Ayurvedic Treatment for Acne and Pimples

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder. There are various ayurvedic treatments available for acne treatment. The ayurvedic name for acne disease is ‘Yauvan Pidika‘. The condition of acne develops due to disturbed pitta, kapha and rakta. It is a skin problem in which blackheads, pimples and spots appear on face and body. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands, which makes the skin greasier. Stress, menstruation, obesity and chronic constipation also contribute to acne.

About 80 percent of all Americans between the age of 12 and 24 suffer from acne disorder. It is a common problem in males as androgen hormone such as testosterone stimulates keratin and sebum production. This causes clogging of pores. Ayurveda stresses on treatment of impure blood (rakta) for cure of acne. It also believes in treatment through reduction in stress and bowel movement regulation.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Acne
Some of the popular ayurvedic remedies to cure acne are as follows –

• Kamdudha, Praval and Chandanadi vati – These are some herbs for cure of red boils.
• Triphala and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) — These should be taken at bed time by persons with excessive heat in their bodies.
• Kumari (Aloe vera) — This should be taken by women with irregular periods.
• Gokshuradi Guggulu and Triphala Guggulu — These herbs benefit obese people with acne.
• Khas-Khas and Jayphal (Myristica fragrans) — These should be applied locally as they show good results to cure acne.
• Shatadhout Ghrut — This should be applied for dry skin with acne.

Some herbs which can be applied locally are –

• Shalmali (Bombax malabaricum)
• Kushtha (Saussurea lappa)
• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)
• Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)
• Chandan (Santalum album)
• Vacha (Acorus calamus)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
• Dashanglep

Ayurvedic medicines which can be taken orally and heal the body internally are –

• Gandhak Rasayan
• Arogya-vardhini
• Sukshma Triphala
• Chandraprabha
• Shankh Bhasma

Acne has a close relation with stomach conditions. Hence, excessive salty, sweet, sour, non-vegetarian and oily foods can exacerbate the condition. Proper sleep, balanced diet and breathing exercises such as Pranayam are beneficial.