How to Use Herbal Remedies for Rosacea

I've had Rosacea for the past eight years or so--since I was in my early 20s. In fact, I think I may have had it since I was 18--I just never went to the dermatologist to get it checked out.

At first, my dermatologist put me on all kinds of prescription medications. After about a month of my skin feeling and looking worse, I threw everything in the trash. I knew there had to be a better way.

Eight years later, my skin looks good. It's still a little red--I doubt I'll ever get rid of that. But, I've gotten things to the point where it just gives me a little color. (And, I can save money on blush!)

You see, I use herbal remedies to help control it. And this is something I've been doing since I got rid of the prescription medications.

Keep in mind that completely ditching your prescriptions without the advice of your doctor isn't a good idea. Your best bet is to tell them your intentions to treat your Rosacea without medication.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Burdock Root, Yellow Dock Root, Plantain leaves (Plantago major or P. lanceolate)
• Chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bag
• Lavender essential oil
• Aloe vera gel
• Rosewater

1. Choose one of the following herbs: burdock root, yellow dock root or plantain leaves. Keep in mind that you don't need to use all of them. You should prepare all three, take a few sips of each, and pick the one you like the best.

2. To prepare the burdock root and the yellow dock root, add 1 tsp. of the dried herb to 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. You can prepare the plantain leaves by pouring 1 cup hot water over 1 tsp. of the plantain.

3. All three of these herbs are effective against skin problems such as Rosacea. Aim to drink one serving of your herb of choice each day (1 cup of plantain leaves or 1/2 cup burdock root or yellow dock root). This will help cleanse the blood and clear your skin.

4. If your skin is flaring up, you'll want to treat it topically as well. To do this, you'll want to create a skin treatment program that will help. For starters, brew some chamomile tea by pouring 1 cup of hot water over 1 tsp. chamomile flowers or one tea bag. Dab it on your skin throughout the day with a cotton ball.

5. Cleanse and moisturize your skin twice a day. You can make your own cleanser by mixing 1/2 cup aloe vera gel (fresh if you can find it) with 8 drops lavender essential oil. Mix. You'll use this as both your cleanser and moisturizer. Smooth it over your skin and rinse with warm water. Follow up with some rosewater--soak some into a cotton ball and apply it on your face. Then moisturize with a small amount of the aloe vera gel.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to make your own skincare, you can find natural products in your local herb shop or health food market. You can also order them online.
• Be sure to see a dermatologist to make sure you truly have Rosacea.
• If you're highly allergic to things, you may want to test to make sure some of these items (such as the rosewater) will not cause an allergy. Your best bet is to see an allergist.