Acne herbal remedies (Ayurveda treatment for acne)

Acne is a condition which is difficult to treat but there are several ayurveda remedies available to treat acne. Aloe vera, Neem, Haldi (Turmeric) and Papaya are the leading herbs used in ayurveda to treat acne. Products from Rubia cordifolia, Curcuma longa (commonly known as Turmeric), Hemidesmus indicus (known as ananthamoola or anantmula), and Azadirachta indica (Neem) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, but not aloe vera.

In ayurveda acne is called yauvan pidika. The mechanism of action of the ayurveda remedies of acne is to attack the root of the disease. While applying the following acne herbal remedies, there are several things that patients should practice;

1. keep the skin clean
2. keep the skin dry
3. avoid hot diets (chilies)
4. Massaging face regularly with the herbal oil

Followings are the ayurveda acne remedies;

1. application of paste prepared with Jamun/jambul (Syzgium cumini or Jambolan Plum) seeds over the pimples
2. Application of papaya paste (papaya+water) over the whole facial skin. Keep the paste for 20 minutes. Then clean the face with water and apply sesame or coconut oil on the face. This should be done once a day and continue at least one week.
3. Rubbing the face with the peel of an orange
4. Application of buttermilk at least twice a day for one week.
5. Make a paste of 10 grams of besan (flour of chickpea) and 10 grams of haldi (turmeric) in dahi (curds). Apply this paste on the face using massaging techniques. Let the paste dry on the face, and then wash it with plain water. This method provides relief within seven days of continuous application.
6. A paste of lodhra (Symplocos crataegoides), dhania (coriander) and vach (Acorus calamus) also promises results within seven days. This is one of the best acne treatments.
7. Extract the milk of the sharp thorns of the semal tree (cotton tree, Bombax ceiba). Apply this milk on the pimples directly and wash after it is dried off. Continue this process for just three days to get results.
8. Take powders of roasted mustard seeds, orange peels and chiraunji (Buchanania latifolia) in equal proportions. Grind them into a very fine constitution. This mixture is applied to the face.
9. Make a paste of jayphal (nutmeg) and red chandan (red sandalwood). Apply this on the face to reduce pimples.
10. Prepare a mixture of neembu (lemon), black kasondi (coffee pods or java beans) and extract of the tulsi (basil) and dry it in the sun. It will become more viscous when it is dried. Apply it on the face in this concentrated form. This is a sure method of reducing pimples. This acne remedy is helpful in acne cure.
11. A very simple remedy is to put the roots of the neem (Azadirachtha indica) in water and apply this concoction on the pimples. This method also gives fast relief from pimples.
12. Make a paste of masoor dal (red lentils) with milk, camphor and ghee. Apply this mixture on the face. This will not only reduce the pimples, but also take care of the pockmarks that can remain when the pimples are dried off. This is the best acne treatment
13. Make a paste of lemon juice, milk and kalaunji (seeds of fennel flower) in very fine powder form. Apply this paste on the face at night when retiring to bed. In the morning, wash the face with lukewarm water. This method is a quick way to eradicate pimples and can be used if you have to go to a party or a function.
14. Another method that can be employed if you have to socialize is to apply a paste of fine powder of dried orange peel in rose water. This will not only remove the pimples quickly but also improve the texture of the skin.
15. Mix a cup of milk with a cup of lemon juice. This mixture requires a time of ageing. Hence prepare it in the early morning and apply it when going to bed at night. Wash the face the next morning and wipe it with a rough towel. Continue this application for a couple of days until you see signs of relief. This acne remedy is helpful in acne cure.
16. Add a spoonful of salt in a bowl of hot water. Apply this with a rough towel on the face as though you are sponging the face. Remember to keep your eyes closed during this application. After each application, wring off the excess water from the towel. This is a mildly painful process as the salt will create a tingling sensation with the open areas of the pimples. However, you will obtain sure results in ten days.