So its tempting to believe that you can better



manage those troublesome spots with 'pure

natural herbal' acne treatment.

But is this the case?.

Lets have a look at some of the most popular

herbs that have been touted - sometimes for

hundreds of years around the world - as safe,

effective acne cures, plus any scientific research

done on them.

If you decide to purchase any of these as

preparations, be sure to use them exactly as

advised. Consult beforehand with a

professional if you are pregnant, breast

feeding,or suffer from any medical condition

likely to be aggravated by usage.

Also - we all have individual reactions -

discontinue use of any herbal acne remedy

immediately if you suffer any bad reactions

whatever. Treat them as you would any other

acne medication.

OK, Here are some top contenders

1/ Burdock The herb burdock (Arctium lappa),

popular in US, Asia and Europe for hundreds of

years as part of a popular drink as well as an

acne treatment. Be warned, its bitter on its

own! Can be bought as an extract, tablets or

in combination with other herbs like yellow

dock, and red clover.

There is evidence the tablets do have an

internal cleansing action, but no solid

scientific evidence, it does act as an acne

cure.

Though its a common weed, don't collect it

yourself, and only buy from reputable sources-

the roots of burdock closely resemble those of

belladonna or deadly nightshade (Atropa

belladonna), and there is some risk that

amateur burdock preparations could become

contaminated with these potentially

dangerous herbs.

There is also some evidence that burdock can

lower blood sugar. Hence those with diabetes

should avoid burdock as an acne treatment.

2/ Tea tree oil - this popular leaf extract from

one species (Melaleuca alternifolia) of the

Australian tea tree does seem to act as a

natural acne cure. A scientific trial compared

skin application of 5% tea tree oil to the most

common acne treatment, 5% benzoyl peroxide

(normally sold over the counter at 2-5%) for

common acne.

Although the tea tree oil acted more slowly

than benzoyl peroxide on spots, it had far

fewer unpleasant side effects and was

regarded as more effective overall.

Also, unlike benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil

doesnt bleach your clothes! It has caused

allergic reactions in some people,can dry the

skin when used alongside other acne

remedies, and should not be taken by mouth.

3/ Aloe - This herb has gained world wide

popularity a natural acne herbal remedy.Can

be applied as juice gel or ointment,or drunk

(bitter again), but does have a drying action

on the skin, so should be used with a

moisturizer. Said to be slow acting, taking 6

months or more.

So far there is some evidence that its good for

the bowels and has some anti-inflammatory

and wound healing action, but no

conclusive proof it is an effective herbal acne

treatment

Side effects? Nothing major externally.

If taken internally its a laxative- so do

not take high dosages

4/ Wild Basil Oil (Ocimum gratissimum) . Not

so popular with the herbalists, but a study

showed a 2% alcohol solution of Brazilian

Wild Basil Oil was a better acne treatment

than 10% benzoyl peroxide lotion!

You can already buy basil oil from a

herbalists, or boil the leaves and apply a

cooled poultice of the 'tea' to your skin.

I'm looking into herbal remedies for acne

further...

So should you. Good luck!