Acne is a skin condition that's typically due to overactive oil glands, clogged pores, blackheads and pimples. Although acne is most common in teenagers or adults under the age of 30, some older adults can experience it, especially menstruating women. Many different herbal remedies are used to treat acne and pimples, some taken orally and others used topically on the skin. Herbal treatments tend to be gentler and have fewer side effects, such as skin irritation, than chemical treatments.
Guggul
Studies have found that taking the herb guggul helps treat acne and clear up pimples. In one study, guggul supplements had the same acne-fighting effect on women as taking the birth control tetracycline, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The dosage of guggul extract taken in this study was 500 mg twice daily. The UMMC recommends the same dosage, or a dose equivalent to 25 mg of guggulstones twice per day. Because it can have estrogen-like effects, women who are pregnant, nursing, taking blood-thinning medications, estrogen-based birth control or other herbs that have estrogen-like effects should not take guggul.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is slow-acting but extremely effective in treating acne. When applied to the skin it can reduce inflammation and bacteria associated with acne and pimples. A clinical study of people with mild to moderate acne discovered that using 5 percent tea tree oil was just as effective but produced far fewer side effects than using 5 percent benzoyl peroxide.
Burdock
The herb burdock is commonly used for medicinal purposes both internally and externally. One of burdock's main uses is as a topical agent to treat skin problems, in part because of the herb's anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. A tincture of burdock root may also be ingested to treat acne at the rate of 2 to 4 mL per day. Dried root capsules or tablets are also taken internally at a dose of 1 to 2 grams three times daily. Burdock's effects on skin conditions haven't been thoroughly tested by medical scientists, however.
Vitex
Vitex, commonly called the chaste tree, is used medicinally for its seeds, berries and leaves. Studies have found that the berries help control acne in young women and men. Older research indicated that taking vitex can clear up premenstrual acne in women, likely due to its ability to regulate hormonal effects.
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