Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It presents as inflammatory papules on the face, chest, and back, which upon squeezing release small, rice-like white sebaceous matter. Because of this, it is commonly known as “pimples” or “blackheads.” This condition primarily affects young men and women and generally tends to resolve naturally after adolescence. Its etiology is complex and remains incompletely understood, but it is generally believed to be associated with the following four factors: androgen activity and increased sebaceous gland function, abnormal keratinization of the hair follicle and sebaceous duct, the role of microorganisms within the pilosebaceous unit, and inflammatory responses along with host immune reactions.
Acne corresponds to what is known as “Lung Wind Papules (Fei Feng Fen Ci)” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM, this skin condition is considered to arise from Wind-Heat in the Lung Meridian steaming the skin, or from excessive consumption of greasy and spicy foods that leads to exuberant Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach affecting the skin externally, or from Chong and Ren Meridian Disharmony resulting in impaired dispersing and discharging functions of the skin. Its clinical manifestations include: (1) At the early stage, typical skin changes are blackheads and whiteheads located at the pilosebaceous openings. Blackheads are lipid plugs obstructing the follicular canal, appearing as small black dots in dilated follicular openings that can be expressed. As the condition progresses, inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, abscesses, and scars may develop. (2) It tends to occur on the face, upper chest, interscapular area, and back—areas rich in sebaceous glands—and is often accompanied by seborrhea. (3) The rashes can be scattered or densely packed, with a slow and chronic course.
Clinically, TCM classifies this condition into three types: Lung and Stomach Blood-Heat, Dampness Obstruction and Blood Stasis, and Chong and Ren Disharmony, with the first two being more common.
1. Lung and Stomach Blood Heat: The skin rash mainly consists of inflammatory papules, possibly accompanied by pustules. The tongue coating is thin and yellow, and the pulse is slippery and rapid. The supports approach aims to support Lung ventilation and Stomach cooling, and to assist in blood cooling and detoxification.
2. Dampness Obstruction with Blood Stasis: Skin lesions present as cysts, nodules, and scars; the tongue is dark purple; the pulse is wiry and slippery. The supports principle is to dispel Dampness and transform Blood Stasis, with additional resolution of Toxins.
1.Shen Lian Yinxing Cha (Ginseng, Lotus, and Ginkgo Tea)
Ingredients: Glehnia littoralis (Sha Shen) 10g, Nelumbo nucifera (Lianzi) 15g, Ginkgo biloba (Yinxing) 10g.
Preparation: Grind Adenophora root (Shashen) into coarse powder. Stir-fry Lotus Seeds (Lianzi) and Ginkgo Seeds (Yinxing) over gentle heat until cooked, then crush them. Place all ingredients into a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports a balanced internal environment and promotes respiratory comfort, tonifies the Spleen, and calms the mind. Assists in maintaining healthy skin in individuals with a Lung-Stomach Blood-Heat pattern (internal heat condition).
2.Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and Bei Mu (Fritillaria) Tea
Ingredients: 20g each of Chrysanthemum morifolium (Juhua), Bolbostemma paniculatum (Tubeimu), and Cucumis sativus (cucumber peel).
Preparation method: Combine the latter two ingredients and grind them into a coarse powder. Place the powder together with chrysanthemum into a thermos flask. Pour in boiling water, cover tightly, and steep for 20-30 minutes. Drink as tea. Take one dose daily, with ten consecutive doses as one course. Benefits may become noticeable after 2-3 courses.
Efficacy: Helps to disperse wind and clear heat, reduce swelling, and support detoxification. It is intended for individuals presenting with the Lung and Stomach Blood-Heat pattern to help maintain clear and healthy skin.
3.Qiepi Diding Cha (Eggplant Peel and Violet Tea)
Ingredients: 30g Solanum melongena (eggplant) peel, 20g each of Viola yedoensis (Zihuadiding) and Portulaca oleracea (Machixian).
Preparation: Grind the above three ingredients into a coarse powder. Place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. Take one dose daily, with 7 days constituting one course.
Benefits: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports healthy skin. Designed for individuals presenting with Lung and Stomach Blood Heat pattern.
4.Huateng Gongying Cha (Vine Flower Dandelion Tea)
Ingredients: Lonicera japonica (Honeysuckle stem), Taraxacum mongolicum (Pugongying), Viola yedoensis (Zihuadiding) 20 g each, Chrysanthemum indicum (Yejuhua), Angelica sinensis (Danggui) 10 g each.
Preparation method: Grind the above herbs into a coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily. 5 doses constitute one course of use.
supports cooling and moisturizing of the Lungs, and helps maintain a clean internal environment. supports skin health for individuals with Lung-Stomach Blood-Heat pattern.
5.Hedyotis diffusa (She She Cao) Tea
Ingredients: 30g of Hedyotis diffusa (Baihuasheshecao).
Preparation method: Grind Hedyotis diffusa (Baihua Sheshecao) into a coarse powder. Place the powder into a thermos flask, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 20–30 minutes. Drink as a tea. One dose per day, with 15 doses constituting one course of supports.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment, supports healthy blood circulation and normal urinary function. supports skin health for individuals with Dampness Obstruction and Blood Stasis patterns.
6.Shanzha Taoren Cha (Hawthorn and Peach Kernel Tea)
Ingredients: 9 g each of Crataegus pinnatifida (Shanzha, Hawthorn), Prunus persica (Taoren, Peach Kernel), and Fritillaria thunbergii (Beimu, Fritillary Bulb), plus half a piece of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus Leaf).
Preparation method: Grind the above four ingredients into a coarse powder. Place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. Take one dose daily for one month.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports healthy blood circulation. This formula is intended for individuals with occasional skin discomfort associated with patterns of dampness obstruction and blood stasis.
7.Artemisia capillaris (Yinchen) and Sargassum (Haizao) Tea
Ingredients: Artemisia capillaris (Yinchen) 20 g, Sargassum pallidum (Haizao) 30 g.
Preparation: Combine the above two ingredients into coarse powder, place in a vacuum flask, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 20–30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily, take for 5–10 consecutive doses.
Benefits: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports the body’s natural moisture regulation. supports healthy urinary function and helps maintain normal fluid balance. Designed to support individuals with skin concerns associated with the Dampness Obstruction and Blood Stasis pattern.
8.Yi Mu Dan Pi Cha (Motherwort and Tree Peony Bark Tea)
Ingredients: Leonurus japonicus (Yimucao), Paeonia suffruticosa (Danpi), Bupleurum chinense (Chaihu), each 15 g.
Preparation: Coarsely grind the three ingredients together, place them into a vacuum flask, pour in boiling water, cover tightly, and steep for 30 minutes. Consume as a tea substitute. One dose daily.
Efficacy: helps maintain internal balance, supports Liver function and emotional well-being, and promotes healthy blood circulation and menstrual regularity. This is suitable for skin concerns associated with Chong and Ren Vessel Disharmony, where signs of imbalance vary with menstruation and pregnancy, such as occasional menstrual discomfort and irregular cycles.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
This is so helpful! I’ve been dealing with stubborn breakouts and never thought about the lung heat connection. Definitely trying that herbal tea remedy—fingers crossed it works better than my usual spot treatments!
I’ve been dealing with acne for years and never thought about TCM teas. The lung heat connection makes so much sense—I definitely feel more breakouts when I’m stressed or eat too much spicy food. Going to try the chrysanthemum tea this week! Thanks for sharing these natural remedies.
Interesting read! I’ve been dealing with acne on my chin for years and never thought about it being related to dampness. Definitely going to try some of these herbal teas—especially the ones for clearing lung heat. Anyone tried them yet?