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Acne



About
A series of little bumps that can appear either on the face or on other parts of the body. The bumps, normally called pimples or zits, can be categorized as blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps (pimples) or cysts. Plugs can develop and can prevent the sebum (oily substance) from the sebaceous gland from reaching the outer skin.


Notes

Advice

Helpful nutrients for this condition.

Chromium
Importance: High
Comments: Helps decrease skin infections.
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Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil and primrose oil are recommended sources)
Importance: High
Comments: Provides gamma-linolenic acid and preserve smooth, soft skin. Helps mend damaged skin cells. Cleanses pores.
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Vitamin B complex
Importance: High
Comments: Maintains healthy skin tone. Best to use a high-potency formula.
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Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Importance: High
Comments: Boosts blood flow to skin's surface. Refrain from taking niacin if you have any of the following conditions: liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.
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Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
Importance: High
Comments: Helps with stress.
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Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Importance: High
Comments: Encourages cellular reproduction.
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Zinc
Importance: High
Comments: Helps with healing tissue and inhibiting scarring. Essential for the oil-producing skin glands.
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Colloidal silver
Importance: Moderate
Comments: Antibiotic. Disinfectant.
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Garlic
Importance: Moderate
Comments: Kills bacteria. Stimulates immune system.
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Potassium
Importance: Moderate
Comments: To help fight off acne.
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Vitamin A
Importance: Moderate
Comments: Fortifies skin tissue. For best assimilation, use as an emulsion.
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Natural carotenoid complex (Betatene)
Importance: Moderate
Comments: Antioxidant. Forerunner of vitamin A.
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Vitamin E
Importance: Moderate
Comments: Antioxidant. Helps with healing.
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Helpful herbs and supplements for this condition.

Burdock
Type: Internal
Purposes: Typically thought of as a blood cleanser and can be useful in clearing up the acne.
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Dandelion
Type: External
Purposes: A substance called insulin can be contained in the leaves which can lead to a healthy skin and eliminate bacteria.
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Red Clover
Type: External
Purposes: Can be applied to the skin as a poultice to draw any bacteria or infection out of the pimples.
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Milk thistle
Type: Internal
Purposes: Milk Thistle has been shown to nutritionally support healthy liver function. A healthy liver can aid in ensuring that the blood is clean and fresh and able to flush bacteria out of the body.
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Chaparral, dandelion, & yellow dock root
Type: External
Purposes: The combination of these three herbs can be applied direct to the affected area as a warm poultice to draw infection out and reduce the swelling.
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Chaste Tree Berry
Type: Internal
Purposes: Can be used to reduce pimples prior to a women's menstrual period.
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Lavender, red clover, & strawberry leaves
Type: External
Purposes: Can be used as a facial sauna. The lavender will cut down bacteria, as well as stimulate the cells to grow.
Dosage: Use 2-4 tablespoons in two quarts of water. Heat the water to boiling. Lean over the steam (being careful not to burn yourself) and allow the steam to cleanse the affected skin. After 15 minutes, pat the area the pimples are located, to close the pores.
Cautions: Seek an alternative method to steam baths if pimples are very bad. Using the steam bath can tend to make the pimples worse.
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Lavender
Type: External
Purposes: You can apply this direct to individual pimples to help dry them out. The oil acts as a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.
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Tea tree oil
Type: External
Purposes: Another useful oil that acts as a natural antibiotic and antiseptic.
Dosage: Dip a Q-tip into the oil and tap once lightly on the pimple. Can also use 1 dropper to 1/4 cup water and use as a wash.
Cautions: Use sparingly as this is a very potent herb.
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Alfalfa
Type: Internal
Purposes: Can be used to help clear up pimples and dry them out.
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Cayenne (capsicum)
Type: External
Purposes: Can be applied direct to the pimples. Might sting a little but is wonderful as an antiseptic.
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Echinacea
Type: Internal
Purposes: Also known as Purple Coneflower. Echinacea can be used as an alternative to using antibiotics. Also to be a blood cleanser.
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Yellow Dock
Type: External
Purposes: Useful as a blood cleanser. Fresh, clean blood is more able to flush pollutants out of the body.
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