Acne Helped by Honeysuckle Flower

Acne vulgaris of the face, back, and chest responds well to many conventional therapies, for example benzoyl peroxide. But this can be improved with anti-inflammatory agents like honeysuckle flower/herb. Herbs are gaining a lot of credence in medicine and growing research shows that they are beneficial in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The flower extract has been known for many years to be useful in inflamed skin conditions, particularly acne vulgaris.

The inflammatory response of acne is an intricate series of reactions that includes the activation of white blood cells, the increase in immune system chemicals such as complement and cytokines, and the production and release of inflammatory mediators and prostaglandins. The inflammation can be acute or chronic and fluctuating depending on the course of the disease. Herbal treatments like honeysuckle work by reducing or suppressing inflammation.

Honeysuckle is very useful in the treatment of acute diseases, infections and inflammations. Several popular Chinese formulas contain this herb honeysuckle. Because it is a natural antibiotic, honeysuckle can also be used to control infections caused by staph or strep bacteria. Honeysuckle should ideally be used for acute conditions and should not be used in the treatment of long-term illnesses.

Honeysuckle is also effective in treating internal infections, but is conventionally used externally for acne and eczematous skin irritation and infections. Honeysuckle has been found to be helpful in relieving rashes ranging from skin conditions. For these types of skin conditions, honeysuckle is ideally used as a topical compress. For small cuts and bruises that may become infected, an infusion of honeysuckle can be applied externally. It is in the treatment of skin infections that the long stems of honeysuckle are used.

Alternatively, honeysuckle treatment cleanses and detoxifies the blood and acts as a fever reducer, how it reduces fever with its cooling effects is unknown. Japanese honeysuckle is best used for ailments such as sore throats, puffy, bloodshot eyes, and severe headaches.

Preparations
Three teaspoons of the infusion of leaves and flowers can be taken orally three times a day. For skin irritation, honeysuckle should be made into a poultice and applied externally to the skin on a cotton pad. When honeysuckle flower is prepared in capsule form, 11-18 g can be taken daily. It is suggested that both oral and topical preparations be used. Users of the herb report a slight tingling of the skin and then a slight glowing sensation. The limited medical research that has been done shows that the chemicals in the herb have mild antiseptic and antibacterial action along with reducing inflammation.

The herb can be applied to individual spots or swollen spot areas. The effects are quite dramatic and can reduce a lot of inflammation overnight. The honeysuckle preparation can be obtained online or at any herbalist.