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Recommendation
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Rationale
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Notes
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Aloe (Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis)
applied topically
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Possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
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Food-grade aloe can be taken internally, too.
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Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
5 grams/day
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Enhances liver function.
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Resembling a long brown carrot, burdock root can also be peeled and juiced for drinking or chopped and added to stir-fry.
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Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
1 ounce dried herb brewed into tea daily
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Helps relieve inflammation of the skin.
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This herb may also help prevent scarring.
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Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
400 mg/day
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An antioxidant effective at repairing the liver.
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Begin taking after you cleanse the liver.
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Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
160 mg, 2x/day
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Inhibits production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates the production of oil in the skin.
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Take in conjunction with zinc.
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Vitamin A
10,000 IU/day
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Helps to regulate the skin's sebum (oil) production, which helps decrease acne.
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It can be toxic in high doses, so do not exceed recommendation unless under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
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Zinc
50 mg/day
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Inhibits conversion of DHT, which stimulates oil production.
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Be sure to take with food.
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Sources: Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, RH; Hilary Andrews, ND.
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