Bee Pollen

Bee pollen contains about 30% protein, 55% carbohydrates, 1 % to 2% fat, 3% minerals, and trace vitamins. Components vary depending on plant source, geographic region, harvest methods, and season of the year. It may contain up to 100 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and other substances, but the physiologic benefit of many of these components is unclear. Some bee pollen supplements also contain 3.6% to 5.9% vitamin C.

Bee pollen is available as capsules, chewable tablets, topical creams (in combination with other moisturizers), jelly, liquid (manufactured bee pollen extract, vegetable glycerin, and grain neutral spirits), powder, raw granules, soft gel caps, and tablets. It’s available in products such as Health Honey and Super Bee Pollen Complex.

Benefits And Uses of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is used to enhance athletic performance, minimize fatigue, and improve energy.

It may relieve or cure cerebral hemorrhage’, brain damage, body weakness, anemia, enteritis, colitis, constipation, and indigestion. Bee pollen may be beneficial in treating chronic prostatism and relieving symptoms of radiation sickness in those being treated for cervical cancer. It may also be an effective prenatal vitamin, and may aid in weight loss.

Although bee pollen is used to treat allergic disorders, such use isn’t recommended because bee pollen commonly causes allergic reactions.

Administration

  • Granules: One manufacturer recommends taking 1 teaspoon or more by mouth every day; another recommends starting with 1 granule at lunchtime and increasing by 1 granule with each meal until 1 teaspoon is taken at every meal (may be sprinkled on food or mixed in a drink)
  • Liquid: 10 to 12 gtt of extract may be added to 8 oz of water and taken by mouth two to three times a day .
  • Oral use: 1 to 3 g may be taken by mouth every day .
  • Powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 g) by mouth every day; may be consumed as sold or may be blended or mixed with other foods .
  • Soft gel cap: 1 cap or more may be taken by mouth every day .
  • Tablets: Dosage varies depending on the formulation and manufacturer. Tablets may be swallowed whole or taken dissolved in a mixture with warm water and honey.

Side Effects of Bee Pollen

Those with sensitivity or allergies to pollen should avoid use. Those with allergies to apples, carrots, or celery should use with caution because of the potential for adverse reaction.

No known interactions are reported with bee pollen.

Clinical considerations

  • Overall, bee pollen hasn’t been found to have significant nutritional or therapeutic benefit over more easily and safely administered nutritional products.
  • Some bee pollen products also contain bee propolis extract, vitamins, and numerous other ingredients.
  • Doses as low as 1 tablespoon can cause acute anaphylactic reactions. Ask patient how much herb he uses daily.
  • Patients taking bee pollen for longer than 3 weeks may experience chronic allergic symptoms such as hypereosinophilia and neurologic and GI complaints; however, such symptoms are likely to resolve after the patient stops taking the bee pollen.
  • Inform patient that bee pollen should be taken between meals, with a full glass of water.
  • Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
  • Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary

The effects of pure bee pollen on memory have not been investigated, but clinical trials of a Chinese herbal medicine containing bee pollen have been conducted in China and Denmark . The improvements in memory seen in the Chinese study were not significant, and in the more recent double blind placebo-controlled crossover study in Denmark , no improvements were found.

Know about HGH releasers

As the age passes there are so many health problems that will come into picture. And the body starts giving the signals that age is growing. When there is puberty HGH is at its highest. But then soon after that there is fall in HGH levels. And this can be a serious issue for a few. There are so many studies going on to find out that why is HGH such a problem at the age above 30.

Whatever the reasons may be, the main thing that is important is HGH when added to your bodies even in minute quantities can work wonders. Till now, you had to thrive either or HGH supplementation therapy or HGH injections.

But today, there is one good product in the market which is known as HGH releaser or HGH activator. It works towards maintaining the levels of HGH especially when they are in quite low quantities in the body. Really, this product is quite useful because it does so much good to the body. This actually makes the aging process slow or reverses it. It helps to solve so many health problems right from joint troubles to skin wrinkles. Not only this serious issues like cholesterol, heart problems and so many other ailments come in only when HGH is diminishing in the body.

Human growth hormone releasers are study to affect not only the skin but also the internal organs of the body. They help in staying younger through a newer looking skin. HGH releasers will decrease wrinkles and help in lowering body fat. It also assists in making the bones strong. It is also believed to increase libido and have boost in sex life. It helps in maintaining immunity and making the defence system stronger. It gives boost to the energy levels and thus your work out capacity also increases in a away.

HGH releasers are really easy and convenient to use. They can be sprayed into the mouth directly. They are absorbed by the mucus membranes. It is much more affordable than those injections. Now, one will think that what is the major difference between health HGH supplements and HGH releasers? In HGH releasers the hormones are released in the body. And in case of HGH supplements there is addition of hormones in the body. In case of HGH releasers there is inclusion of such ingredients and enzymes that will boost increase in HGH levels.

You may even rely on your natural ways to increase HGH levels of the body. And this is possible with regular natural diets, exercises and good amount of sleep. It is recommended that you must stay stress free and have a regular life. Stress interrupts in the working of HGH and makes the body deficient of it. It is better to use HGH releasers and along with that have a good lifestyle which will make your life much better. Remember, good health will help in staying fit and will make you successful in many areas of your life.

Mullein

Aaron’s rod, Adam’s flannel, ag-leaf, ag-paper, beggar’s blanket, blanket herb, blanket-leaf, bouillon blanc, candle-flower, candlewick plant, clot-bur, clown’s lungwort, cuddy’s lungs, duffle, feltwort, flannel flower, fluffweed, hag’s taper, hare’s beard, hedge-taper, Jacob’s staff, Jupiter’s staff, longwort, mullein lobelia, Our Lady’s flannel, rag paper, shepherd’s club, shepherd’s staff, torches, torch weed, velvet plant, Verbascum densiflorum, wild ice leaf, woollen.

Mullein

Mullein is a biennial plant found throughout the United States. It has been used for many years as an herbal remedy, particularly in the treatment of respiratory disorders. The medicinal components are obtained from dried flowers and leaves. Mullein contains mucilage, triterpene saponins (including songarosaponin D, E, and F), iridoid monoterpenes, tannins, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and invert sugar. Tannins, saponins, and mucilage are responsible for herb’s effects. Saponins have expectorant actions, mucin has antibiotic actions, and the combination alleviates irritation from colds.

Demulcent properties may be useful for the treatment of sore throats. Mullein extract may have antiviral activity against influenza strains A and B and against herpes simplex virus type 1. Mullein is available as extracts, dried herb, capsules, teas, and oil.

Reported uses

Mullein is used for respiratory tract inflammation, cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and respiratory tract inflammation. It’s also used internally as a diuretic, sedative, and narcotic; as an antirheumatic; and for croup, asthma, and tuberculosis. Mullein is used topically for hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, frostbite, and erysipelas. The oil is used to soothe earaches, and leaves are used to soften and protect the skin. Mullein is also used as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages.

Administration

  • Capsules (330 mg): 2 to 3 capsules by mouth twice a day with meals
  • Decoction (1.5 to 2 g of herb placed in 5 to 8 oz cold water, boiled for 10 minutes, and then strained): Taken twice a day
  • Fluid extract: 1:1 (g/ml; contains 45% to 55% grain alcohol): 1.5 to 2 ml by mouth twice a day
  • Mullein extract: 3 to 4 ml by mouth three times a day, or half this dose for children
  • Mullein leaves liquid (alcohol-free): 4 to 8 gtt in a little water by mouth twice a day
  • Tea (steep 1.5 to 2 g finely cut petals in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain): 1 cup every day
  • Tincture: 1.5 g/ml (7.5 to 10 ml taken by mouth twice a day). May dilute in warm water.

Hazards

When taken with central nervous system depressants, mullein may potentiate sedative effects. When taken with disulfiram or metronidazole, an adverse reaction may occur because of alcohol content. Mullein and alcohol may potentiate sedative effects.

Mullein shouldn’t be used by patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding or by those who are hypersensitive to it.

Safety Risk Don’t confuse mullein with goldenrod (Solidago species),which is also known as Aaron’s rod.

Clinical considerations

  • Extracts may contain large amounts of alcohol and shouldn’t be used by children, alcoholic patients, or those taking disulfiram or metronidazole.
  • Advise patient that mullein may interfere with therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.
  • Tell patient to store mullein in cool dry place protected from light. If herb comes into contact with light or moisture, it discolors to brown or dark brown.
  • Advise patient to refrigerate mullein extract after opening it.
  • Instruct patient taking mullein to notify a health care provider about planned suspected, or known pregnancy. Caution against taking this herb while breast-feeding.
  • Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when filling a new prescription.
  • Advise patient to consult with his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Mullein has been found to have antiviral properties against herpes simplex virus type 1 and influenza strains A and B. No adverse effects are reported with the use of mullein.

The Most Trusted and Effective HGH Releaser

When you meet people who look a lot younger than their age, you often wonder how they manage to do it. It is usual to attribute their youthful looks to their genes or balanced diet. There is, however, a hormone that plays a much important role. Known as Human Growth Hormone, it is produced by the pituitary gland and is the driving force behind our growth of our body in our growing age.

Even after we stop growing, HGH continues to play a very important role in our body. It improves the elasticity of our skin and reduces wrinkles and age lines, improves heart function and renews energy and vitality, increases metabolism and helps produce energy needed by the body, improve the immune system and protects our body for diseases, improves our memory and vision, strengthens our bones and muscles, and increases libido and enhances our sexual performance.

However, our body doesn’t keep producing the same amount of HGH throughout our life. The production of this hormone decreases with age and by the time we are in our mid-forties we begin to have shortage of it. This shortage results in sagging skin, wrinkles in our face, decreased immunity to diseases, reduced energy and other signs of old age. Fortunately, there is a way to retard this process and that is to intake HGH supplements along with a balanced diet.

HGH supplements contain a combination of HGH and L-form amino acids which are highly beneficial for our body. Among the various amino acids is one called Alpha GPC, which is known as an HGH releaser because it actively induces the pituitary gland to secrete HGH. The more HGH your body produces, the younger and healthier you will be.

HGH supplements are available as injectable liquid, capsules or pills, and oral sprays. If you take the recommended daily dose, which is 4 pills or 6 sprays per day, you will feel the effects within 90 days. As the supplements are made of 100% natural ingredients, they have no negative side effects and safe for consumption. You won’t even need the doctor’s prescription. However, before making the purchase you must make sure they have the FDA-approval label as the market is inundated with cheap imitations that may have harmful substances in them. One of the most trusted and effective high quality HGH releaser is the GenF20 plus.

Kelpware

Kelpware

Black-tang, bladder focus, bladderwrack, blasen-tang, cutweed, fucus, Fucus vesiculosus, knotted wrack, Quercus marina, rockweed, rockwrack, seawrack, tang

Kelpware contains over 600 mcg of iodine per gram of seaweed. A constituent, algin, has bulk laxative and soothing effects. An isolated fraction, fucoidin, has 40% to 50% of the anticoagulation activity of heparin. Live Fucus can concentrate heavy metals from seawater. Kelpware is available as dried brown algae plant, liquid extract, tablets, capsules, and soft gel caps, and as a constituent of products including Advantage, Aqua Greens, Atkins Dieters Better Living Multi Vitamins, Daily Essentials, Doctor’s Choice, and Osteosupport.

Reported uses

Kelpware is used to treat thyroid disorders, iodine deficiency, lymphadenoid goiter, myxedema, obesity, arthritis, and rheumatism. It’s also used for arteriosclerosis, digestive disorders, blood cleansing, constipation, bronchitis, emphysema, GU disorders, anxiety, skin diseases, burns, and insect bites.

Administration

  • Dried plant: Usual dose is 5 to 10 g by mouth three times a day.
  • Liquid extract (1:1): Typical dose is 4 to 8 ml by mouth three times a day.
  • Tea (steep 5 to 10 gin 5 oz of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, and then strain): Tea is consumed three times a day.

Hazards

Adverse reactions to kelpware may include restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, anemia, hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis, acne, and allergic reactions. Kelpware may cause a decrease in diuretic effectiveness because of its high sodium content. When kelpware is combined with heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and warfarin, there’s an increased risk of bleeding. Prolonged kelpware ingestion can reduce iron absorption. Combining kelpware with lithium may enhance hypothyroid activity because of kelpware’s high iodine content. Kelpware’s high iodine content may interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Patients hypersensitive to kelpware or any of its components, including iodine, shouldn’t use it. Kelpware should be used with caution by patients with hyperthyroidism, those who need sodium restriction, and those with iron deficiencyanemia. Children and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid using kelpware.

Clinical considerations

  • Kelpware may increase PTT test results, serum thyroid stimulating hormone level, T4 level, and results of thyroid function tests that use radioactive iodine uptake.
  • A case of heavy metal (arsenic) poisoning has been reported from ingestion of contaminated kelpware.
  • Signs and symptoms of kelpware toxicity include palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, and possIbly other changes.
  • Warn patients not to confuse bladder-wrack (kelpware) with bladderwort (Utricularia), a freshwater pond plant.
  • Encourage patient to seek medical diagnosis before taking kelpware.
  • Tell female patient to notify health care provider about planned, suspected, or known pregnancy.
  • Caution patient to avoid using kelpware if taking a diuretic, lithium, thyroid replacement hormones, an anticoagulant, or an iron supplement.
  • Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal and dietary supplements that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
  • Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of kelpware and the claims made regarding its effects haven’t yet been validated scientifically.

The Benefits of Zetaclear

Nail fungus, a common problem which can turn your nails yellowish and thick. In some cases, the nails also get separated from its bed and can result in a lot of pain. While there are a lot of remedies available, an effective solution to the problem can be the use of Zetaclear.

The product is highly recommended by a lot of people as it has been a very effective solution in getting rid of nail fungus. Zetaclear is made up of 100% natural oils like lavender oil, tea tree oil, and clove oil. All of the ingredients of the product are known to possess the function of killing off the fungus that triggers this nail issue. All the ingredients were used separately to treat the nail fungus from older times around the world.

Some of the major benefits of Zetaclear include:

  • Helps you get rid of nail fungus efficiently
  • Has no side effects of any type
  • 100% natural and safe to use
  • Easy to apply and use

Zetaclear works naturally to kill the nail fungus and it smoothens the skin around the nails. If used as prescribed, you can get the best of the results. As it is prepared of all natural ingredients, the product does not have any type of side effect on the users and is considered to be 100% safe to use.

The zetaclear stockists Australia claims to have a high success rate of the product and is recommended by a number of medical practitioners worldwide due to its effectiveness to heal the nail fungus infections without any harmful effect to any part of the body.

The reorder rate of the Zetaclear treatment supplement is also very high, which means you can trust the product confidently and can use it as a successful treatment method to recover from a nail fungus problem.

Hgh Remedy From Herbs

Herbs are known to give some really surprisingly good effects and this HGH remedy is known not only to remove pain but also improve the body’s digestive system. It has proved its effectiveness by helping relax tensed muscles giving relief to headaches etc. Most of the HGH remedies are made from herbs.

Use of herbs has been seen since ages but then today it has been proved that these herbs not only give relief but they have proved that there are no side effects as compared to other chemically prepared medications. But then you need to follow certain rules when it comes to the use of herbs.

Herbal use the safe way

You should always use the recommended dosage when using the herb extracts, in case of any reaction the discontinuation of the herb should be immediate; seek your doctor’s help in case the condition is persisting. Until and unless recommended by the doctor herbs should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers finally you need to seek your doctor’s guidance before using any herbal medication or herbal supplement especially if you are using the conventional medication for some long term ailment.

Herbal HGH Remedy

Borage Oil: This herbal remedy is often recommended to people suffering from arthritis, high cholesterol level, women suffering from PMS and atherosclerosis. It should be taken four times a day and the dosage should not exceed 1000mg.

Cranberry Extracts: The most effective herbal remedy for people suffering from urinary tract infection and it has the properties of preventing the development of kidney stones. One capsule twice a day is the recommended dose.

Bilberry: Effective for allergies, problems due to varicose veins, cataracts and helpful for people suffering from diabetic retinopathy. You need to take 80 to 160 mgs two or three times a day.

Bromelain: Often recommended to sports persons as they are prone to sports injuries, respiratory infections and inflammation. This medication is supposed to be taken on empty stomach three times a day.

Ginseng Siberian: The most sought out herbal remedy this is known to increase the overall body performance reducing stress, fatigue and helps improve. An overdose of this medication has shown to cause anxiety, depression and irritability. Daily dose should not exceed 200 mg and can be taken three times.

Saw Palmetto: This herbal remedy has shown its usefulness in decreasing the functions of the testes and people suffering from benign prostate enlargement.

Dong Quai: The most effective herbal remedy recommended for females who are suffering from menopause, PMS and menstrual cramps. They are advised to take a daily dosage of 500 to 1000mg thrice daily.

These are some of the most commonly recommended herbal remedies that are helpful in overcoming HGH deficiency. If you are advised to take HGH energizer then in case they contain any of the above mentioned ingredients then the use of such supplements are safe and without side effects but even then you should always seek your doctor’s guidance before using any herbal remedy.

How To Reduce Male Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are considered as the problem of pregnant ladies. But it is not so. Males also suffer from the problem of stretch marks on their skin. The main reason of stretch marks is rapid growth in the size of any person. Males generally have stretch marks on their shoulder, chest, upper arm, back and buttocks.

One should plan intelligently for getting rid of these stretch marks. There are many simple steps which one could follow to get rid of these marks. Some of them are as following:

  • Cocoa or shea butter can be used to get better results. Stretch marks can be seen on the dry skin more effectively and these two things go deeply in the skin and make them softer. After a regular use you will definitely notice changes in your skin and will surely get a clean skin than ever.
  • One should daily massage the skin with trilastin stretch mark cream. Daily massage of ninety seconds twice a day show positive impacts on the skin. It will loosen the skin so that the tissues get healed up and the circulation of the blood will also work properly.
  • Laser treatments can be used for getting better results. The upper skin of the person which is full of scars and marks will be burnt and a new skin which is younger and good in tone will come out. The skin will be firmer than ever and a new and younger skin will fill you up with confidence and happiness.
  • One can use scar removal cream for getting better results. Most of the scar removal creams have onion extracts in it which are helpful in lightening the scars. You can find many good brands in any of the chemist shop.
  • Bleaching is also one of the good ways of getting a good skin with out stretch marks. It just matches up the color of the scar skin with its surroundings. You can use some good bleaching powder with the prescription of the cosmetic doctor and these bleaching powders are available on any of the cosmetic clinic or shop.
  • Chemicals can also be used for the skin which is full of scars and it matches the color of the scar with skin. It heals the skin and makes it younger and smoother which can attract anyone around. These chemicals can be got by any cosmetic doctor. But these chemicals should only be used with doctor’s prescription and his advice only.

There are many ways of getting a good and healthy skin. But just you need to do is to choose a best and easy way through which your skin will look younger than ever. One can choose the way which is affordable to him and also suits his skin. For this a piece of advice from some good doctor is needed. Any method can not be used with out proper prescription, as these chemicals may show harmful impacts on the skin too so the best method should be adopted.

Green Tea Plant: Something So Wonderful!

I am sure most of you must have had this thought about tea plants ,how they look when you are having your everyday cup of tea which you would never like to miss anyway guess you have probably never seen a tea plant. According to the researchers the most common and popular drink humans are addicted to in tea, but its only second to water. There is a general observation that not many of the tea drinking population know the history of tea as to where did tea come into existence.

Out of the whole world population of tea drinkers, green tea drinkers comprise of one-fifth of the total strength, this is supposed to be the reason why the green tea manufacturing industries are doing exceptionally so well at the present time. The biggest advantage about green tea is that it can grow anywhere as suitable and major of them blossom too. Scientifically known as Camellia sinensis, the tea plant is the one which brings into being the green tea, as the name refers to.

Green Tea Plant

The thick (bushy) Plant

Seen a green tea plant, have you? A typical description of a green tea plant is thick evergreen shrubs, small white to pink flowers and glossy green leaves, green tea plants are commercially grown for its value in commercial terms in many countries which include Argentina, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Malawi, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Tanzania. When in wild they grow five times taller as compared to a full grown adult, but when grown for commercial use they are mostly as tall as that a height of a fully grown adult.

The most ideal condition to grow green tea plantation are where one can find plentiful supply of rainy condition with warm climate. Slopes and hilltops which are the high altitude areas are the most favorable areas to grow green tea.

Once they are fully grown or mature, the leaf buds and there leaves are harvested or plucked from green tea plant. The process is such to produce green tea, it is first by roasting or steaming the freshly harvested or plucked as soon as they can, this is to be more effective in the aspect of green tea; the second process is removing the moisture from the green tea by rolling then drying.

The same plant which produces green tea also produces other variety of tea like the oolong and the regular black tea too. The thing that makes green tea different is the way it is manufactured or processed and also oxidized, it is completely different to oolong or the black tea .In a comparison to the three varieties of tea green tea is supposed to be the beat because of it is full of polyphenols (highest level).

Polyphenols as they are called are antioxidants; they have natural qualities to prevent many diseases which also include age related diseases too, to name some cancer, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis etc. Green tea helps us lower levels of cholesterol in our bodies; it also helps us prevent the arteries from hardening, thus lessoning the chances of heart diseases, known to be an antibacterial agent this herb also helps in stopping diseases like periodontal decay and gingivitis.

Acne – Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Medicine

Home Remedies

Poke prudently. Generally, dermatologists discourage squeezing blackheads and popping whiteheads. These practices have long been suspected of aggravating acne and increasing the likelihood of scarring. “But everyone squeezes their pimples;’ says Alan P. Brauer, M.D. “Saying ‘don’t do it’ is ridiculous. Just do it gently. Wash your hands first, and maybe dab the blemish with rubbing alcohol before and after to keep it disinfected.”

Wash gently. Excessive scrubbing with harsh cleansers does little to clear up acne. Worse, it may dry, chap, and irritate your skin, leaving your skin more vulnerable to the side effects of topical acne treatments.

Instead, wash your face twice daily with a mild soap such as Ivory, advises Anne Simons, M.D. Choose a bar that doesn’t contain moisturizing oils, which can clog your pores. There’s no need to spend money on expensive acne soaps. These aren’t particularly effective anyway because you wash off the medication as soon as you rinse your skin.

Use minimal makeup. Many cosmetics manufacturers have developed products that they say won’t contribute to acne. Even so, women with especially sensitive skin may get blemishes when using certain cosmetics. If you’re a woman who’s prone to breakouts, your best bet is to wear as little makeup as possible. Read labels and choose products that are water-based rather than oil-based. You may have to experiment with different brands until you find some that don’t provoke pimples.

Learn not to lean. Avoid resting your cheek or chin on your hand, which can irritate your skin enough to trigger a breakout. For the same reason, try not to cradle your telephone receiver between your head and shoulder.

acne

Over-The-Counter Drugs

Pick the best product for you. No less than 50 over-the-counter acne treatments are currently on the market. If you were to compare their labels, you’d notice that all of these products have one of four active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or sulfur-resorcinol. Benzoyl peroxide works by opening pores and killing the bacteria that contribute to acne. The other three ingredients break down the plugs that lead to blackheads and pimples.

As of now, all four active ingredients have been deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But reports that benzoyl peroxide might promote tumor growth have prompted the FDA to investigate the chemical compound further.

No one acne treatment works the same for everyone. For this reason, the American Pharmaceutical Association suggests that you try several different products and see which one gives you the best results. Always follow the package directions for proper use. If you develop redness, irritation, or a rash from a particular product, stop using it immediately.

Other Good Choices

Homeopathy

Fight pimples from the inside out. Several different homeopathic medicines have proved effective in clearing up acne, according to homeopath Dana Ullman. He recommends Silicea for whiteheads, Hepar sulfuris for pimples that are painful to touch, Kali muriaticum for pimples that produce thick white pus, and Graphites for pimples that produce yellowish pus. To find out which of these medicines would work best for you, consult a homeopath.

Chinese Medicine

Cool off, dry out. Chinese medicine attributes acne to excess Heat, which contributes to skin inflammation and infection, and excess Dampness, which produces the pus inside pimples. Acne and other skin problems also are closely linked to the Lung and Large Intestine organ networks, according to Efrem Korngold, O.M.D., L.AC.

The typical Chinese recommendation for acne involves cooling Heat, drying Dampness, and supporting the Lung and Large Intestine. Dr. Korngold recommends eating more cooling foods such as raw fruits and vegetables and avoiding heat-generating foods such as spices, meats, and anything fatty or greasy. He also prescribes herbs that cool Heat and dry Dampness. These include sarsaparilla, honeysuckle, forsythia, rhubarb, and sophora. To find out which of these herbs would help you most, consult an oriental medicine doctor.

Target the large intestine. The United Nations World Health Organization endorses acupuncture as a treatment for acne. If you’re interested in acupuncture, you need to consult an acupuncturist. But for a self-care alternative, try acupressure. Simply apply steady, penetrating finger pressure to each of the following points for 3 minutes.

  • Large Intestine, located at the outer end of your elbow crease on the thumb side
  • Large Intestine, located on the back of your hand where the bones of your thumb and index finger meet

Ayurvedic Medicine

Gravitate toward gugulipid. An extract of the Indian mukul myrrh tree, gugulipid­sometimes called guggul-appears to heal acne. In one study, Indian researchers gave 30 people with moderate to severe acne gugulipid three times a day for 6 weeks. Three-quarters of the study participants got either “good” or “excellent” results from the herb. If you want to try gugulipid for yourself, you’ll need to consult an Ayurvedic physician.

Naturopathy

Apply heat to unplug pores. Warm water can help open your pores, allowing oil and dead skin cells to flow out more freely. Dr. Weil suggests applying a comfortably hot compress to the affected skin three or so times a day. Be aware, though, that high humidity can actually aggravate acne in some people. If your blemishes seem to be getting worse instead of better, stop using the compresses.

Medical Measures

For an especially severe or stubborn case of acne, you may need a prescription acne treatment to clear up your skin. Dermatologists may recommend benzoyl peroxide gels or topical retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin). Other prescription drugs include isotretinoin (Accutane), antibiotics, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid (Azelex), and triphasic oral contraceptives.

Red Flags

If you experience a sudden eruption of severe acne, consult a doctor promptly. It may signal a potentially serious medical condition that has affected your body’s hormone production.

Also, see your doctor if your blemishes look like welts and the surrounding skin appears red and feels hot to the touch. This form of acne, called cystic acne, requires professional treatment.