Alternative Herbal Acne Medicine

Acne is the most widespread skin condition to affect Americans, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acne affects teenagers the most, although you can develop acne at various ages. While a healthy diet, exercise and stress relief can all help acne, some herbal treatments might sooth and reduce your acne as well. Speak to your doctor or a dermatologist for the best treatment method for your acne.

Evening Primrose

Take evening primrose oil capsules, from the evening primrose plant, as one possible herbal treatment for your acne. Although not enough research exists to back up the claim that evening primrose oil is effective for acne, it is commonly used for this purpose. Evening primrose oil includes fatty acids, which are thought to lower inflammation, relieving acne. Although believed to generally be safe, evening primrose oil might cause digestive upset and should not be combined with any blood-thinning drugs, warns MedlinePlus. Speak to your doctor before taking evening primrose oil for your acne.

Chaste Tree

Chaste tree supplements might improve acne by increasing progesterone and decreasing estrogen, according to the American Botanical Council. Since hormones can cause acne, calming them is thought to improve acne. Chaste tree has not exhibited many side effects, although some people have developed digestive upset, headaches and skin problems. While chaste tree might help acne, acne can also be a side effect of taking the herb. Consult a physician before taking chaste tree for your acne.

Guggul

Guggul, resin taken from the Commiphora mukul tree, is another herb that might alleviate acne by controlling hormones. Unlike chaste tree, which decreases estrogen, guggul acts like estrogen in your body. UMMC warns not to take this herb if you have, or you have a family history of, hormone-related cancer; if you are taking blood-thinning drugs or herbs; or if you are on birth control pills. Speak to your doctor before taking guggul as an acne treatment method.

Essential Oils

Essential oils from plants have antibacterial properties that might clear up acne. Nerys Purchon, in her book "The Essential Natural Health Bible," suggests essential oils of chamomile, geranium, juniper, lavender, palmarosa, patchouli, rosewood and sandalwood as topical treatments for acne. She recommends using the following mixture on your acne each day: 2.5 tbsp. almond oil, 10 drops each of carrot seed and palmarosa oils, and five drops each of tea tree and geranium oils. Spread this blend over your skin, let it sit for five to 10 minutes, and take the excess off with a tissue or cotton ball. Consult a certified aromatherapist for the proper use of essential oils.