Green tea is used
by the Chinese as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments including
acne and to improve general well-being. But does it provide an effective
herbal alternative to modern medication?
The answer seems to be 'Yes'. There
are only two herbal treatments that are known to be effective in treating
acne and green tea is one of them.
In a recent study by Jennifer Gan-Wong,
M.D. a green tea cream was trailed against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution
on people suffering with moderate to severe acne. The results from this
research study showed that green tea was just as good in treating acne
as the benzoyl peroxide.
But benzoyl peroxide dries out skin
causing itching or allergic reactions. Unlike green tea that has the added
advantages of natural anti-bacterial properties and antioxidants, particularly
epigallocatechin gallate which is 200 times more powerful than vitamin
E at fighting free radicals.
Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation,
hormonal activity and aids in detoxification - which is all good news for
acne sufferers.
Green tea extract is an extremely
versatile herbal supplement - it can be administered topically, often being
used in creams, taken as a in the form of a pill or incorporated into your
diet and drunk as a tea.
This last method is very popular
(Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as 'Pimple Tea' in many Chinatowns)
when drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system,
getting rid of the toxins that can cause acne. Tip: don't drink it with
sugar, this will neutralize the worthwhile effects of the tea.
It seems that taking green tea for
acne is a win-win situation. It has many beneficial properties which promote
good all-round health with little or no known side effects and for the
price, green tea it's definitely a herbal treatment that's worth trying.
About the Author
Elaine Clay is the owner of Acne
Treatments Online.com. Get articles and information to help you find
proven and effective acne solutions available online to treat and get rid
of your condition safely and naturally.
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