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.
