Acne is a condition characterized by the onset of pimples, blackheads, papules, nodules, pustules, cysts, whiteheads, skin irritation, redness, swelling and inflammation. The acne eruptions can basically appear anywhere on your body--your face, back, neck, arms, legs, shoulders and torso. Certain natural hormone treatments may help alleviate the condition, because acne is sometimes caused by hormonal fluctuations in your body.
Saw Palmetto
In "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends the use of saw palmetto in men treating acne conditions that are not receiving testosterone therapy. Saw palmetto is an herb that contains plant sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer you anti-inflammatory properties and help to improve immune system functioning. Take one 320 mg capsule of saw palmetto a day. Occasional side effects are reported with the use of saw palmetto, including stomach irritation and headache onset. Do not use saw palmetto to treat acne conditions if you are planning surgery soon; saw palmetto consumption can increase bleeding during surgical procedures.
Milk Thistle
Balch also explains that milk thistle helps to rid the body of excessive hormones by promoting the increased production of bile in the liver. The increase in bile production forces excessive hormones to flush out of a person's system via the bowels and passage of stools. Milk Thistle contains silymarin, which helps protect your liver and repair cell tissues. This herb also reduces inflammation, and has antioxidants that help to destroy free radicals in your body that can damage cell structures. Take two 120 mg milk thistle gel capsules twice a day for acne relief and for rebalancing your hormones.
Vitex
Balch explains how the use of Vitex is beneficial in treating acne formation caused by hormonal conditions. Vitex, also called chaste berry, normalizes hormones in females, and is commonly used to treat hormonal imbalances. It has also been used in teenagers, both male and female, to treat and diminish acne conditions. This herbal treatment contains two forms of testosterone as well as progesterone and androstenedione, but it does not have any plant estrogens. The author recommends that for long-term benefits, the herb must be taken for six months until symptoms disappear. You may see immediate results within a 10-day period, but it can take several months for the benefits of vitex consumption to become apparent. Consume Vitex for six months after all acne symptoms have passed for long-term benefits. Take one 450 mg capsule of vitex two to three times a day for eight to 12 weeks to balance out hormonal issues responsible for acne onset.
Black Cohosh
In "Is It Hot in Here? Or Is It Me?: The Complete Guide to Menopause," authors Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert Kelly explain that when woman go through menopause their estrogen levels drop. Such a drop can result in acne rosacea: a condition that is accompanied by facial redness, facial burning, stinging and pimples. The condition can also affect your back, eyes and nose. The authors recommend black cohosh as an herbal remedy for acne rosacea. Take 40 to 80 mg of black cohosh in tablet form per day to treat hormonal imbalances causing acne. If you experience dizziness, headache or nausea with higher doses, use lower doses of the herb to treat acne. Nursing and pregnant women should avoid using black cohosh, and those individuals with a history of breast cancer should also avoid its use.
Tags: acne conditions, acne rosacea, black cohosh, caused hormonal, excessive hormones, hormonal imbalances