The teenage years can be a tough time. How do you help them stay healthy and happy and address their special needs?

Herbs can help. In my 30 years of working with medicinal herbs, I’ve seen them offer plenty of positive results with people of all ages. The following herbs can be especially effective at addressing issues plaguing teenagers.

Zap acne

Having acne is no fun, but simple herbal solutions can help your teen’s skin become blemish-free. Mindy Green, a Blaine, Minnesota-based clinical aromatherapist and co-author of Aromatherapy (Crossing, 1995), offers a do-it-yourself remedy that "works better than most harsher products to dry up zits, stop infection, and promote healing." The magic ingredient is tea tree essential oil, derived from an Australian tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The oil is a powerful antiseptic and skin healer, according to several studies, including a 2000 report in the Journal of Applied Microbiology (vol. 88, no. 1).

For a quick pimple zapper, place one teaspoon cosmetic clay (green, bentonite, or French) in a small container. Stir in one to two teaspoons of distilled water, then add one drop of tea tree essential oil. Dab this mixture on troublesome spots at least twice a day, leaving it on for about ten minutes per application, then washing it off.

Prevent and heal infections

The downside of tattoos or body piercing is the possibility of developing an infection. Avoid this by having your teen dab one drop of antiseptic tea tree essential oil on the area twice a day, beginning the day after the procedure and continuing for several days until the area heals completely.

Keep a cool head

With all the changes happening to teenagers, they can sometimes feel as if their lives are out of control, resulting in stress, moodiness, and anger. Several aromatherapy scents can help keep teens calm and emotionally balanced. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) are especially useful for maintaining an even temperament. If your child prefers musky scents, go for patchouli (Pogostemon cablin). She can carry a commercially prepared spray bottle containing one of the oils, and when she feels anger boiling up, she can spritz her favorite scent into the air and take a whiff.

Improve memory

Teens need to be mentally alert for studying and taking tests. According to Mars, the same herbs that fight fatigue also improve brainpower. In addition, she recommends ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), an antioxidant that improves how the body and brain use oxygen. Mars considers these herbs "restoratives" that support general health.

Green suggests using "smart" scents, such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which is reputed to help memory. When teenagers face a school exam, have them sniff rosemary leaves or essential oil while studying and when they need to recall important facts.

Kathi Keville is director of the American Herb Association (www.ahaherb.com) and author of 12 herb books.

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