In controlling excess sebum production and combating the bacteria that proliferate in the follicles.

A combination of internal and external
treatment brings the best results. However,
no clinical trials support this claim.
INTERNAL TREATMENTS A daily dose of
chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) may help
to control surges of the hormones (espe-
cially at puberty) that increase the size of
sebaceous glands and the production of
sebum. Sage (Salvia officinalis), mother-
wort (Leonarus cardiaca) and red clover
(Trifolium pratense) may also help to
reduce surplus sebum by modulating hor-
mone levels. Regular cups of green tea
(Camellia sinensis) may adjust the over-
production of male and other hormones.
Extracts of poke root (Phytolacca decan-
dra), a herb restricted to professional use,
seem to cut down the flow of sebum and
restrict bacterial proliferation. Burdock

(Arctium lappa) root and leaf also combats
bacteria and reduces inflammation.
An overloaded bowel is a frequent cause
of acne. Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) root
eliminates toxic wastes and reduces bacter-
ial inflammation. It is laxative, so take it
only for a short time. Oregon grape root
(Mahonia aquifolium) can significantly
reduce acne eruptions, while the bitters in
artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf stimulate
the liver and production of bile.
EXTERNAL TREATMENTS help to unblock
sebaceous glands and kill off bacteria that
lead to inflammation of the skin. Try the
gel of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil,
which in clinical trials was as effective as
conventional treatments.
Washes of astringent herbs, such as rose
(Rosa gallica), witch hazel (Hamamelis vir-
giniana), burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)
root, elderflower (Sambucus nigra) or cold
Earl Grey tea, can clear impacted sebum.
Applying fresh lemon juice and/or live
yoghurt to your skin can also help, espe-
cially after a chamomile (Matricaria
recutita) steam bath has opened up the
sebaceous glands. Allow the steam made
from chamomile tea to rise over your face.

The evidence suggests acne responds well to homeopathy.

SULPHUR AND SILICEA  Two of the most
commonly indicated medicines are  Sul-
phur and  Silicea. Rashes that respond to
Sulphur are typically very itchy, particularly
in the heat. Sulphur constitutional types
are usually extroverted, untidy and may be
opinionated or garrulous. They tend to be
hot-blooded, needing fewer clothes than
most people. In particular, their feet may
be hot and smelly.
Acne that responds to Silicea features pus-
tules that never seem to discharge: they sit
under the skin for weeks without bursting,
but often forming cysts. Silicea people are
usually chilly and feel cold, even in a warm
room. They tend to be pale and thin, with
fine hair and weak, ridged nails. Their
hands and feet are cold yet clammy.
OTHER REMEDIES  Kalium bromatum is
recommended when the spots are often
itchy. Individuals complain of poor sleep,
frequently disturbed by bad dreams. They
may be mentally slow, finding it hard to
remember and think.
Calcarea sulphurica is suitable when
there are large yellow pustules that are slow
to heal. They may also be itchy. Acne spots
which respond to  Hepar sulphuris cal-
careum are very sensitive to touch or are
painful as they develop.
Pulsatilla is particularly (but by no
means exclusively) helpful for girls when
crops of spots develop in the week before a
period. It is prescribed mostly on constitu-
tional grounds .
Pulsatilla types
are mild-tempered or sweet-natured. They
lack assertion and are indecisive. Although
they easily feel cold, they like fresh air (pro-
vided they are well wrapped up) and hate
stuffy atmospheres.