mind and body medicine:
This is a mix of hypnotherapy, as well as more advanced treatment such as cognitive images and a method called biofeedback.    

Biofeedback and Cognitive Imagery:
These two methods are used to combat stress, since this is proven to set off acne.  With biofeedback, you’re trained how to control both your heart rate, as well as your body’s muscle tension. Cognitive imagery (also known as guided imagery) works by making you think of relaxing images. When you use both these methods in conjunction with each other, the results can be fairly impressive in fighting acne.

Hypnosis:
This is very similar to the above treatments, inasmuch that you’re being relaxed to help clear the negative energy that can cause acne. However, where biofeedback and cognitive methods are done yourself, hypnotherapy is conducted by a trained professional. 

Ayurveda:
Originally coming from India, this is a method that uses your diet and everyday living to combat acne in a holistic manner. Since everyone reacts to treatment differently, Ayurveda is specific to each user.

An expert in Ayurveda will study the patient, and use energetic forces they have learned over many years to help with their needs. These forces, or Tridoshas, are culled from ancient manuscripts, and include preparing herbs to use against the acne. One of these is called the Sunder Vati, which has ingredients such as ginger, Embelia ribes and Holarrhena antidysenterica.  

Kampo:
Originally a Chinese treatment, Kampo is the Japanese version of this particular method. Known either by its full name of Keigai-rengyo-to, or by its acronym TJ-50, Kampo is thought to be highly useful due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients. Some of the herbs it uses are Angelica root, Liquorice root, Peony root and Mint.  

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements:
As well as the various treatments that are available, both traditional and herbal, diet is also an important tool against acne. Obviously oily foods should normally be avoided, but nuts also seem to be particularly prevalent in the causes of acne. There are a whole host of food and drink ingredients that have been proven to inflame the cause and effect of acne and other skin-related diseases, so it’s a good idea to check up on what these may be, and alter your diet accordingly.