
Lex20/iStock/Getty Images
The Mayo Clinic reports that echinacea is a perennial plant that has shown promise as an immune stimulant. Native Americans have used this herbal medicine for centuries to treat infections. The most popular modern day use of this herb is for respiratory ailments, such as a cold, but it is also used to cure urinary tract infections and as a treatment for acne. Echinacea is available in a number of forms that utilized key components of the plant to brew tea or create a balm. Acne results when skin pores become blocked and eventually infected. While there is no scientific evidence that echinacea will improve acne, it may help reduce swelling and eliminate infection.
Purchase dried echinacea root from a local herbal or health food store. Some people do grow this plant in their garden. To harvest roots, cut off a portion of the root with a knife. Wash the section and hang it in sunlight. Once dry, crush the piece until it becomes powder and store in a glass jar.
Add 1g of root powder to hot water and boil for 10 minutes.
Place a filter of some kind on top of a cup. The filter could be a coffee filter or a tea strainer, the finer the pores the better. Pour the hot liquid through the filter into the cup. Straining the liquid will remove any remaining sediment from the root powder.
Prepare and drink the tea three times a day for three days.
Apply a topical echinacea cream to affected area. According to the Mayo Clinic, topical applications should be a semi-solid compound that contains 15 percent pressed juice. Follow the instructions provided with the product for proper application and dosage.
Related Articles

How to Cook Agar-Agar Jam
Burdock Root for Acne

How to Keep Cucumber Juice Fresh
How to Freeze Papaya

How to Make Pickle-Infused Vodka

How to Cure Razor Burn on a Woman's ...

How to Peel Guava

Red Currant Jam Recipe
Wild Yam for Hair Growth

How to Cook Yucca Root

How to Get Nail Glue Off of Your Skin
How to Make Carob Juice

Substitutes for Sweetened Cream of ...

Vitamin C & Boils
How to Make Mullein Tea

Can Beet Juice Sit Out Overnight?

How to Remove a Cardamom Seed From a Pod

How to Make Calendula Tea

Green Tea Remedy for Blackheads

How to Use Wheatgrass for Washing Hair
References
Warnings
- Discuss use of this herbal supplement with your doctor if taking prescription medication, pregnant, breastfeeding or under care for any medical condition. Do not take echinacea if on an immunosuppressant drug for cancer or after an organ transplant. Do not take echinacea if allergic to plants from the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed or marigolds.
Writer Bio
Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.
Photo Credits
Lex20/iStock/Getty Images