:Clear Skin Blog

I don’t usually cover herbs, as they tend to have less science behind them than vitamins and minerals, but there’s no denying that some of them - while not miracle cures - can certainly help with achieving healthy and clear skin. Besides, I need something new to write about .

Two popular herbal treatments for acne are burdock and sandalwood. Burdock is said to be one of the most potent herbs for treating chronic skin problems. It boosts your immune system and acts as a natural, mild diuretic, flushing toxins from the body. In Chinese medicine, burdock has traditionally been used to combat bacterial infections and inflammation, and is often recommended for dry skin. Burdock is usually taken internally, although it may be used to create a face wash as well. The most popular method is to brew a tea of burdock root by steeping a teaspoon of burdock in a cup of boiling water. Drink 1-3 cups per day. Burdock may also be taken as a pill, although burdock capsules have a lower a absorbance rate - or one could simply take 10-20 drops of burdock tincture. A facial wash can also be made by brewing a mixture similar to the tea, only stronger, but I honestly doubt the wash would work as well as the internal treatments.

Sandalwood refers to the bark of the Indian Sandalwood Tree, and is another treatment popular in India and Asia. It has antimicrobial properties and is known to cleanse and moisturize the skin. It has been used to fight acne, as well as aid in the healing of minor cuts and burns, and is popular for its pleasant scent and the soothing sensation it has upon the skin. Sandalwood is applied topically. It is usually purchased as a powder and used to make a paste by mixing with a few drops of water. The paste is then applied as a facial mask and left on for 20-30 minutes. For those that prefer less of an aroma, sandalwood may also be purchased as an oil and massaged into the skin. Besides acne, it’s also a helpful remedy for itchy skin and insect bites.