Acne is caused when bacteria multiply in pores that are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Herbs may help kill acne-causing bacteria when applied topically or taken internally. Other herbs may produce a systemic effect, such as regulating hormonal fluctuations, which lead to increased oil production. Talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you are on any prescription medications.
Tea Tree Oil
Recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center, products containing tea tree oil can be used topically to kill the bacteria which cause acne. In a 2007 study, researchers from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences reported that a topical gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil treated mild to moderate cases of acne as well as a topical gel containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide.
Guggul
Oral doses of the herb guggul may provide the same benefits as taking the oral antibiotic tetracycline according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. There are a number of contraindications to taking guggul orally including pregnancy, breastfeeding or a history of cancer of the reproductive organs. Talk with your doctor before taking any supplements containing this herb.
Burdock
Burdock is typically taken internally and is thought to help cleanse the system. Burdock is a traditional treatment for acne according to the University of Michigan.
Vitex
Vitex, also know as chaste berry, may help minimize hormonal fluctuations that cause premenstrual acne according to the University of Michigan. Many women suffer from premenstrual acne flare when their hormones cause increased production of skin oil.
Licorice
Extract of the licorice herb glycyrrhiza glabra can prevent and treat acne lesions because it kills the bacteria that cause acne, according to reports of a clinical study published in 2003 by researchers from the Skin Research Institute in Korea. Researchers also reported that the propionibacterium acnes bacteria that causes acne did not develop the same resistance to glycyrrhiza glabra as it did to erythromycin.
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