5 Great Herbs for Rosacea Symptoms

There are some good herbs for rosacea sufferers which can help minimize the symptoms and benefit your overall health at the same time. Something we should note at the outset though, is that all the herbs, lotions, creams, oils and other solutions in the world won’t bring a complete end to our rosacea symptoms unless we first deal with it at its source.

Our skin has been described as “the third kidney” because it expels toxins from our body in the same way that our kidneys do. Skin eruptions will only occur when our bodies aren’t able to effectively expel toxins via the regular pathways. This being the case, we should therefore focus on improving our internal health, not just trying to apply band-aid like solutions over the symptoms. Hit it from both sides – inside and out – and your rosacea flushes and flare ups will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated altogether.

Recommended Herbs for Rosacea

1. Licorice Root Extract

One of the culprits believed to be at the source of rosacea breakouts, is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. In a 2001 study, 100 percent of adults with rosacea who fully recovered after antibiotic treatment were found to have antibodies to this bacteria. But Helicobacter pylori is just as likely to be found in people without rosacea. So the conclusion is, that even though this bacteria may not directly cause rosacea, eliminating it plays a major part in curing it.

So what does this have to do with licorice root extract?

Plenty! Licorice root contains a number of flavinoids that prevent helicobacter pylori from multiplying. So when taken internally, it helps to eradicate the need for your immune system to fight this bacteria. You should take 380 to 760mg of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root 20 minutes before meals.

But licorice root extract has also been included in some creams, to be applied topically (i.e. to the skin). This is because it has an anti-inflammatory agent called glycyrrhizinate which soothes and moisturizes the skin. There are quite a number of products out there which include licorice root extract. Just check your labels for ingredients.

If you have it in powder form, mixing it with Aloe Vera gel can make a noticeable difference to any facial redness. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes.

2. Burdock Root

The next item in our list for herbs for rosacea is one that targets another major cause of rosacea – an imbalance in your digestive system. If your gut is out of balance because it doesn’t have enough “good bacteria”, or lacks sufficient stomach acid or digestive enzymes, or carries too much candida fungus, the imbalance will be reflected in breakouts onto your skin.

Burdock root is a good herb for rosacea because it promoties gastointestinal health and regularity. You can buy it in capsules or in a form where you can make an herbal tea from it. You simply steep 1 teaspoon in 150ml of boiling water for best effect.

3. Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract is one of the most potent antioxidants on the planet, cleansing and detoxifying your system from pathogens and protozoa. Eliminating these will give your immune system a fighting chance to combat the causes of rosacea. This herb attacks rosacea causes from the inside. We have dedicated a special page to olive leaf extract, where you can read more in depth about its benefits, recommended dosages etc.

4. Camphor Oil

If you’re experiencing acne rosacea, then you’ll be interested to learn that the papules and pustules probably contain tiny parasitic mites. Camphor oil has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing the infestation. It is readily absorbed by the skin so you can apply it – but in diluted form. Don’t take it internally. Be cautious in applying it however, as it has been known to cause irritation in some rosacea patients.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Here’a another in our list of herbs for rosacea that may be useful because it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Never take it internally. It should be mixed with other natural oils (e.g. coconut oil) and applied to the skin. Some people have reported allergic reactions to it, so be careful using it to start with.

Essential Oils For Rosacea – a Soothing Natural Remedy

There are a number of essential oils for rosacea that are not only effective for treating this skin condition, but I can tell you from experience, also make it quite a pleasant experience. I mean, the very definition of “Essential Oils” is “a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.”  So you’re going to be in for some aromatic sensations here.

This paragraph is for anyone who doesn’t know what Rosacea is, so if you’re already there, you can skip it. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition which is usually developed in later life, particularly among people with fairer skin (but not restricted to them) and that includes symptoms such as a red flushed complexion, particularly around the nose, cheek bones and forehead. A number of people also experience rough scaly skin and pimple-like inflammations and for this reason, it is often referred to as acne rosacea – also because it is often misdiagnosed as acne. But there are also other forms of rosacea. If you take a look at the header on this site, you’ll see images of the four main types of rosacea that have been diagnosed by the medical profession.

Now … let’s get back to the main topic.

The other good thing about essential oils, or any oils in fact, is that you can blend them together. Sometimes, one type of oil will do something that another cannot. For example, some oils can penetrate deeper into the skin than others – so one oil helps the other deliver it’s benefits more effectively.

The Best Essential Oils for Rosacea

1. Helichrysum essential oil

This essential oil includes many health benefits. It’s an antispasmodic, anticoagulant, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, antihaematoma, antiphlogistic, nervine, antiinflammatory, antitussive, cicatrisant, expectorant, febrifuge, anti septic, cholagogue, emollient, mucolytic, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, splenic and cytophylactic substance. That’s an impressive list isn’t it! It’s good for putting onto bruises so that they fade overnight. This oil is really good for skin rashes, especially when blended with German Chamomile Oil and Neroli oil.

It’s antimicrobial and antiseptic properties also target the two main alleged perpetrators of rosacea symptoms – a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

2. German Chamomile Oil

One of this essential oil’s features is that it contains the ingredient chamazulene, which is noted for its ability to support your body’s natural response to irritation by clearing heat from the body. It is a blue coloured oil which, when applied, not only soothes the skin but its aromatic properties give a feeling of patience and peace. It should be applied topically and undiluted to the affected areas. German Chamomile not only soothes the skin but also aids in tissue regeneration.

3. Neroli Essential Oil

This essential oil is not only good for your skin, but its aromatic properties serve as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac as well. Neroli oil comes from a citrus fruit and a derivation of it is used in the famous perfume Eau-de-Cologne. But its primary function as one of the essential oils for rosacea, is that it has a sebum balancing effect. Sebum is the oil our skin produces from the sebaceous glands which, in rosacea sufferers, can be overactive. Neroli oil balances oily and dry skin and is often blended with other essential oils to cure Rosacea.

Neroli oil when topically applied to the skin, acts as an antiseptic which kills bacteria and keeps your skin free from microbial infections and toxins. It even helps clear your head if you have a cold during winter. As far as the healing process goes, it promotes the generation of new cells and assists the healthy ones.

4. Lavendar Essential Oil

Lavendar oil has wonderful calmative aromatic properties, but it has also been identified by dermatologists as one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne. It inhibits the bacteria which causes the initial infection and also helps to regulate some of the excess excretion of sebum oil. Being a bug repellant, it is also effective against the tiny mites which inhabit facial skin surface, which some say is a main contributor to rosacea flare ups. Its antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties allow it to treat various skin conditions including wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions such as rosacea. It should never be ingested – only applied topically.

5. Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium oil was used as far back as ancient Egyptian times when it was used for promoting beautiful, radiant skin. Having a rose-like scent, it also has a calming affect on the nervous system and promotes stress relief. Since stress is often identified as one of the rosacea triggers, geranium when used as one of the essential oils for rosacea, can provide an effective complement to the others. It can also double as a natural perfume.

Among the other properties that Geranium oil possesses, is the ability to reduce inflammation and irritation, balance hormones and reduce blood pressure. It also contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which boost the immune system and prevent infection. This allows your body to attack the causes of rosacea from both sides – from within and on the surface.

Commercial Products That Contain Essential Oils for Rosacea

One product that contains all the above ingredients is Rosacea Cream manufactured by Zenmed. The ingredients in Rosacea Cream are water, aloe vera gel, essential oils of helichrysum, chamomile, lavender, rose geranium and rosewood, manuka extract, carrot seed oil, rose hip oil, vitamins B,C,D and E, and sorbin acid as a natural preservative.

Rosacea Cream by Zenmed is a non-prescription product that focuses on treating your rosacea symptoms using all natural ingredients.

 

Olive Leaf Extract for Rosacea

Olive Leaf Extract for Rosacea is something that should be used in combination with other natural remedies which are designed to enhance your immune system. Getting your insides right is the most important thing. If you do this, your skin will soon reflect it. After that, we can focus on what happens on the surface of your skin. So we need to start with a good internal detoxifier and cleanser – something to give your immune system a fighting chance. In this regard, we recommend Olive Leaf Extract.

This product comes in capsule form and can be purchased from any health food store. Olive Leaf Extract also happens to be one of the most powerful cleansers and detoxifiers known to man. You may not know it, but it’s quite possible that your system has been invaded by pathogens or protozoa’s which have found a nice little nesting ground there. If you start taking Olive Leaf Extract for rosacea (OLE) it will kill them off. It won’t be long before you’ll also notice an increase in your energy levels.

Make sure that when you purchase your Olive Leaf Extract, that you check the label and ensure that it has the ingredient Oleuropein with at least 20-25{950de5e870313faf4c5db3a7d190801ab62f662c92458036dbe5490915c0acf5} of the capsule’s contents. You should also start by taking double the recommended dose, with food, for at least 6 weeks. Some might notice a bit of upset in their digestive system after taking the double dose. If this is you, just back off to the recommended dose and try to slowly build up your tolerance.

Taking Olive Leaf extract for rosacea will not only give you a fighting chance, particularly if you have acne rosacea, but it comes with the positive spinoff, of increased energy levels and an improved general feeling of overall wellbeing. Why wouldn’t you want to at least give it a try?

Green Tea for Rosacea

Here’s another natural remedy for rosacea – Green Tea!

Green Tea for rosacea has great antioxidant properties. It is also anti-carcinogenic (anti cancer) and antiinflammatory. If you’re one of those rosacea sufferers whose face blossoms after sun exposure, the photoprotective properties in Green Tea will help. It will also assist with strengthening the ‘skin barrier’ so that infection is less likely.

Green Tea for rosacea can be used both internally and externally. You can make a pot of tea with it, or buy it in a natural face cream. Both should be considered, however, there are other external applications which we will review in another article. If you don’t like Green Tea as a hot drink, try boiling it up first, then putting it into the refrigerator to enjoy as a cold drink later.

As a cold compress, you can dip some cotton wool or something similar like facial pads, into the Green Tea and apply to your skin.

We don’t want to limit ourselves to internal natural remedies for rosacea. If you can “hit it from both sides”, as it were, you have a much greater chance for a cure. Green Tea as a topical application in combination with drinking it, can be a powerful combination.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Rosacea

Apple Cider Vinegar for Rosacea has many wonderful properties. It is not only a powerful cleanser but it’s also filled with so much natural goodness that it acts as a great tonic too. When your gut flora becomes unbalanced, your army of soldiers to fight invading forces has been annihilated and this leaves you open to these invaders establishing colonial outposts in your digestive system. These bad guys, like candida albicans, soon settle in and thrive and when they do, they move into the bloodstream and release toxic waste there. This poisons your blood slowly and is usually behind many food sensitivities that rosacea patients complain about.

We want to deal with the source of the problem – not its secondary effects and this is where Apple Cider Vinegar comes into its own. What ends up in your bloodstream comes from your digestive system so we need to get this right.

Make sure that when you purchase your Apple Cider Vinegar for rosacea, that you look for the best type. This will be a good organic brand which contains the “mother apple”. Many processed brands have much of the goodness removed. It’s pretty potent stuff so you have to be prepared for swallowing it, but it’s amazing what you can get used to. I fill up a ‘shot glass’ with apple cider vinegar and pour it into a medium sized glass of filtered water and then scull it down in a hurry. It bites, but it works for me. If you can’t handle sculling it, you may wish to melt some honey into the bottom of the glass first, using hot water, then add the apple cider vinegar and the water. Be careful not to scald the vinegar with the hot water though – you want to keep all that goodness alive for yourself. Worst case scenario – you can buy it in capsule form.

It’s also a good idea to include a probiotic supplement in addition to apple cider vinegar. Probiotics are the opposite to antibiotics – they put good bacteria into your gut. For the same reasons explained for Apple Cider Vinegar above, probiotics will inhibit pathogens from entering and poisoning your bloodstream.

Topical Application for Apple Cider Vinegar for Rosacea Acne

Yes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is also good for your skin if you wipe it onto your face. The science behind this involves the acidity factory in ACV. Our skin is naturally acidic in nature – it has a pH factor between 4.5 to 6.0 and anything above zero pH means that it is acidic. This acidity of the largest organ in our body is what protects us from damage from external forces such as pollution, free radicals and other harmful substances in the air. When we wash our face with cleansers, we remove this acid protection and it takes time for our skin to replenish it, leaving it exposed to inflammation.

Apple cider vinegar when applied topically as a skin toner, helps protect us from rosacea skin problems at three levels:

  1. When we drink ACV it is full of goodness and also assists the ‘good bacteria’ in our gut – and a healthy gut means healthy skin
  2. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which help protect the skin against inflammatory causing invaders.
  3. It restores the pH factor to our skin to where it should be. Apple cider vinegar has a pH factor of between 4.5 and 5.5 which is very close to the ideal pH factor which is natural to our skin

Precautions for Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Rosacea

apple cider vinegar for rosacea

Some people may find that the smell is less than desirable. Apple cider vinegar smells a bit like old smelly socks that you’ve fogotten about. So if you’re planning on socializing or getting close to anyone else, you might like to forget about it until you know you’ll be alone for a while. Applying apple cider vinegar just before going to sleep can be a good time.

In rare situations, apple cider vinegar can cause your skin to purge impurities – which means that your acne rosacea symptoms may get worse before they get better.

If you are planning on using apple cider vinegar for rosacea this way, just be aware that it can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. So if you’re planning on some outdoor activities, make sure you apply some good sunscreen lotion after you apply ACV to your skin.

The best way that I have found to apply apple cider vinegar to my skin, is to use some makeup removal pads. Simply shake the bottle to mix up the ACV, then splash it onto the pads and wipe over your face. If you keep your apple cider vinegar in the refrigerator beforehand, you’ll experience a lovely cooling sensation as you do this.

How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

Ingredients:

  • 250ml Filtered water, tap water is also fine.
  • 250ml Apple Cider Vinegar, only organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized
  • 500ml plastic bottle, to store apple cider vinegar toner

Method:

  • Buy apple cider vinegar from the market.
  • Take a sterilized 500ml bottle. Put 250ml filtered water in it. Now fill it up with apple cider vinegar. You are mixing water and ACV in 1:1 ratio.
  • Your apple cider vinegar is ready. Before using shake the bottle well so that the mother of vinegar gets mixed.

Naturopath Explains why Apple Cider Vinegar for Rosacea Works