6 Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas for Acne Relief

1.Tianrong Pill

In the early Qing Dynasty, the famous physician Chen Shifeng achieved good results in supports acne by applying an ancient empirical formula. The formula consists of equal amounts of Calomelas (light powder), Scutellariae Radix (radix scutellariae), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (radix angelicae dahuricae), Typhonii Rhizoma (rhizoma typhonii), and Saposhnikoviae Radix (radix saposhnikoviae). These ingredients are ground together into a fine powder, mixed with honey to form pills. After washing the face each day, use it to rub the face.

This formula can also supports various skin wellness and enhance one’s appearance.

Source: Shibao Milu

2. Prescription of Radix Trichosanthis for supports Acne

Pound the root of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. into powder and mix it evenly with starch water. At night, wash the face with starch water and apply the medicine. Wash it off in the morning. After a hundred days, the complexion will be radiant. Regular use is effective.

This formula is an empirical prescription from Ge Hong, a renowned pharmaceutical expert of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Trichosanthes cucumeroides (Wanggua, or snakegourd root), whose root is used medicinally, can replenish qi and generate body fluids. It is a key herb for supports black facial complexion and facial sores, and has been widely used in many ancient beauty formulas. Jiangshui refers to the water in which millet rice has been soaked for seven days; it nourishes the skin and helps whiten the complexion. If Jiangshui is unavailable, it can be substituted with regular water.

Source: Zhou Hou Fang (Prescriptions for Emergencies)

3. Prescription with Ampelopsis japonica for supports Acne

4 grams of Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae (Bai Lian), 1 gram of Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xing Ren), 1 gram of Excrementum Gallinae (Ji Shi Bai), grind them all into powder together, mix with water and honey evenly, and apply it to the face. It is effective in removing acne.

Source: Zhou Hou Fang (Prescriptions for Emergency Use)

4. Prescription of Cuscutae Semen for supports Facial Eruptions and Acne

The juice extracted from the seedlings of Cuscutae Semen is applied topically to the affected area 3 to 5 times a day, continuing until the acne disappears.

Source: Zhou Hou Fang (Prescriptions for Emergencies)

5. Prescription with Pharbitis nil for Acne

Grind black pharbitis seed (Pharbitis nil (L.) Choisy) into powder, mix it into facial cream, and wash the face with it every day. The acne will be supports after several days.

Source: Sheng Hui Fang

6.Bitter Gourd Acne-Removing Formula

Wash the bitter gourd, squeeze out the juice, add an appropriate amount of rock candy, and drink it. Externally apply bitter gourd juice to the affected area. After using it continuously for several days, acne can be removed.

Source: Folk empirical prescription

5 thoughts on “6 Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas for Acne Relief”

  1. ¡Qué interesante! Siempre he creído que la medicina tradicional china tiene soluciones poderosas para la piel. El Tianrong Pill suena prometedor, aunque algunos ingredientes como el calomelano me generan dudas. ¿Alguien ha probado estas fórmulas? Me encantaría saber si realmente funcionan sin efectos secundarios.

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  2. Interesting to see traditional Chinese medicine tackling acne! I’ve tried a few herbal treatments for skin issues, but never heard of Tianrong Pill. Do these formulas work for hormonal acne specifically, or more for general breakouts? Would love to hear personal experiences before asking my TCM doc.

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  3. Interesting! I’ve been struggling with acne for years and never knew about Tianrong Pill. Love that it’s based on an ancient Qing Dynasty formula—always prefer natural remedies over harsh chemicals. Has anyone here tried it? Would love to hear real results before asking my herbalist.

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  4. 這篇文章好實用!我一直對中藥調理痘痘感興趣,天容丸的配方看起來很經典。有人試過嗎?想聽聽實際效果。

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  5. Interesting read! I’ve tried a few Chinese herbal remedies for acne before, but never Tianrong Pill. The combination of calomel and angelica sounds intense—definitely something to approach with caution. Has anyone here actually tried it? Curious about real-world results vs traditional claims.

    Reply

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