Herbal & homeopathic remedies for Rosacea (Acne Rosacea), face flushing, redness of face

Rosacea
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - rosacea

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Acne rosacea, now more accurately known just as rosacea, is a chronic skin condition of the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. It is identified by a persistent redness of the skin and dilation of the blood vessels, and through the appearance of pustules that resemble acne. Fair women, with menopausal flushes, are the most susceptible. It can also affect men in middle life (adults between the ages of 30 and 60), with the nose growing large and warty, although it generally afflicts older people. About 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but there is likely a genetic component. Sometimes rosacea looks no worse than an embarrassing blush. However, the condition can gradually worsen until it resembles severe acne. Severe, untreated rosacea can be disfiguring to the face.

▲TOP

Rosacea has many symptoms, including the following:

Frequent redness (flushing or ruddiness) of the face - Most redness is at the center of the face (forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin). There may also be a burning feeling and slight swelling. Appearance of a fine network of tiny red/mauve lines across the cheeks, nose and chin. These lines show up when blood vessels under the skin get larger. This area of the skin may be somewhat swollen, warm, and red. Constant redness along with bumps on the skin - Sometimes the bumps have pus inside (pimples), but not always. Solid bumps on the skin may later become painful. Inflamed eyes/eyelids. The eyes may become sensitive to light, and the person may have blurred vision or some other kind of vision problem. Eyes can have redness, dryness, itching, burning, excess tears, and the feeling of having sand in the eye. A swollen nose - In some people (mostly men), the nose becomes red, larger, and bumpy. Thicker skin - The skin on the forehead, chin, cheeks, or other areas can become thicker because of rosacea. Blushing or flushing in hot weather, when you are under emotional stress or after exercise

In rosacea, tiny blood vessels in the face widen and fill with blood until areas of the face seem suffused with red. The redness fades after a few hours, but if rosacea is not treated, the face can take on a bumpy, sun burnt look.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of rosacea. Some doctors think rosacea happens when blood vessels expand too easily, causing flushing. People who blush a lot may be more likely to get rosacea. It is also thought that people inherit the likelihood of getting the disease. There is also some evidence that it may be caused by a skin infection called Demodex folliculorum and the immune reaction to it.

Though not well-researched, some people say that one or more of these factors make their rosacea worse:

Heat (including hot baths) Heavy exercise Sunlight, including UV light from sunbeds Winds Very cold temperatures Hot or spicy foods and drinks Drinking alcohol Menopause Emotional stress Long-term use of steroids on the face.

▲TOP

Treatment options such as oral antibiotics and topical creams are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and redness. Topical cortisone preparations for short-term use may also be prescribed as topical vitamin C therapy and cosmetic surgery. Often the harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that are contained in today’s skincare products do more damage to your skin than you may realize. Herbal remedies, on the other hand have carefully selected natural ingredients to improve the appearance of the skin and prevent future break outs. Two well known herbs such as Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) and Lavender Essential Oil have wonderful healing powers attributed to their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions. Other herbs such as Arctium lappa and Bulbine frutescence have been used widely to treat skin conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, Apparatus linearis (Rooibos) an indigenous shrub that hails from South Africa is known worldwide for its anti-oxidant and healing properties as well as its soothing and healing effect on the skin.

Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies Useful In Rosacea

Carbo vegetabilis (30C) is best for patients who are usually identified by the characteristic engorgement of capillary circulation. Their faces are often purplish, and usually any little stimulating food or drink will bring a flush to the face. The skin is said to look ‘lazy’ and sluggish with the head burning hot but the body often remaining cold. Every keeper of tropical or marine fish knows that charcoal filters are best for removing toxins and gasses retained in water!   Kali bromatum (30C) is also known as Potassium bromide. This ingredient is used to address ailments of the personality prone to fidgeting, nervousness, or guilt. It is also routinely used to help address skin conditions that cause redness, particularly on the face.   Violae tricoloris (6C) is a remedy formulated from the Pansy and is used mainly as a remedy for facial skin disruptions and redness to the forehead and scalp, accompanied by hot flushes and skin conditions that worsen with cold temperature, or temperature changes.   Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) is a traditional remedy of the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. Studies have shown that it has exceptional benefits for the skin. Tea Tree Oil was included in the wound dressing kits of the Australian troops in World War 2. It is one of few essential oils which can be used neat without irritating or drying the skin.   Arctium lappa is used naturopathically to support the health of the skin, with wonderful clarifying properties. It has been studied for its ability to promote and support health in cells.   Bulbine frutescence is indigenous to South Africa and is widely used as a home remedy and by traditional healers for the skin. Commonly called Bulbinella, bulbine is effective in supporting skin health and is highly recommended for the natural first aid kit, Its clear and soothing gel forms an invisible 'seal' over the skin, providing ongoing skin conditioning and support throughout the day.   Aloe ferox tr. is derived from a hardy plant indigenous to the south eastern Cape of South Africa; aloe was even used in Ancient Egypt, supporting the skin of the royal family! Studies have shown this herb to have skin supportive properties.   Hydrocotyle asiatica tr. (Gotu cola) is a plant that grows throughout Africa and Asia and is used both topically and internally to cleanse as well as support circulation. It has also been studied with regards to supporting the skin.   Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most useful popular herbs with a range of uses. The name Lavender comes from the French word 'lavare', which means 'to wash', giving a good indication of its cleansing properties. It also supports healthy circulation and is used naturopathically as an excellent skin tonic and natural soother   Azadirachta indica (Neem) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its cleansing and soothing properties. It has been studied in modern medicine for its ability to promote skin health.   Natrium muriaticum (D6) (Nat. mur.) is a biochemic tissue salt which helps to maintain the body's water balance and is an essential component of all living cells. This tissue salt has an excellent reputation for maintaining skin health and supporting well-hydrated skin.   Kalium muriaticum (D6) (Kali. mur.) supports blood and lymph cleansing, waste elimination, and acts as a general skin tonic. Due to the lymph cleansing and skin soothing properties of this tissue salt, Kali. mur. can provide a sound basis for skin health.   Trifolium pratense (red clover) has a range of therapeutic benefits and is also well known as a cleansing herb for the skin. Its ability to support lymph functioning also helps to maintain the natural purifying functions of the system.