Medicinal herb for acne should aim to treat the underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances, poor digestion, sluggish liver, abnormal bowel function, and nutritional deficiencies.
Topically, herbs for acne treatment mainly involves using antiseptic herbs that are applied to clean skin to keep bacteria at bay and reduce inflammation and infection. (1)
Internal use of herbs for acne treatment should address hormonal imbalances by improving liver function and enhance the body´s natural elimination of toxins by improving digestion and as a result, make the skin more clear and healthier. (2)
Which medicinal herbs to choose will depend on the underlying cause, and most skin specialists will agree that there are several factors that can cause acne. What is know, is that androgen hormones at puberty increase the production of sebum in the skin of adolescents.
Combined with a bacterium that naturally occurs on the skin, the increase in sebum can lead to increased bacteria, and inflammation and infection of already blocked pores.
Medicinal herbs for acne probably work best when combined with a high fiber, low allergy diet, lots of water and supplements containing zinc, vitamin C and E, preferably in a formula designed for skin complaints.

Common Medicinal Herbs for Acne Treatment
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is one of the best available herbs for acne with anti-bacterial properties. (3)
In the formation of acne bacteria plays a specific role and of those bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermis are the most studied.
Both of these occur naturally on the skin, and neither has been shown to be the cause of acne. But when sebum production changes, or it becomes inflamed, these bacteria often multiple and may aggravate the inflammation. (4)
The tea tree oil can be diluted with jojoba oil (25 to 50%) before it is applied directly to the acne, usually 2-3 times daily.
Jojoba oil is often used because it is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Tea tree oil should not be used internally.
Oregon Grape
Oregon Grape (Berberis aquafolium) has traditionally been used as internal medicine for treating acne.
However, one recent study, using Oregon grape topically showed this herb to decrease sebum, reduce infection and inflammation. (5)
The antibacterial compounds in this herb are berbamine and berberine, which are also believed to reduce sebum production and kill bacteria when used topically. When used internally, these compounds are liver tonics that improve bile flow, stimulate digestion and act as a tonic on the bowel wall.
Goldenseal
Topically, goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is an effective antibacterial, mainly due to its berberine content. (6)
When used in combination with marshmallow to soothe inflamed skin it will reduce redness and eliminate bacteria causing infection.
Internally, goldenseal has historically been called the “King of Tonics,” and is used as an antibiotic, liver tonic, and will increase bile production which in acts to detoxify the body by increasing elimination.
Burdock, Yellow Dock, and Dandelion
Together, burdock (Arctium lappa), yellow dock (Rumex crispus) and dandelion (Taraxicum officinalis) work as what once was referred to as “blood purifiers.”
Today these herbs are often used to improve digestive function by increasing the output of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine. (7)(1)
Many traditional herbalists will prescribe these herbs together as an overall tonic for the liver and gallbladder.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea) is also one of the herbs for acne with antiseptic properties.
It can be used as a tincture mixed with 50% water and applied directly to the skin.
Echinacea may also be used to strengthen the immune system and in turn cleanse the skin from within. (8)
Dong Quai
A scientific study from 2003 strongly indicated that dong quai (Angelica sinensis) might have a positive effect as an herbal remedy for acne.
The scientists discovered that the herb has a similar impact to that of erythromycin, an antibiotic often prescribed as a medicine for treating acne. (9)
Indian Madder
Indian madder (Rubia cordifolia), also known as manjistha (Sanskrit), is a perennial plant that is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine.
The herb is believed to enhance and support the lymphatic system and thus contribute to healthier skin.
Studies have confirmed that Indian madder does have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and could be helpful as a remedy in preventing and treating acne. (10)
Neem
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is another medicinal herb that has its uses in Ayurvedic herbal medicine.
The neem oil contains substances that have antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally, neem has been used as an herbal remedy especially for ailments related to the skin such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Studies have shown that the herb does have antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus, a bacteria often associated with acne. (1)
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been used traditionally to treat various ailments related to the skin, such as eczema, varicose veins, burns, insect bites and acne.
Extract from the bark and leaves of this small tree is regarded to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can make this herb useful in treating wounds and reducing bacteria and inflammation. (11)
Devil’s Horsewhip
Devil’s horsewhip (Achyranthes aspera), a herb popular in Ayurvedic medicine, is traditionally used for the treatment of acne, boils, scabies, and other skin diseases.
The herb contains substances that have been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. (12)
Green Tea
Green tea, an unfermented dried leaves extract of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), may be useful for acne when used topically. It contains tannins and flavonoids that have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
One six week study involving 20 patients suffering from mild to moderate acne, showed that external application of green tea to be effective compared with pretreatment. (13)
Old Man’s Beard (Usnea)
Old Man’s Beard (Usnea barbata) is a long, gray-green lichen that grows from tree trunks and branches.
Extracts from the lichen have been shown to have an anti-bacterial effect.
Old man’s beard contains usnic acid that has been found to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes suggesting that it may hold some promise as an acne treatment. (1)
Other Medicinal Herbs for Acne Treatment or Prevention
- Cowslip – (Primula veris)
- Elderberry – (Sambucus nigra)
- Juniper – (Juniperus communis)
- Anise – (Pimpinella anisum)
- Black Walnut – (Juglans nigra)
- Agrimony – (Agrimonia eupatoria)
- Lemon Grass – (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Lavender – (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Calendula – (Calendula officinalis)
- Borage – (Borago officinalis)
- Common Mallow – (Malva sylvestris)
- Bergamot – (Citrus bergamia)
- Biting Stonecrop – (Sedum acre)
- Bletilla – (Bletilla striata)
- Bog Myrtle – (Bletilla striata)
- Camphor Tree – (Cinnamomum camphora)
- Lady’s Mantle – (Alchemilla vulgaris)
- Fumitory – (Fumaria officinalis)
Supporting References – Online
- Nasri, H., Bahmani, M., Shahinfard, N., Moradi Nafchi, A., Saberianpour, S., & Rafieian Kopaei, M. (2015). Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences. Jundishapur journal of microbiology, 8(11), e25580. doi:10.5812/jjm.25580.
- Shenefelt PD. Herbal Treatment for Dermatologic Disorders. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 18.
- Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50–62. doi:10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
- Orchard, A., & van Vuuren, S. (2017). Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971.
- Slobodnikova, Livia & Kost’álová, Daniela & Labudová, Darina & Kotulová, Daniela & Kettmann, Viktor. (2004). Antimicrobial activity of Mahonia aquifolium crude extract and its major isolated alkaloids. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 18. 674-6. 10.1002/ptr.1517.
- Ettefagh, K. A., Burns, J. T., Junio, H. A., Kaatz, G. W., & Cech, N. B. (2011). Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) extracts synergistically enhance the antibacterial activity of berberine via efflux pump inhibition. Planta medica, 77(8), 835–840. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1250606.
- Miglani, Anjali & Manchanda, Raj kumar. (2014). Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Homeopathy : the journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy. 103. 203-7. 10.1016/j.homp.2013.12.002.
- Sharma, Manju & Schoop, R & Suter, Andy & B Hudson, J. (2011). The Potential Use of Echinacea in Acne: Control of Propionibacterium acnes Growth and Inflammation. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 25. 517-21. 10.1002/ptr.3288.
- Priyam Sinha, Shruti Srivastava, Nidhi Mishra, and Narayan Prasad Yadav, “New Perspectives on Antiacne Plant Drugs: Contribution to Modern Therapeutics,” BioMed Research International, vol. 2014, Article ID 301304, 19 pages, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/301304.
- Chaudhary, Anand & Meena, Vandana. (2015). Manjistha(Rubia Cordifolia)- A helping herb in cure of acne. Journal of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine. III. 11-17.
- Gloor, M & Reichling, J & Wasik, B & Holzgang, Hans. (2002). Antiseptic Effect of a Topical Dermatological Formulation That Contains Hamamelis Distillate and Urea. Forschende Komplementärmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde = Research in complementary and natural classical medicine. 9. 153-9. 10.1159/000064265.
- Tabassum, N., & Hamdani, M. (2014). Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacognosy reviews, 8(15), 52–60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531.
- Elsaie, Mohamed & Abdelhamid, Mahmoud & T Elsaaiee, Lotfy & M Emam, Hanaa. (2009). The Efficacy of Topical 2% Green Tea Lotion in Mild-to-Moderate Acne Vulgaris. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. 8. 358-64.
Supporting References – Offline
Ody, Penelope: The Complete Medicinal Herbal. London, Key Porter Books 1993.
Lucas, Richard M.: Miracle Medicine Herbs. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice Hall 1991.
Foster, Steven: 101 medicinal herbs. Loveland, Interweave Press 1998.
Ottariano, Steven G.: Medicinal Herbal Therapy. Portsmouth, Nicolin Fields Publishing 1999.
Miller, Lucinda G. & Wallace J. Murray: Herbal Medicinals. A Clinician’s Guide. Binghamton, Pharmaceutical Products Press 1998.
Foster, Steven: Herbs for Your Health. A handy guide for knowing and using 50 common herbs. Loveland, Colorado, Interweave Press 1996.
Fisher, Kathleen: Herbal Remedies. Dozens of safe, effective treatments to grow and make. Emmaus, Rodale Press, Inc., 1999.
Balch, Phyllis A.: Prescription for Herbal Healing. New York, Avery 2002.
Mindell, Earl: Dr. Earl Mindell’s Natural Remedies for 150 Ailments. North Bergen, Basic Health Publications, Inc. 2005.
Yarnell, Eric, Kathy Abascal & Robert Rountree: Clinical Botanical Medicine. Second Edition, Revised and Expanded. New Rochelle, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2009.

Thordur Sturluson

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