There is a lot of interest from rosacea sufferers in treating their rosacea with natural or herbal therapies and remedies. Many are keen to avoid treatments like antibiotics and metrogel. This paper is by far the best collection of information about natural products I’ve found.
Treatment of rosacea with herbal ingredients. Wu J., Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2006 Jan;5(1):29-32.
Abstract: Since rosacea is a chronic disease and many patients find prescription therapies unsatisfactory, they frequently turn to herbal ingredients for relief of their persistent facial redness. The most useful and frequently used herbal compounds include licorice, feverfew, green tea, oatmeal, lavender, chamomile, tea tree oil, and camphor oil. The utility of most of these herbs is based on their purported anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these herbs have proven effects, many have potential benefits, and some may aggravate rosacea. Due to the fact that many patients fail to inform their physicians about their use of herbal ingredients, dermatologists should be aware of what patients may be using and be able to advise them about the efficacy of these ingredients or the potential for adverse effects.
Many patients use topical over-the-counter (OTC) agents to treat the symptoms of rosacea, either as an alternative to traditional prescriptions or to complement their prescription regimen. Increasingly, many of these OTC preparations contain herbs. Current estimates report that consumers in the US spend more than 21 billion dollars on alternative medicine and the use of herbal remedies saw an unprecedented 380% increase between 1990 and 1997.
Licorice (Glycyrrhizin)
Glycyrrhizinic acid has also been shown to improve dermatitis. In a study by Saeedi and associates, 2% glycyrrhizinic acid gel was reported to significantly decrease scores for erythema, edema, and itching over the 2-week treatment period.
A recent study by Dieck and associates found that licochalcone A exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory action on a broad range of skin cells involved in skin inflammation.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
One of the primary active components of feverfew, parthenolide, inhibits serotonin release from platelets. Feverfew inhibits 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, resulting in a reduction in human blood platelet aggregation.
In a recent study by Martin and associates, 45 days of treatment with 1% feverfew PFE (parthenolide-free extract) - Aveeno Daily Moisturizer Ultracalming, improved mild inflammatory acne by inhibiting the release of inflammatory markers from activated lymphocytes and reducing neutrophil chemotaxis. It is these immunomodulating properties that suggest feverfew PFE[TM] may be a useful treatment for rosacea.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
The green tea derivatives epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate possess well-documented anticarcinogenic properties and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. (15) These properties are especially useful for patients with rosacea as inherent sun sensitivity is a hallmark of the disease. The photoprotective properties of green tea may lessen reactivity to ultraviolet light, thereby reducing the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Moreover, green tea extract has been shown to reduce the disruption of the skin barrier often seen in patients with the disease.
Oatmeal
First, oatmeal is a potent antipruritic. The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal alleviate itch due to dry skin. These properties, in turn, promote protection of barrier function, which is often impaired in rosacea patients. Oatmeal also works as a skin protectant and enhancer of barrier function as the proteins and polysaccharides bind to skin to provide a protective barrier, while proteins buffer both acids and bases.
Lavender (genus Lavandula)
studies in animal models confirm the traditional use of Lavandula angustifolia for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions (including gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, and generalized pain).
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile)
The active constituents of chamomile include the terpenoids (bisoprolol, matricin, chamazulene) and flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin). Studies have documented the anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of creams containing chamomile in patients with various inflammatory dermatoses. Chamomile is used in a variety of cosmetic products and as soothing compresses.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
In recent years it has become increasingly popular as an antimicrobial agent and has also been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil should be used with caution, however, as it has been associated with a wide variety of side effects including allergic contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis, erythema, and systemic hypersensitivity reactions as well as conditions such as linear immunoglobulin A disease.
Camphor Oil (Cinnamonum camphora)
Recently, camphor oil has been evaluated for its efficacy in treating the demodicoses that are frequently comorbid with rosacea. In a study by Morsy, marked reduction in the infestation density were noted following application of diluted camphor oil at concentrations of 20% to 25%. Caution is warranted with the use of camphor oil, however, as it is a known skin irritant.
Discussion: The therapeutic value of medicinal herbs has gained increased acceptance by the medical profession. However, there are a number of variables which can influence the composition, concentration, and bioavailability of the herbal compound. Moreover, few of these ingredients have been evaluated in clinical trials. Despite these issues, many patients may benefit from the use of herbal remedies and a growing number of patients are using “natural” ingredients to treat their rosacea. Some have proven effects, many have potential benefits, and some may, in fact, aggravate rosacea. Of particular concern is the finding that patients using alternative therapies are unlikely to tell their doctor. Dermatologists should be aware of what patients are using and be able to advise them, beyond what is prescribed or the procedures performed.
Disclosure: Dr. Wu is a consultant for Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products and is Founder and President of Dr. Jessica Wu Cosmeceuticals.
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- PubMed Abstract
- Full Text Online (photographs ommited). The author kindly provided a printed copy of the paper.
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15 comments ↓
I have been using the Aveeno Ultra Calming Night Cream & Facial Wash for 3 weeks now and this product actually works like a miracle for my moderate roseca. My skin is looking almost normal and no one has asked me if I’ve been spending too much time in the sun or wind since using this product. I never thought I would ever find anything that would take the reddness out of my skin and I would have to live with the severe redness forever. If you are ‘on the fence’ about trying this line of products you need to give the Aveeno Ultra Calming line a chance.
Great to hear Tracy. I have collected some more comments about Aveeno Ultra Calming range here http://rosacea-support.org/aveeno-ultra-calming-with-feverfew.html
I won a gift certificate to a soap manufacturer in Syracuse NY, and had to buy $20 worth of product. I tryed their Tea Tree soap. Very mild, and I use a little round natural brissel brush that they sell. It has worked wonders on my rosacea, especially the break outs, dry skin and redness. The soap was $3 and the brush $2, and the products are all natural. Small investment, and has lasted me a while, (I keep the soap in a soap container). Syracuse Soapworks. They have a website if you want to check them out. Good luck!
I am older and have had what doctors told me was rosacea for years. In my quest to find a product that worked and spent tons of money trying, I finally found a great product. Evan Healy Blue lavender cleansing milk. My redness disappeared after one washing. Then I added a new moisturizer and mask. My skin looks great and the redness is gone. I found Evan Healy on Carenonline web site or you can get it at Whole Foods.
I have had success with turmeric! It seems to function as an anti-inflammatory without the wacky side effects of commercial products. Make sure to take it with a meal as it can otherwise cause stomach discomfort.
Good luck!
Hi Maija,
Dr. Wu’s latest paper “Anti-inflammatory ingredients” also mentions turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. I’ll see if I can get a copy to see what it says.
davidp.
Thanks for such an informative and useful post about herbal remedies. herbal medicines don’t have any side effect. they are just good for health.
Thanks for your time to post this article.
I have rosacea of both the face and the eyes. I do not have health insurance, so alternative treatments are very important to me. Thank you for all the helpful information! It all makes sense, and I will implement as many as I can.
I want to add that I have always had ‘irritable’ eyes, from as far back in my childhood as I can remember. I always just attributed it to allergies. I also noticed a few years ago that if I scratch my scalp and then touch my eyes, they immediately get really irritated, so the tie-in of scalp dermatitis with blepheritis makes sense to me.
Hi John,
Unfortunately herbal remedies do have the potential to have unwanted side effects. Most drugs we take originated from natural compounds, so just because something was originally found in nature isn’t enough to ensure it is always safe.
davidp.
How useful is a 1% Cortisone Cream in treating rosacea? Thanks.
Lin,
I have used prescription 2.5% Hydrcortizone creams and lotions for rosacea and they work to an extent but it always comes back. The 1% did not work for me at all.
I am trying tea tree oil but just started.
I have been a victim of allergies, eczema for years recently diagnosed as rosacea, I have tried every lotion and cream from lubriderm, clinique, neutrogena, cetaphil, almay..etc.
Aveeno Ultra Calming Night Cream & Facial Wash did not work for my rosacea, but the Aveeno Baby lotion did. I recommend “Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture lotion” on face, not around your eyes you will instantly feel calming and moisture. And its alot cheaper than the Aveeno Ultra Calming Night Cream
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Product:
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Product Details:
* Fragrance Free
* Pediatrician Recommended
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* Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Loyion Contains Natural Colliodal Oatmeal Blended With Rich Emollients to Soothe and Help Heal Your Baby’s Delicate, Dry Skin. The Naturally Nourishing, Non-Greasy Formula Absorbs Quickly, Moisturizes For A Full 24 Hours
I have developped a case of rosacea in the past year, and first thought it was an allergic reaction or mild rash (people in my family, especially women are prone to allergic reactions, psoriasis, eczema, etc). I have also had irritated itchy eyes for years due to allergies, but it got worse since I developped rosacea, along with itchy scalp.
After reading some of the articles and posts on this site and doing some additional research, I decided to try some natural remedies rather than spending a lot of money on doctors visits and ending up on what seems to be the antibiotic rollercoaster.
For about $20-25 worth of supplements and products purchased online, after less than two weeks, my skin has stopped itching, the redness is significantly diminished (almost gone on one side) and the little white bumps are also much less than they were. I will make adjustments and try other things as well, but so far, here is what has worked for me, if someone else wants to try it. It may not work for everyone, but it is inexpensive and has no known side effects
I take a woman’s daily multivitamin, to which I added Burdock Root, a zinc complex, copper, and turmeric curcumin.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory as well as a powerful antioxidant, burdock root helps detoxify and has long been used for a variety of skin disorders. Zinc is not only good as an antioxidant, but is especially good for skin because it helps the body process the fatty acids necessary to heal burns, acne, and other skin conditions including rosacea. The copper supplement is because zinc tends to inhibit absobtion of copper, so they should be taken together.
In addition to these supplements, I have been using a pure aloe vera gel which I use as a refreshing cleanser (I don’t normally wear make up so I’m not sure if it would really work that way), and then use my Neutrogena soap just a couple times a week. I also use the aloe vera as a lotion if my skin feels a little flushed.
I purchased these products on puritansale.com which seems to have the best prices on supplements as well as an extensive selection of both their own line as well as others (I am in no way affiliated with them btw).
I would love to hear from others who have had some success with herbal remedies and supplements (I am thinking of trying milk thistle, carotenoids or licorice).
I have been using the following now for a month with excellent results:
Every morning and evening
1. Wash with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser* using a gentle exfoliating glove, pat dry. *(do NOT use the Daily Facial cleanser, that one irritates rather than soothes)
2. Wait 10 minutes.
3. Apply Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion (one squirt is enough for me)
The results have been amazing!
The only time I had a problem, and it was a big one that sent me back to the derm doc, turned out to be an allergic type rash reaction to MINT and CINNAMON (both the flavorings and the scents seem to really irritate rosacea -I think it is the intensity of the chemicals they are using now) - It’s a pain to avoid those two at the Winter Holiday season, but easy enough to accept rather than have my face so red, blotchy and painful again!
Hope others can have similar results!
I have been given 2 treatments by drs that have “fed” my condition and am still waiting to get in to see a dermatologist, but in the mean time have used baby cornstarch powder on my face at night and the swelling has reduced dramatically.
I am going to try some of the other remedies for day time and will let you know how it goes.
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