4 TCM Herbs for Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and can have a significant impact on one's self-esteem and overall well-being. While there are various treatment options available, including topical creams, antibiotics, and prescription medications, many individuals are seeking natural alternatives to manage their acne.

The common avenues of acne care often leave patients disappointed and disheartened when they don’t get the long-lasting results they are looking for. By the time I see these patients, they have often exhausted these biomedical approaches.

Chinese herbal medicine employs a combination of herbs, to restore harmony within the body. The individual herbs that make up your personal formula are carefully selected based on their energetic properties, tastes, and effects on various organ systems. Together as a whole, the formula is built to address the root causes of the concern. When done properly, you can see long-lasting results, even long after the course of treatment has ended.

In this blog post, we will explore how 4 specific Chinese herbs can help with acne and provide insights into their potential benefits. Please note, this is meant to inform the reader and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized care, please reach out to myself or another licensed Chinese medicine practitioner.

Bai Hua She She Cao (oldenlandia diffusa) is Traditional Chinese Medicine’s #1 acne herb. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial that specifically targets the skin, thus reducing swelling, redness and infection. As an added bonus, it also TCM’s #1 anti-cancer herb.
Dan shen (salvia miltiorrhiza) is a Chinese herb commonly used to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, it is often used to treat cardiovascular diseases, menstrual cramps, digestive issues and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Dan shen improves circulation in the microvasculature of the skin, allowing the skin to heal.
Huang Qin (radix scutellariae), also known as Chinese skullcap, is a Chinese herb that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties make it beneficial for reducing the redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with acne as well as inhibiting the growth of bacteria that is responsible for the formation of acne lesions. Additionally, there is some evidence that suggests that Huang Qin may help regulate sebum production, particularly in combination with other damp regulating herbs.
Lian Qiao (fructus forsythiae), is a Chinese herb with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. It works on the surface of the body and guides surface toxicity out through the skin. It is commonly used to treat fever and sore throat from colds and flus. Herbs that clear toxic heat such as this one are particularly good for lesions containing pus.

All four of these powerful anti-inflammatory and anti microbial herbs, along with many others, can be found in the Jade Path Studio formula “NIL”. A formulation of herbs designed to support hormonal breakouts. It is important to keep in mind that the effects of Chinese herbs may take several weeks-months to fully manifest, as they work to restore balance from within. Patience and consistency with the herbs are essential when pursuing this route of acne treatment.

That being said, Chinese herbs offer a promising avenue for individuals seeking an alternative to conventional acne treatments. With their holistic approach and focus on restoring internal balance, these herbs can help address the root causes of acne while promoting overall skin health. If you're considering using Chinese herbs for acne treatment, it's advisable to consult with a qualified dermatology-trained TCM practitioner who can provide personalized guidance and create a tailored herbal program to support your skin's journey to clarity and vitality.

The before and after pictures seen below are a testament to these herbs and their ability to help heal acne.

Before-