Over the past couple of decades Western society has started exploring what the Eastern world has known for centuries.

Green tea has therapeutic properties

Green tea and black tea both come from the same plant, camellia sinensis, which is native to the rainy forests of South East Asia.  The difference is in the processing.  Green tea is less processed so it still contains much of its original plant substances.

Green tea possesses many therapeutic properties, due to the high levels of polyphenols that it contains.  Polyphenols are naturally occurring substances that neutralise the damaging effects of the free radicals in the body.  Free radicals disrupt normal cellular function causing damage to many cells in the body.  The polyphenols, which are abundant in green tea, help to prevent this cellular damage.

Studies into the benefits of green tea are continuing and reports are promising.  Green tea contains anti-carcinogenic, anti-allergenic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Green tea is believed to reduce inflammation and itching

Drinking green tea on a regular basis is believed to be beneficial in controlling the symptoms of eczema.  It is believed to reduce inflammation and itching and to calm the overactive immune response.  It is only effective whilst being taken regularly and is by no means considered a cure for the condition.  Studies indicate that the eczema symptoms will reappear if the green tea is not taken regularly.

The amount of green tea required to control the symptoms of eczema is disputable.  Some reports claim 3 cups per day will control the symptoms of eczema whilst other reports indicate that up to 10 cups per day are required.

If you suffer from eczema why not try drinking green tea?  You never know the benefits you might discover.

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition most common in children but also prevalent in adults.  The skin becomes dry, red and inflamed however the most irritating symptom of all is the uncontrollable itch that accompanies the rash.

Keeping the skin well moisturized using perfume and preservative free moisturizers that have been designed for sensitive skin will help.  The condition may worsen when the skin is exposed to certain elements including dust mite, climate changes and certain foods.  However the triggering factor will vary from person to person making the condition difficult to treat.

To best control the condition you should avoid using soaps on the face and never wash with hot water as this will aggravate the condition.  Avoid make up as much as possible but if it must be worn use products that are designed for sensitive skin and ensure it is washed off at the end of the day and a moisturizer is applied.

Use an emollient that has been designed to control eczema and its symptoms.  These can often be bought as an over the counter product.  If the condition persists and is resistant to the methods you are using you may need to try an alternate treatment or consult a doctor who will prescribe you a stronger cream.

Acne is an inflammatory condition often affecting teenagers during puberty.  It is the result of a build up of sebum behind blocked hair follicles.  The blocked pores create small pustules (pimples) on the skin surface.  If left untreated the pimple will build up in pressure and eventually burst causing bacteria and dead skin to spread across the skin.  This causes the skin to become oily and further hair follicles to become blocked and so increasing the problem.

Acne is best treated early to prevent scarring and to allow treatment to have the best chance of being effective.  There are many acne treatments available.  It is important to remember that not all treatments will help everyone.

If your acne is not clearing up after several weeks of using a treatment you may need to readjust your treatment.  Along with medicated treatments it is important to gently clean your skin twice a day with a mild soap and pat dry.