by Julie Gabriel

Created on: January 19, 2009

We are what we eat, and the skin reflects what's going on inside our body. Here are some herbs that help fine-tune the delicate functioning of our skin. The result? Fewer acne outbreaks and more balanced hormones.

Burdock root is the most important herb for treating all forms of chronic skin problems. Burdock root is often described as a "blood purifier", and contributes to clearing the bloodstream of toxins being a mild laxative. Medicinally, burdock root is used both internally and externally for acne, eczema and psoriasis, as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. You can find burdock in many detoxifying blends and teas. If you choose to take it as a part of detoxifying course, make sure to check if you are not doubling the intake of other ingredients. Burdock should not be taken by pregnant women as it may cause birth defects and miscarriage.

Chamomile both have been used traditionally to calm nerves, to treat various digestive disorders, and to treat a range of skin conditions and mild infections. The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of conditions including sore throats, gum inflammation (gingivitis), psoriasis, eczema, and acne. While studies in people are few, animal studies have demonstrated German chamomile's ability to reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, reduce muscle spasms, and to serve as a mild sedative to help with relaxation which is also good for your skin. Dried chamomile flowers can be used to make tea or mixed with water and applied to acne lesions as a poultice. Chamomile is considered generally safe by the FDA. Because of its calming effects, chamomile should not be taken in conjunction with sedative medications.

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) has been known to help improve bladder and liver functions by stimulating bile and digestive enzymes. By this yellow dock reduces bowel inflammation. Yellow dock is also used to treat chronic skin eruptions associated with the toxicity of the intestines. It's extremely powerful against acne! Yellow dock has a mild laxative effect, due to component called anthraquinone glycoside. Yellow dock may cause mild diarrhea in some people. Don't use yellow dock if you are pregnant or nursing.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Roman times as an herbal remedy for liver problems as

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