Acne, a chronic skin condition, results from overactivity of the sebaceous glands. Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, is an alternative healing system developed over 2000 years ago which uses holistic techniques in an attempt to bring your body back into balance and promote the flow of qi, or energy. TCM can be employed to treat pimples, pustules, and comedones---or blackheads---caused by acne. Herbs can have side effects and interfere with prescription medications; never start an herbal or supplementary regimen without first talking to your doctor.
Rhubarb/Da Huang
Rhubarb, botanically known as Rheum palmatum and called Da huang in Chinese medicine, is a popular Chinese treatment for acne. Valued by herbalists for its astringent and tonic properties, rhubarb has been used medicinally for 2000 years; written references to the herb, by the Roman historian Pliny, date back to the second century. According to Alternative Medicine, the naturopathic view of acne holds that skin eruptions are the result of accumulated toxins in the liver, which overwork it and prevent it from properly metabolizing hormones. Rhubarb, considered a cleansing herb, is a logical choice to treat acne. Chinese Medicine Gem credits it with the power to purge accumulations of toxins, and likens it to a warrior in the way it sweeps through the body and eliminates negative energy. The website advises that rhubarb, if taken for prolonged amounts of time, can cause adenoma-like changes in the thyroid, as well as affecting your liver.
Dandelion/Pugongying
Dandelion, botanically known as Taraxacum officinale and called Pugongying in Chinese medicine, is often prescribed by Chinese practitioners in a poultice or compress for the topical treatment of acne. According to Chinese Medicine Gem, acne is caused by too much heat---also referred to as the effects of a hyperactive yang energy---in the body, which can cause toxins to flow into the bloodstream. Herbs 2000, endorsing dandelion for skin problems, notes that dandelion is one of the most effective herbal detoxifiers in existence; cleansing not only the liver but the kidneys and gallbladder as well; but cautions that dandelion may cause an overproduction of stomach acids. It should be used with extreme care if you have stomach ulcers, gastritis or gallstones
Red Clover/Hsun Tsao
Red clover, botanically known as Trifolium pratense and called Hsun Tsao in Chinese medicine, is a mainstay of Chinese herbal treatments for acne. Herbalists prescribe it as a blood purifier, detoxifier and tonic in the form of infusions and tinctures; ointments and compresses may be advised for topical use. According to Inn Vista, the volatile oils in red clover may have antifungal and antiviral properties, as well as anti-inflammatory qualities, making it useful on skin conditions such as eczema. According to Herbs 2000, red clover also contains methyl salicylate. Salicylic acid, a member of the salicylate family, is often used as a commercial treatment for acne. Inn Vista warns that red clover should not be taken with coumadin or other blood-thinning medications.
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