Yellow Dock Herbal Tonic
Acne is something we often associate with adolescence but, in truth it can happen at any age, women often experience breakouts around their periods throughout their whole lives.
Herbs can be used to soothe and relieve acne; some herbs are astringent which can help to dry the skin which is particularly beneficial for greasy skin whilst others have antiseptic and bacterial properties which can prevent the skin becoming infected and inflamed.
Burdock Root is effective in treating skin conditions like acne due to it’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Sarsaparilla has natural anti-oxidant properties and cleansing properties, helping to remove dirt and impurities from everyday life from your skin. It does this without drying out the skin due to its natural moisturising properties.
Yellow Dock is both an antiseptic and an astringent making it effective in drying up spots whilst preventing infections and further outbreaks. Dandelion Root is a fantastic diuretic and detoxifying herb which can help remove toxins, dirt and blocked pores helping to reduce breakouts.Prickly Ash Bark also has diaphoretic and antiseptic properties, helping to remove toxins from the body and preventing infections during a breakout. Chamomile is a great tonic and anti-inflammatory herb that helps to soothe and calm angry outbreaks.
As you can see, this tonic with all of these wonderful healing herbs can help tackle acne from the inside out, riding the body of toxins while reducing inflammation and infections. Taking just a few tablespoons a day can help reduce outbreaks and reduce the severity of outbreaks when they do occur.
INGREDIENTS
30g (2 tablespoons) - Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
30g (2 tablespoons) - Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis; S. omata)
30g (2 tablespoons) - Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
15g (1 tablespoon) - Prickly Ash Bark (Zanthoxylum
americanum)
7g (1 teaspoon) -Chamomile Flowers (Chamaemelum nobile; Anthemis nobilis)
1 litre - Water
INSTRUCTIONS
Take all the herbs leaving aside the Chamomile flower and simmer for 10 minutes in 1 litre of water.
After 10 minutes add the Chamomile flowers to the liquid.
Cover and leave the herbs to soak for a further 10 minutes.
Strain the liquid.
Once cooled use a little honey to sweeten to taste before bottling.
DOSAGE
Take 1 tablespoon 3 – 4 times per day preferable before meals and before bed.
SIDE EFFECTS
Most herbs and plants can be used quite safely but there are a few things to consider and take note of.
Burdock is generally considered safe for general use but pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant should avoid Burdock where possible. Burdock Root is a natural diuretic so care should be taken if you are taking other diuretic medication to prevent dehydration.
Yellow Dock is considered safe for general use. However, if used in large doses the leaves can be toxic. Dandelion is also considered safe for general use, However, it may cause allergic reaction in some people. It can also Interact with certain diuretic medications. Prickly Ash Bark can make the skin more sensitive to the sun in rare cases and should not be used if pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s also recommended that Chamomile should not be used during pregnancy due to its uterine properties which could induce miscarriage. Also people taking prescribed sedative medications such as benzodiazepines and anticoagulant medication such as warfarin should consult their doctor before using Chamomile.