Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes red, blotchy patches resembling acne or sunburn on facial skin. It’s most common for fair-skinned women starting at the age of 30 or 40 years. When it occurs in men, the condition can become more severe. Doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics for rosacea with limited success.
Although the cause of the disorder is under scrutiny, a number of factors are known to aggravate it: vitamin deficiencies, stress, sunlight, alcohol, extremes in temperature, spicy food, and hot liquids such as coffee. Doctors sometimes find that bacterial infections take advantage of the attack to the immune system which is why antibiotics are so often prescribed.
Probiotics have a positive effect on rosacea outbreaks. Many fermented foods contain probiotics. Yogurt is a popular source which can be used internally and externally. Try adding ground almonds to yogurt for an invigorating facial scrub.
This is a suggested treatment for mild rosacea of the skin, not rosacea of the eye. For more information on rosacea treatment, see the National Roasacea Society website.
Ingredient
- 5 cups water
- 1 tsp calendula, dried
- 1 Tbsp comfrey leaf, dried
- 1 tsp rosemary leaf, dried
- 8 drops tea tree oil
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Equipment
- 1 spoon
- 1 strainer
- 1 saucepan
- a resealable quart jar to hold the finished product
- a label
Procedure
- Pour the dried herbs (not the essential oil) into the saucepan and gently stir them with a spoon. Try not to break up the plant parts since this will release the essential oils.
- Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- As soon as the water begins to boil, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Pour the tea into a resealable container.
- Add the tea tree oil (and the lavender essential oil) and place a lid on the jar.
- Label the container with the name of the mix, ingredients and date bottled.
- Refrigerate.
Storage and Use
Keeping your tea blend refrigerated until use will be very refreshing on the skin. Be certain to shake the jar well before opening. Pour a 1/8 of a cup (or a splash) of the chilled tea blend onto a clean, soft cloth and wipe your effected skin gently and thoroughly. Do not get the essential oil in your eyes. launder the facial cloth after each use. Note: Use cloth, not paper towels as paper products have short fibers that are abrasive to the skin.
Follow up with a little bit of aloe vera gel. Some people experience a slight irritation to aloe vera gel. Try a touch of shea butter instead.
