Other herbs used to treat acne, such as echinacea, burdock, licorice,
and dandelion root, are thought to contain compounds that attack
bacteria, thus reducing infection and inflammation. Herbs like
salvia and red peony, on the other hand, are thought to improve
circulation and tissue growth, which increases the skin’s ability
to heal.
The effect of these herbs on acne patients has been studied
in China. There they are commonly prescribed for acne in individually
formulated combinations based on each patient’s particular
skin problems. Such combinations are also prescribed for acne
patients by practioners of Chinese herbal medicine in the United
States and other Western countries.
An acne patient who was
treated with such an herbal combination explains: “It did work.
It’s all rather mysterious, with all the herbs, and it’s a slow and
gradual effect, but it [the patient’s acne] calmed down and six
months later it’s still under control.”
