 Herbal and natural remedies are no longer considered “fringe” therapy, but are enjoying a resurgence of popularity in mainstream culture. Nutritional awareness is part of this holistic approach as we continue to learn how various foods affect our health and well-being. Many different conditions, including acne, can be treated and resolved by utilizing natural therapies as less invasive, lower risk alternatives to pharmaceutical solutions.
Unfortunately, anyone who suffers from acne knows that it’s possible to spend a fortune on products to treat it, whether you’re using herbal extracts, an expensive prescription, special treatments from the dermatologist or investing in all of the lotions, creams, cleansers, toners, and pads on the market to combat breakouts.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that it’s possible to create effective treatments at home, utilizing the various properties of fruits, vegetables and other simple kitchen ingredients. Many upscale spas and salons today compound their own skin nourishing recipes from all natural ingredients available at the local grocery.
 Some of these remedies have origins dating back centuries; eggs and olive oil, for instance, are known to have been used in ancient Egypt, along with essential oils, herbs, roots and flowers. Ayurvedic medicine goes back 5000 years in India where skin preparations were compounded from aloe vera, coconut, almond, cornmeal, cucumber and avocado, among many other ingredients. That kind of historical pedigree and longevity is a pretty good guarantee that the treatments are effective.
You can mix up your own salon style masks, toners and lotions from single ingredients or combinations, according to the properties you want for your preparation. Exfoliants, anti-bacterial agents, anti-inflammatories, astringents and moisturizers are all available to you, fresh from the garden.
As just one example, honey, cinnamon and oatmeal may sound like breakfast, but it also makes a very effective facial mask. The oatmeal absorbs excess skin oil and exfoliates, honey is a powerful antibacterial agent, and cinnamon has antiseptic properties. Mixing proportions are as follows:
- Heat 1/2 cup water 1 minute in microwave
- Dissolve in 2 Tablespoons honey
- Add enough instant oatmeal to form a paste & apply
- Rinse off with warm water after a suitable interval (20 – 30 minutes).
There are too many ingredients and possible combinations to list in one space but here are a few useful items to watch for the next time you go shopping:
Lemon, lime, tomato, cucumber, papaya, avocado, garlic, cinnamon, honey, oatmeal, bananas, mint, strawberries, eggs, baking soda, lettuce, potatoes, oranges, sesame seeds, vinegar, turmeric, and olive/almond/grapeseed oil.
The recipes aren’t hard to find; there’s a wealth of information on the internet besides the many “how-to” articles and books available on the subject. Sometimes we overlook the simplest solutions… |
