The benefit of juices and berries What You Can Do Sun Protection Avoid temperature change Let hot drinks cool down Rule out allergies Dietary supplements Natural Healing Techniques Methods of Administration Sources:Rosacea
While many of us have
suffered an occasional blush or red face from anxiety, stress or
anger, many others must endure the condition on a more permanent
basis. Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder in which the face -
most notable the cheeks and nose - are unusually red. The
relatively common disorder affects women more often than men,
usually between the ages of 30 and 50; men, however are more
prone to more severe cases. Its symptoms include facial flushing
and acnelike pimples. Although the redness may come and go,
eventually it may become permanent. While the causes of this
condition aren't yet known, several factors are believed to
contribute to it.
Alcohol, infection, stress,
B-vitamin deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders (reduced
gastric acid output) are known to dilate the small facial veins,
causing rosacea. What makes one person's condition worse,
however, might not even affect another person. Natural steps to
treat the problem include dietary changes, stress reduction and
nutritional supplements.
Both apple and dark grape juices
may be beneficial for those suffering from rosacea. These fruits
protect and help repair blood vessels, so try to include them in
your diet. It's best to drink the beverage between meals and at
room temperature. Or, eat brightly pigmented berries, such as
blueberries, raspberries, purple grapes, cherries and
cranberries.
Avoid foods with hot spices and
alcoholic beverages, which can cause your face to flush. Do not
drink hot liquids, either, and eliminate refined sugars from your
diet. Eat plenty of raw vegetables and grains and supplement your
diet with B-complex vitamins. Try to avoid extreme temperatures
and stay out of the sun or heat as much as possible. In addition,
keep stress to a minimum. Finally, use gentle
skin-care products and avoid wearing any makeup.
Too much sun can expand the
facial blood vessels long-term and also cause permanent damage.
If you plan to be outside during the day, protect yourself with
sunscreen.
Quick temperature changes - such
as getting into a very warm car - affect sensitive skin. Avoid
extreme fluctuations in temperature as much as possible; repeated
often, these conditions may eventually expand small facial veins
and lead to permanent reddening. For outdoor activities, use a
weather protection cream.
Some individuals with rosacea may
experience flushing, tingling in the face and a worsened
condition from drinking hot liquids, such as coffee. If you
notice this annoying consequence, cool beverages down before
drinking them, or abstain from very warm liquids altogether.
The use of makeup and
skin-care products can worsen rosacea. Test any new product on
your arm first to determine if you might develop a reaction. Take
note of any foods that may give you an adverse skin reaction,
even if it's only temporary, and stay away from them.
Supplements are frequently
recommended to help deter rosacea. Take B-complex vitamins and
hydrochloric acid regularly; follow label directions. Alfalfa and
burdock root also have detoxifying properties and can help
improve skin tone.
The following teas may
reduce rosacea and should be drunk lukewarm:
Black tea contains tannins that have a constrictive
effect on blood vessels and may help rosacea to subside.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of black tea. Let
it steep for at least 20 min. Soak a towel in the
lukewarm tea and lay it on your face for a few minutes.
When you remove the cloth, moisturize your face with a
gentle cream; the tannins may slightly dry out your
skin.
Milk is a gentle cleanser that softens the skin. Put a
few ice cubes in a cup of whole milk; let stand 3 min.
Soak gauze compresses in the milk and place on face for
5-10 min. Repeat 3-4 times per day.
Healing earth has antiseptic properties that
help cool the skin. Blend 2 tbsp. of ultra-fine healing
earth, available in health-food stores, with olive oil.
Stir until a paste forms. Apply a thin layer to your face
and leave on for about 10 min. Rinse with warm water, pat
dry and then moisturize your face lightly with a gentle
skin cream.
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The information, data and schematics embodied in the document are
confidential and proprietary, being exclusively owned by Ellen J. Lord (aka Purpleflame or Firefly). This document is being supplied
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All information provided in this
article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the
following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing,
Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott
Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The
Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters
Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself
Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden,
Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A
Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home
and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D