The fight against acne is an arduous battle and like any battle, you may survive but not be left unscathed. Yes, the struggle with acne does not end with the treatment and eradication of the situation because acne often leaves unsightly residual scars that affect levels of self esteem as well as leave a tangible and visual reminder of a painful ordeal.

The good news

Fortunately, with advancements in science and technology, acne scar sufferers won't have to live with this situation any longer. There are a host of solutions available for acne scar removal that actually works. However, it is important to remain realistic in expectation and to learn which procedure will benefit you because there are no one size fits all remedies for acne scar removal. Acne scar removal procedures will depend on one's age, skin type and severity.

*When abrasiveness works

One type of acne scar removal is dermabrasion and this entails the use of an electronic machine that will remove the top layer of the skin to even out the surface and produce, clearer, smoother skin. Although if you think about it, the procedure is much like sanding stone or wood down, this has proven to be quite successful. After the procedure the skin is red and raw but when it heals, smoother, more even skin is yours to have. This however does not work on thin skin, which may not have enough layers to begin with.

*Feel the peel

Chemical peels work much like dermabrasion except that instead of a mechanical machine, chemicals are used in contact with the skin to be treated to prompt it to shed off the top, scarred layers to make room for smoother skin. This procedure may not be an option for individuals with overly sensitive skin which may react adversely to the chemicals.

*Injectibles and laser treatments

Although primarily used to treat aging skin, collagen injections and laser treatments are also effective in acne scar removal. These techniques are use to transform depressed areas formed by scars to create a smooth and scar free skin surface.

*Punching and transferring

Punch grafts and fat transfers are also used to treat deep scars caused by acne. Punch grafts entail punching holes on scars and replacing the skin with an unscarred source elsewhere in the body. Same goes for fat transfer where fat from another source of the body is transferred onto depressed skin surfaces to raise and level off scars.

For more detailed information on procedures, visit the following sites and begin your journey towards getting rid of battle scars caused by acne.

www.acne-resource.org  Its page on acne scar removal is a complete information sheet about getting rid of unsightly scars caused by acne. This site will also help you find out where to get procedures done and more importantly, where you can find qualified professionals to help you find out the best process for your acne scar removal needs.

www.elcaminohospital.org you can feel at ease and learn all about acne scar removal procedures through their rich resource. Browsing their site will also help you find out how they can actually help you get the procedures done and finally be rid of acne scars for good.  

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Lavender has been one of the most popular medicinal herbs since time immemorial. Lavender's name is derived from the Latin word lavarre, which means to wash. In ancient Arab medicine, lavender was widely used as an expectorant. In the folk medicine of Europe, lavender has held a reputation as a useful wound herb. The most common types of healing lavenders are L. angustifolia and L. spica. French lavender, L. stoechas, is perhaps one of the most commonly used varieties of lavender.

The flowers of the lavender plant are used to create an array of herbal remedies. Herbalists as bitter describe the character of the lavender flowers, cooling and mainly dry. The flowers are known to contain tannins, volatile oils, coumarins, triterpernoids, and flavonoids. Lavender is well regarded for its ability to promote bile flow, and it is well known as a relaxant, antispasmodic, circulatory stimulant, and antiseptic, a tonic for the nervous system, an analgesic, and a carminative. 

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular of all aromatic essential oils. Lavender essential oil can be used to treat a large variety of problems and ailments. Many herbalists recommend that lavender essential oil become an integral part of any household first aid kit. Lavender essential oils can be used to create a variety of herbal remedies. The essential oil of lavender can be used to make a healing cream. Simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a chamomile-based cream to treat skin problems such as eczema. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil with a few drops of water to treat scalds, burns, or sunburn. Lavender essential oil can also be used to create a potent chest rub. Simply add 1 ml of oil to 5 drops of chamomile oil and rub into chest to treat bronchitis spasms or symptoms of asthma.

Lavender can also be used as a hair rinse. Simply dilute 5-10 drops of essential lavender oil in water to treat lice problems. Lavender essential oil hair rinses can also be used on a fine comb to treat the hair for nits. Lavender essential oil can also be used to make an effective massage oil. Combine 1 ml of lavender essential oil into 25 ml carrier oil, and use as massage oil. This massage oil is effective in treating painful muscles. Herbalists also recommend rubbing this oil into the temples and the nape of the neck to treat tension headaches and migraines. Lavender essential oil can also help protect against insect bites and stings. Simply smelling lavender can prove healing. Lavender is one of the most important herbs of aromatherapy. It is highly regarded for helping to ease feelings of stress, anxiety, and it can help relieve the symptoms of insomnia.

There are some cautions that accompany the use of lavender. It is particularly recommended that women who are pregnant avoid high doses of lavender. High doses of lavender in any form have been shown to be a strong uterine stimulant.

It is believed that the marshmallow plant has been used to create herbal remedies since Ancient Egyptian times. The plant itself takes its name from the Greek world altho, which roughly translates as "to heal." The root of the marshmallow plant is very rich in sugar, and herbalists consider the plant to be very mucilaginous. The mucilaginous nature of the plant is thought to make the tissues soften. The leaves of the marshmallow plant are often used as an expectorant. It is also known as a soothing tonic for the urinary system. The leaves and the root of the marshmallow plant are both know as a vegetable. The marshmallow plant is actually just one plant in a large family of mallow plants. All the plant members of the mallow family are thought to contain more or less the same healing properties.

Herbalists believe that the flowers of the marshmallow plant are a natural expectorant. The leaves of the marshmallow plant are believed to act as an expectorant, a demulcent or a diuretic. Meanwhile, the roots of the marshmallow plant are also thought of as an expectorant, a demulcent, a diuretic, and are thought to heal wounds. Herbalists as moist often describe the character of the marshmallow plant, slightly sweet, and cool. The marshmallow plant is believed to contain many constituents. The flowers contain flavonoids and mucilage, and the leaves contain coumarin, salicylic acid, phenolic acid, as well as mucilage and flavonoids. The root of the marshmallow plant also contains mucilage, as well as asparagines, tannins, and polysaccharides.

The flowers of the marshmallow plant are rarely made available commercially, but they can be easily grown and harvested in a home garden. The flowers that are harvested from the marshmallow plant are sometimes used to be made into expectorant syrups that are then used to treat coughs and colds. If flowers from the marshmallow plant are not available, flowers from the garden hollyhock plant can also be used as an alternative. The flowers are usually harvested in the summer. The leaves of the marshmallow plant are also harvested in late summer, and they can also be used to create herbal remedies to help heal the urinary disorders and to heal bronchial problems. The most commonly treated conditions that are treated with the leaves of the marshmallow plant are whooping coughs, cystitis, and bronchitis.

The root of the marshmallow plant is also used to make herbal remedies. The root is used to treat many external problems, including burns, boils, wounds, and skin ulcerations. The marshmallow root can also be taken internally to treat several conditions. It can be taken to treat problems such as gastritis, enteritis, esophagitis, and peptic ulcers. The marshmallow root can also be used to treat conditions such as hiatus hernia, as well as for cystitis and urinary inflammations. The marshmallow root can be harvested in autumn and winter. The marshmallow root can also be used create a decoction that is used to treat inflammations such as cystitis and esophagitis. Herbalist recommends taking roughly 25 g of root to one liter of water.

Garlic can rightly be called the king of the herbs. Although we think of it in terms of food and seasoning, garlic has long been prized for its numerous healing properties. For at least 5,000 years, garlic has stood as the king of healing herbs. It has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of further heart attacks in cardiac patients, and stimulate the immune system as a powerful antibiotic. The strong odor that garlic is famous for is due to its sulfur-containing compounds that are also responsible for most of its medicinal properties. So, when it comes to garlic, its strong smell and taste is also what gives it such healing properties. It has been shown that 'deodorized' varieties of garlic have less healing properties than the conventional, smelly varieties.

The most important parts of the garlic plant are its cloves. Garlic cloves are well known for treating infections, especially infections of the chest area. They are also known to be effective against digestive disorders and fungal infections, including yeast infections. Garlic cloves have also been successfully used to as a viable long-term treatment for cardiovascular problems. They have been shown to effectively reduce excessive cardiovascular levels, atherosclerosis, and they have been shown to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Garlic cloves have also been shown to dilate peripheral blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Garlic cloves have also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels, and may prove particularly effective in the treatment of adult-onset diabetes. Moreover, recent research shows that garlic may act as a preventative against cancer. Garlic cloves can also be applied topically to treat a variety of skin disorders and infections, including acne. As with most other herbs, garlic is best used fresh.

There are many popular applications for garlic that can be easily prepared at home. For instance, for the treatment of skin infections, corns, warts or acne, you can mash fresh garlic cloves and apply topically. Eating garlic cloves regularly is also recommended for protecting against any number of infections, as well as for the health benefits that include lower cholesterol levels, improved quality of the cardiovascular system, and lower blood sugar levels. For the treatment of severe digestive disorders, including dysentery, worms, and gastroenteritis, the consumption of 3-6 crushed cloves daily is recommended.

For the treatment of intestinal parasites, a maceration is recommended. Simply seep 3-4 garlic cloves in water or milk overnight and drink the next day. Garlic can also be easily consumed in capsule form. Garlic powder is recommended. Recent clinical trials have shown that to prevent further heart attacks in individuals who have already suffered a heart attack, 2 g of garlic powder in capsules taken daily is recommended. An alternative to garlic powder capsules are the commercial 'pearl' capsules. However, be aware that these more deodorized versions are also apt to be less effective.

Be aware that garlic can irritate sensitive stomachs, and it is not recommended to take therapeutic doses during pregnancy or lactation.

The Burdock plant has long been used in herbal remedies to treat a variety of ailments. Burdock has traditionally been thought of as a good plant for creating cleansing remedies. The Burdock plant is well known for its hooked burrs, which are notorious for attaching themselves to clothing. This aspect of the Burdock plant is registered in its Latin scientific name, Arctium lappa, which is derived from the Greek lappa, which means to seize. Burdock has also traditionally been used as a blood purifier. In the past it has often been combined with dandelion and burdock wine to create a healing tonic for indigestion. In China, the seeds of the Burdock plant are known as niu bang zi, and it is used to get rid of fevers and evil spirits. It is also used in Chinese medicine to lower blood sugar levels.

Three parts of the Burdock plant are used to create herbal remedies: the root, its seeds, and its leaves. The root of the Burdock plant is often used by the Japanese to treat a variety of ailments.  They think of the Burdock root as a vegetable that they call godo. Western herbalists too also consider the root of the Burdock plant to be the most important.  In the West, herbalists use the Burdock plant root as a cleansing and eliminative remedy.  It is often used in cases where a build up of toxins is suspected. Symptoms of toxin build up include skin problems, digestive ailments, arthritic pains, or overall sluggishness.  Parts of the Burdock root are often used externally to treat infections and skin sores.  The Burdock root is most commonly harvested in the fall.

Another commonly used part of the Burdock plant is the seeds.  The seeds of the Burdock plant are used in several healing remedies of many healing traditions.  For instance, the American Eclectic School of healing has traditionally integrated the Burdock seeds as a diuretic or to create healing skin tonics.  In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds are often used to treat common colds that are characterized by an unproductive cough and sore throat. The seeds of the Burdock plant are traditionally harvested in late summer.

The leaves of the Burdock plant are also harvested to create several herbal remedies.  In general, however, the leaves of the Burdock plant are thought to be less effective than other parts, especially the root.  The leaves of the Burdock plant are most commonly used to create a healing tonic for common stomach complaints, including indigestion and overall digestive weakness.  The leaves of the Burdock plant are harvested before or during their flowering.

To create a herbal remedy using the Burdock plant, one easy way is to infuse the Burdock plant leaves to create a hot tea.  It is recommended that Burdock tea be used to treat indigestion and that it be taken in half-cup doses before meals. Burdock tea can also be taken as a mild digestive stimulant.  Another herbal remedy you can make from the Burdock plant is to take the root of the plant and create a poultice that can be applied to skin sores and leg ulcers.

Lemon balm is one of the most beloved of the healing herbs. The scientific name of this herb—Melissa officinalis—reveals much of its history. It is thought that bees and lemon balm have been inextricably linked since ancient times. The name Melissa is derived from the Greek term for "honey bee." Moreover, many herbalists agree that lemon balm has much of the same healing and tonic properties that royal jelly and honey has.  Lemon balm has traditionally been honored as a herb with the ability to lend rejuvenation. During the Middle Ages, lemon balm was a key ingredient in all medieval elixirs of youth. Even as late as the 18th century, lemon balm continued to maintain its reputation as an elixir of youth.

Herbalists describe the character of lemon balm as sour, dry, cold, and slightly bitter. Lemon balm is known to contain volatile oils (including citronellal), polyphenols, bitter principle, tannins, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids. The actions of the plant have alternately been described as sedative, anti-depressant, a relaxant and restorer, a digestive stimulant, antibacterial and antispasmodic. It has also known for its ability to promote sweating, relax the peripheral blood vessels, and for its antiviral properties.

The leaves of the lemon balm plant are believed to help relieve the symptoms of depression and tension. The leaves are known as carminative, so are thought of as ideal for those who may suffer from digestive upsets when they become anxious or worried. Because of its cooling properties, lemon balm is also good for people who may suffer from feverish colds. The leaves of the lemon balm plant may be used both internally and externally to treat the eruption of cold sores. The herb can be used externally to treat sores or any other kind of painful swelling.

The best time to harvest lemon balm is just before flowering. In the summer, the leaves of the lemon balm plant can make a delightfully cooling and refreshing tea.  Hot lemon balm tea is used to treat depression, nausea, indigestions, and nervous exhaustion

The essential oil of the lemon balm plant is also popular with herbalists. The concentrated oils from the lemon balm leaves are much more potent than the leaves themselves. Just a few drops of lemon balm essential oil can affect an individual. A few drops of lemon balm essential oil are recommended as an antidote to depression. The potency of lemon balm essential oil is thought to be able to "shock" the depressed patient out of their state. Diluted lemon balm essential oil can also be applied topically to help heal cold sores.

Other popular methods for consuming lemon balm in herbal remedies include as an ointment, tincture, infused oil, and in a compress.. A lemon balm compress can be applied to any area of suffering from painful swellings, or conditions such as gout. Lemon balm can also be used to create soothing massage oil. Simply dilute 5-10 drops of essential oil by combining with either almond oil or olive oil, and then rub to relieve chest complaints or other areas of tension.