Natural Herbs For Acne

Herbs for acne sounds like a pretty hokey slogan, but the cure for the common pimple may lie in herbal remedies. The age-old acne problem continues to baffle doctors, no source for the skin problem has been scientifically determined and this may be the reason why no solid solutions to acne skin conditions have been developed.

In order to truly address a problem, it is best to consider the source of the problem. Herbs for acne often function as a result of a theory of cause. For example, some believe that acne is caused by heat and dampness. The herbs for acne that arise out of that theory address these two causes for acne outbreaks. This theory comes from traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

In this Chinese theory, heat does not refer to temperature as we would initially assume. Heat is associated with over stimulation, over exertion, and inflammation. Each of these three elements can be treated with herbs for acne. An inflamed area of skin usually feels warm to the touch. Over stimulation and over exertion, including friction, are sources of heat. The Chinese herbs for acne treat these forms of heat.

The other factor in the Chinese theory behind pimples is dampness. This factor refers to our Western understanding of dampness in relation to fluids. Excess water, swelling and inflammation associated with breakouts are addressed with Chinese herbs for acne. Among the dampness problems is improper digestion, which seems to be a common thread among different theories about the causes of acne.

Another interesting relationship between the Chinese theory of heat and dampness and other theories of the source for acne breakouts lies in hormones. Many believe that hormones play a role in complexion problems. The heat theory suggests that overactive hormones are an element that adds to the heat factor. The herbs for acne are supposed to help an individual balance his or her hormones internally, leading to cool, clear skin.

Digestion and diet are among the over stimulation sources in the heat and dampness theory. This also parallels other common theories about complexion blemishes being related to diet. Poor digestion is supposed to heat and dampen the complexion. Herbs for acne are designed to help the body regulate digestion and clean the body of toxins that may lead to pimples.