Herbs for Skin Flushing

Skin flushing is a condition characterized by a heat sensation in the face and a reddening of the skin on your face. There are many causes, including social embarrassment, anger, stress, strong emotions, alcohol consumption and the consumption of spicy foods. Skin flushing can also occur if you have anxiety, are experiencing hot flashes, or if you have circulatory issues. There are some herbs that can help alleviate anxiety, hot flashes and circulatory issues to help lessen the chances of experiencing skin flushing.

Anxiety

• Valerian is an herb that is used to treat anxiety conditions. This herb helps diminish sleep disturbances and reduces anxious and restless feelings. Valerian also increases the amount of gamma aminobutryic acid (GABA) in your brain. With increased GABA levels, you experience a calming effect. Valerian will require several weeks of consumption before the benefits of its use can be noted. Consume valerian root as a tea by boiling 2 to 3 grams of the dried root in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Consume one cup a day, preferably in the evening to reduce anxiety, or take valerian in capsule form by consuming 200 mg three to four times a day.

  Breastfeeding and pregnant women should not use this herb. If you take valerian for a long time, you need to taper the dose as you cease using it to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Be careful when operating any heavy machinery or while driving; valerian can make you tired. This herb may increase the potency of sedating medications like phenytoin, valporic acid, alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone, ramelteon and amitriptyline. Avoid alcohol while using this herb. Valerian may also interact with statins, antifungal medications and antihistamines.

Hot Flashes

• During menopause, many women experience hot flashes due to the drop in estrogen levels in the body. Hot flashes cause the face to flush and the skin to redden. Black cohosh is recommended for women experiencing hot flashes, because the herb works toward naturally balancing estrogen levels. Take 20 mg of black cohosh two times a day to decrease issues with hot flashes.

  Pregnant women should not take this herb, since it can cause a miscarriage, and breastfeeding women should also avoid the use of this herb. Do not use black cohosh if you have a family history of breast cancer. This herb is associated with several side effects, including pain in the joints, nausea, tremors, vision complications, vomiting, a diminished heart rate, headaches, vertigo and diarrhea as well as abdominal pain. People with liver problems should also avoid black cohosh, because some incidents of liver toxicity have been reported with its use.

Circulation

• In "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health," Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon explain that ginger helps to regulate circulatory processes and that both Chinese and Indian physicians prescribed ginger for individuals with cold feet and hands. Ginger is a treatment commonly used for treating nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well as colic, cardiac conditions and arthritis. Food sources of ginger include: ginger snaps, ginger ale, and gingerbread; your consumption should not exceed more than 4 grams a day. You can also take ginger in capsule form by taking 2000 mg in divided doses throughout the day to alleviate circulatory conditions responsible for skin flushing.

  If this herb is consumed in excess, side effects can occur, including mouth irritation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset and heartburn. This herb should not be used by individuals with gallstones unless a doctor is consulted, and ginger should not be used before surgical procedures. People using blood thinners and aspirin should avoid the use of ginger as well.