Herbalist in Question

Q: Since my teens I have suffered with acne, which at times makes my face look dreadful especially near my period when it usually flares up. The acne also affects my shoulders, and back. It can be very painful at times and I resort to the usual anti bacterial creams. I have tried diet changes but with little effect. I am now 25 years of age and would like to look and feel normal. Will herbs help this condition?

A: Acne is a common skin complaint involving the sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles that are located in concentration on the face, back, shoulders, and chest.

These glands become blocked with excessive production of sebum (oil) causing a cyst to form that in turn becomes infected and discharges pus. Blackheads form when oil glands become plugged with this excess amount of sebum, which changes colour when exposed to air. Many believe this to be dirt and consequently try to scrub it clean. Whiteheads appear when the glands become filled with pus. Pus can collect in deep tissue which becomes very tender and if not able to discharge will form cysts and papules that cause the area to become infected and inflamed. In extreme cases scars will form.

Many believe that this condition is caused by genetic predisposition connected to generations of poor eating habits leading to nutritional deficiencies.

Modern research has found in 50% of acne patients high blood levels of toxins that are absorbed from the intestines. This could be due to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which can cause a condition, called leaky gut syndrome, allowing undigested foods and waste particles normally eliminated now able to pass into the blood stream via the intestinal tract. Toxins that build-up in the blood may eventually seek an exit via the skin, the body’s largest organ of elimination, causing various types of eruptions.

Other theories connect acne with hormonal imbalance. It is believed that the cause is directly related to the skins sensitivity to androgen production at puberty. Androgens (male hormones) stimulate sebaceous gland activity causing over production of oil. Recent research has found that an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase seems to be more active in acne patients; this enzyme converts testosterone, a male hormone, to dihydrotestosterone a more potent form. The increase of this male hormone, during puberty, can stimulate and enlarge cells that secrete sebum.

Personal hygiene is important using gentle herbal cleansing lotions or skin washes to clean the skin. Over zealous rubbing and scrubbing of the face only aggravates the condition. Squeezing the blackheads or pimples can cause damage to the hair follicle so keep hands away from the face. It is best to avoid anti-biotic soaps and cosmetics that contain chemicals.

Whatever the theory, whether it’s hormone imbalance, or toxicities, I believe nutrition plays a large role in this condition. Devitalized foods are the biggest culprits, white bread, sugar, rice, any junk food, alcohol; even diary products and orange juice may be suspect. If the liver becomes congested because of your diet, and you are under stress it will affect its ability to detoxify and could affect the health of the bowel and blood. Make sure that the bowels move regularly, otherwise toxins will absorb back into the system causing liver overload.

Skin brushing will also assist the body’s natural elimination processes. Use a brush with natural bristles always brushing towards the heart. Start with the right leg, then the left leg, next the right arm and left arm and finally the torso. Do not brush the face and any area of infection. For each area brush 4 times until the skin develops a red glow.

Get plenty of rest and fresh air with exercise. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, raw and cooked, vegetable juices, along with whole grain breads and pastas, brown rice, soy products, organic chicken, and fish. Keep to a vegetarian diet as much as possible.

Herbal remedies used for this condition are usually a combination of liver (hepatic) and blood (alteratives) purifying herbs, and if necessary, glandular and hormone balancing herbs. In addition, herbs to support the immune system are used especially if the individual has been on long-term anti-biotic treatments.

Herbal skin washes with astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties are used to cleanse the skin and reduce redness and pain and to clear and prevent infections. The skin can be washed with infusions of pot marigold (calendula) and witch hazel. They are excellent choices because they contain all the required properties for treating this condition, reducing oil production, inflammation, and infection. Additional external remedies are Tea tree oil and herbal Swedish bitters, which can be swabbed on to painful cysts or left on overnight covered with a bandage or band-aid. This will reduce and eliminate the painful swellings by combating infection and reducing inflammation.

Nettle, burdock and cleavers taken individually or combined as a tea would make an excellent remedy for this condition. It is not difficult to find these herbs because they grow wild all around us. Before picking herbs I would advise seeking out a qualified herbal practitioner just to be safe. The herbalist will assess your individual condition and more than likely have a supply of the necessary herbs.

Other herbs that aid this condition are dandelion, milk thistle, Oregon grape, Echinacea, cleavers, red clover, and yellow dock. Liver cleansing herbs that aid detoxification and normal bowel function, blood and lymphatic herbs to remove toxins, immune stimulating herbs to eliminate infections and prevent secondary infections, and herbs such as vitex, a hormone modulator, to control androgen levels.

For a tea, one teaspoon to a cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups daily, or for an alcohol tincture take one teaspoon in 2 ounces water 3 times daily. The best time to take these remedies would be 30 minutes before meals. I would suggest a program of 6 to 8 weeks.

Remember to follow the dietary suggestions along with herbs to get the best results. In addition to the herbs and dietary changes I have seen very good results using evening primrose oil capsules, 2 capsules 3 times daily.

Vitamins are an excellent adjunct to herbal therapy and can be taken as a multi vitamin and mineral compound or individually. Recommended for acne are: vitamins A, F, C, and B complex, along with chromium, zinc, and selenium.

Peter Laker is a practicing Clinical Herbalist and Iridologist at Herbs and Health in North York, Ont. He is also, the President of The Central Canadian Herbal Practitioner’s Association.