Rosacea Skin Condition & Herbal Remedies

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects many people. It is characterized by redness on the face; bumps or pustules on the chin, nose, cheeks, or forehead; small, visible blood vessels; and the tendency to blush. Rosacea can also result in a bulbous nose, and gritty, itchy eyes; otherwise known as ocular rosacea. Herbal remedies offer an alternative to conventional medical treatments.

Golden Chamomile

• Golden chamomile or Chrysanthellum indicum can be useful in treating rosacea because of its ability to strengthen capillaries. Compounds in the extract made from this herb have a strong combination of flavonoids, along with phenylpropenoic acids, and saponosids. Look for golden chamomile in topical cream form and apply to areas affected by rosacea to see a reduction in redness.

Green Tea Cream

• Green tea cream can be useful in treating symptoms of rosacea. According to Dr. Tanweer Syed, a dermatologist at the University of California in San Francisco, cream that contains a green tea extract called polyphenone produces a 70% improvement in rosacea compared with a placebo cream. The cream may also have anti-aging and anti-acne properties. Apply the cream twice a day; you should see results within four weeks.

Feverfew

• One of the primary active components in feverfew is parthenolide, which limits the loosening of serotonin from blood platelets. This action helps soothe the redness that often accompanies rosacea. Look for topical creams that contain 1% feverfew and apply twice a day for a reduction in redness.

Lavender

• Often used to treat acne, lavender essential oil can help reduce the redness and inflammation common with rosacea. Dab affected areas with a drop of lavender essential oil to relieve redness and swelling. Lavender contains strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help clear up scarring associated with rosacea.