What is acne?
The sebaceous glands produce oil (sebum) which normally travels via hair follicles to the skin surface. When skin cells block the oil, follicles become plugged and bacteria begins to grow inside the follicles, causing acne pimple and cysts. In severe cases acne can involve the face, neck, back, and scalp too.
Causes
Hormonal changes that take place during puberty, secretion of excessive oil in the skin, pregnancy, menstrual periods, high stress levels, contraceptive pills, hereditary factors.
Symptoms
There are two main types of acne: non-inflammatory and inflammatory.
Non-inflammatory acne: Whiteheads and blackheads on the face.
Inflammatory acne: The whiteheads become inflamed and develop into red pimples.
Remedy (Nuskhe)
- Never squeeze acne pimples because they spread more on doing so. Never let yourself get constipated. Avoid fried and spicy food.
- Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day. Do not use soap.
- Orange peel is very good in the treatment of acne. Grind the peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. When oranges are not in season, dry peels in shade. Grind finely to a powder and store in an airtight jar. Mix with water and use.
- Mix one teaspoon lemon juice in one teaspoon finely ground cinnamon (dalchini) powder and apply on affected area frequently. Sift the cinnamon (dalchini) powder to make it into a very fine powder.
- Crush a few garlic (lasan) flakes and apply on the face, once or twice a day. Swallowing 1-2 flakes of raw garlic regularly, helps further.
- Grind some neem leaves with water to a fine paste. Apply on infected area.
- Make a paste of ½ teaspoon each of sandalwood and turmeric (haldi) powder in a little water and apply.
- Grind some black cumin seeds (shah jeera) with a little vinegar (sirka) to a smooth paste. Apply on affected parts.
- Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of rose water (gulab jal). Apply on the face with a piece of cotton wool or face brush. Wash after ½ hour with plain water. Do it for 10-15 days.
- Dip a nutmeg (jaiphal) in unboiled cows milk (kachcha doodh) and rub on a stone (sil). Apply on the face and let it dry. After it dries, rub gently to remove it. Wash off with warm water. Repeat twice a day for 3-4 days. You may also apply this paste at night before going to bed and wash the next day.
- Rub the bark of a neem tree from the inner side with a little water (like you do with a chandan stick). Apply the paste on the face and leave for ½ hour. Wash off.
