The teen years are fraught with many physical and psychological changes.
Girls in particular face a unique array of challenges when it comes to growing up.
But instead of turning to medical specialists and expensive prescription medications, consider trying natural herbal remedies.
Many herbs have been used to alleviate various health complaints for centuries; some of these herbs are ideally suited to girls and the transitional health challenges they face as they go from youth to adulthood.
As with all alternative medicine, however, you may still wish to check with your healthcare provider regarding dosage or to ensure that particular herbs don’t interact with medicines you may be taking.
Skin
Whether it’s acne, oily skin, or dry skin that’s causing problems, herbs can help – often just as well as over-the-counter products. Skin issues like blemishes are the plague of teenagers, but natural remedies can certainly make a helpful impact.
A wash of warm water and diluted tea tree oil two times a day has been compared to Clearasil when it comes to clearing up a bout of acne. According to WebMD, “Tea tree oil is applied to the skin (used topically) for infections such as acne, fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis), lice, scabies, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and ringworm.”
Calendula has been used as a natural astringent for ages. Herbal soaps made with calendula are available at health food stores. Calendula soap is a great natural remedy for acne and the inflammation associated with it. Of course, some teens might find this bright yellow bloom to be the perfect desk ornament with its cheery appearance.
Although the scent of lavender is known to have a calming effect on the nerves, it can also be used to tamp down acne flair ups. With its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, lavender can be applied to any type of skin. If you suffer from acne scars, you can rub a bit of lavender oil on the area to minimize the scar tissue.
Moods
The teenage years are notorious for mood shifts and even angst. While clinical issues like depression may require prescription medication and professional supervision, moodiness is common among teenage girls.
Some herbs like chamomile have been used for centuries to induce a feeling of calm. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used chamomile to balance the moods. Studies, such as one conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, have demonstrated that chamomile may be helpful to people who suffer from mild to moderate forms of depression. A cup of chamomile tea is a soothing way to combat upset moods or the pangs of disappointment.
Passionflower has been used since ancient times in Central and South America to combat anxiety and depression. Daily Mail reported that “passionflower does help ease anxiety” and it can easily be enjoyed in tea form just like chamomile. For teen girls who suffer bouts of nerves before tests or other stressful situation, a cup of passionflower tea can be a useful as well as tasty remedy.
For teens who don’t want to ingest an herb to combat mood swings, there’s always aromatherapy to enjoy. Though useful in oil form for the skin, lavender boasts a lovely scent that is known to dispel the blues. For teens feeling inexplicably sad for a day, consider sleeping next to some sprigs of dry lavender or used lavender shampoo and body gel while bathing. Lavender has long been known for its ability to combat stress and anxiety.
Cramps
Cramps due to menstruation can be considerably uncomfortable and even downright painful. Cramps can lead to missed days of school and ruined weekends. Many women prefer tea made from red raspberry leaf to ward away cramps. Nutrients contained in the herb are believed to enhance muscle contraction and ease pain.
Peppermint tea is also a great choice for teens. The peppermint can revive their minds while easing away unpleasant cramps. For teens who also suffer from water retention (i.e. bloating) during their period, dandelion tea (yes! Dandelions are edible) can be a reliable solution.
Although it can be helpful to rely on these herbal remedies during menstruation, it’s also a smart idea to reduce or eliminate any caffeine during this time of the month. Caffeine, according to Everyday Health, “can restrict blood vessels, which can cause cramps.” Consequently, it’s important to avoid coffee drinks and soda pops that contain caffeine.
Moreover, herbs can also be used to promote strong nails, great hair, and even optimum health. The key is to research herbs and other foods that are well-known alternative medicine remedies.
After discussing these herbal remedies with your healthcare provider, you may decide that they are something you can add to your health and beauty regimen.
