Chinese herbal tea is the oldest skincare there is, and it works from the inside. The herbs used for skin clear heat, drain damp and cool inflammation — which in plain terms means less redness, less oil and fewer of the deep, sore spots that take a week to go down.
Below are five recipes you can brew at home, each one built for a different kind of skin. They are ordinary kitchen-and-medical-hall ingredients: chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, mulberry leaf, goji, mung bean. Nothing exotic, nothing expensive.
1. Prunella, Mulberry Leaf, and Golden Chrysanthemum Tea
This tea helps to clear heat, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and combat acne-causing bacteria. It is particularly effective for inflammatory acne and oily skin.
How does it work?
- Prunella vulgaris (Self-heal, 夏枯草, Xià Kū Cǎo): Contains rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce swelling and redness associated with acne.
- Mulberry Leaf (桑叶, Sāng Yè): Rich in flavonoids and alkaloids that regulate sebum production and prevent clogged pores.
- Golden Chrysanthemum (金菊花, Jīn Jú Huā): Has strong antibacterial properties, particularly against Cutibacterium acnes, a bacteria that thrives in clogged hair follicles. It also contains luteolin and chlorogenic acid, which help reduce inflammation and redness.
Ingredients:
- 30g Prunella vulgaris (Self-heal, 夏枯草)
- 15g Mulberry leaves (桑叶)
- 10g Golden chrysanthemum flowers (金菊花)
- 500ml boiling water
Instructions:
- Rinse all herbs thoroughly.
- Place them in a heatproof container.
- Pour 500ml boiling water over the herbs.
- Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm once daily.
Side Effects & Precautions
This tea may lower blood pressure and should be consumed cautiously by individuals taking medication for hypertension.
How long should I consume before I see results?
Drink once daily for at least 4 weeks to notice improvements.
Can I store it?
Yes, you can store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat before drinking.
Can I adjust the recipe?
If you cannot consume Prunella vulgaris, substitute it with peppermint for a cooling effect.
Also Read: Acupuncture for Acne: How TCM Clears Skin Naturally in Singapore
2. Honeysuckle and Dandelion Tea
This Chinese herbs for acne tea detoxifies the blood, reduces inflammation, and prevents acne breakouts by cleansing the liver and promoting a healthy complexion.
How does it works?
- Honeysuckle Flower (金银花, Jīn Yín Huā): Contains chlorogenic acid, which has strong antimicrobial properties against acne-causing bacteria. It also helps detoxify the liver and reduce oxidative stress.
- Dandelion (蒲公英, Pú Gōng Yīng): Acts as a natural diuretic to flush toxins from the body. It contains taraxasterol, which has potent anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling and redness in acne-prone skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of honeysuckle flowers (金银花)
- 1 handful of dandelion herb (蒲公英)
- 500ml boiling water
Instructions:
- Rinse the herbs thoroughly.
- Place them in a teapot or heatproof container.
- Pour 500ml boiling water over the herbs.
- Let steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm once daily.
Side Effects & Precautions
Dandelion may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed.
How long should I consume before I see results?
Drink once daily for 4-6 weeks for visible results.
Can I store it?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Can I adjust the recipe?
If dandelion is not available, burdock root can be used as an alternative.
3. Chrysanthemum, Goji Berry, and Chinese Date Tea
This tea nourishes the skin, reduces oxidative stress, and helps with hormonal acne by supporting liver detoxification and improving skin hydration.
How does it works?
- Chrysanthemum (菊花, Jú Huā): Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects due to its high flavonoid content.
- Goji Berries (枸杞, Gǒu Qǐ): Contain beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help repair skin and reduce inflammation.
- Chinese Date (Jujube, 红枣, Hóng Zǎo): Improves blood circulation, which speeds up skin healing and reduces acne scars.
Ingredients:
- 3-5 dried chrysanthemum flowers (菊花)
- 10-12 dried goji berries (枸杞)
- 1 Chinese date (红枣)
- 500ml boiling water
Instructions:
- Rinse all ingredients thoroughly.
- Place them in a cup or teapot.
- Pour boiling water over the ingredients.
- Let steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm once daily.
Side Effects & Precautions
Chrysanthemum may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to daisies or ragweed.
How long should I consume before I see results?
Drink daily for 6 weeks for best results.
Can I store it?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Can I adjust the recipe?
If allergic to chrysanthemum, try replacing it with peppermint leaves.
4. Bai Zhi and Licorice Acne Tea
This Chinese herbs for acne tea helps reduce swelling, lighten acne scars, and promote skin healing, making it especially beneficial for cystic acne.
How does it works?
- Bai Zhi (白芷, Bái Zhǐ – Angelica Dahurica): Contains coumarins that inhibit Cutibacterium acnes and help fade acne scars.
- Licorice Root (甘草, Gān Cǎo): Contains glabridin, which reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and has antibacterial properties.
Ingredients:
- 5g Bai Zhi (白芷)
- 5g Licorice root (甘草)
- 500ml boiling water
Instructions:
- Combine Bai Zhi and licorice root.
- Pour boiling water over the herbs.
- Let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm once daily.
Side Effects & Precautions
Licorice root may increase blood pressure; consult a doctor if you have hypertension.
How long should I consume before I see results?
Drink daily for 4-8 weeks.
Can I store it?
Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Can I adjust the recipe?
Replace Bai Zhi with ginger if unavailable.
5. Job’s Tears and Mung Bean Detox Soup
This tea is excellent for clearing heat and dampness, reducing skin inflammation, and promoting detoxification, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin.
How does it works?
- Job’s Tears (薏苡仁, Yì Yǐ Rén): Contains coixol, which has anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties, helping to control acne breakouts.
- Mung Beans (绿豆, Lǜ Dòu): Have detoxifying effects and are rich in antioxidants that help reduce redness and swelling.
Ingredients:
- 30g Job’s Tears (薏苡仁)
- 30g Mung Beans (绿豆)
- 500ml water
Instructions:
- Rinse the Job’s Tears and mung beans.
- Boil them in 500ml of water for 30 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm once daily.
Side Effects & Precautions
- This soup is cooling and may not be suitable for people with a cold constitution, weak digestion, or frequent loose stools.
- Mung beans may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so consult your doctor if you have these conditions.
How long should I consume before I see results?
You can drink this tea daily for up to 2 weeks as part of a detox routine. If you have a damp-heat constitution or are prone to acne and inflammation, you can consume it 3-4 times per week for long-term maintenance.
Can I store it?
Yes. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I adjust the recipe?
Add a few slices of fresh ginger if you have a weaker digestive system or feel cold easily.
Everyday Teas for Acne-Prone Skin
The five recipes above are for when your skin is actively breaking out. What you drink the rest of the time matters too, and it does not have to be medicinal.
- Green tea — the most studied of the lot. Its main polyphenol, EGCG, is anti-inflammatory, and small trials have found less sebum and fewer inflamed lesions after several weeks of drinking it. Two or three cups a day is the usual amount in those studies.
- Hojicha — green tea leaves roasted until brown. Much lower in caffeine, and the roasting makes it gentler on the stomach, so it suits people who get reflux or the jitters from green tea, and anyone drinking tea in the evening.
- Chrysanthemum, rose and honeysuckle — the flower teas. Cooling, mild, and easy to drink daily. Rose in particular is the one traditionally reached for when breakouts track the menstrual cycle.
- Barley tea — plain, caffeine-free, and useful if your skin is oily and your tongue is coated. It drains damp without being cold enough to upset digestion.
The one to cut is milk tea. Dairy and a high sugar load are two of the few dietary links to acne that hold up in the research, and a daily bubble tea delivers both. If you are going to change one thing, change that one.
None of this replaces treatment for stubborn or scarring acne. It is what makes the treatment hold.
Other Treatments for Acne
While Chinese herbs for acne can help address acne from the inside out, they are most effective when combined with other treatments. Here are some additional methods to consider:
Acupuncture
If you are looking to implement TCM for acne recovery, consider including acupuncture, which can be very effective for cystic acne.
Acupuncture works by enhancing blood circulation, reducing stress, and regulating hormones. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it works to decrease inflammation and expel excess heat from the body, contributing to clearer skin.
Topical Treatments
Several topical treatments can be effective in treating acne. Common options include topical antibiotics, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide, which help reduce inflammation, prevent clogged pores, and kill acne-causing bacteria. Other natural topical options include aloe vera, tea tree oil, and honey, which offer soothing and antibacterial benefits.
Dietary Adjustments
Diet plays a crucial role in skin health. Reducing the intake of greasy, spicy, and dairy-heavy foods can help prevent breakouts by reducing excess oil production and inflammation. On the other hand, increasing consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc can support healthier skin and potentially reduce acne flare-ups.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also play an essential role in acne management. Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practices, help regulate hormones and reduce the likelihood of breakouts. Additionally, ensuring sufficient sleep, staying hydrated, and adopting a consistent skincare routine can all promote clearer, healthier skin.
How to Prevent Acne Naturally
In addition to treatments, prevention is key when it comes to managing acne. Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. Here are some simple yet effective strategies for preventing acne naturally:
- Follow a Balanced Diet: Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods, and avoid sugar, dairy, and processed foods that can trigger acne.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to help flush out toxins and maintain skin hydration.
- Maintain Proper Skincare: Cleanse the skin gently, avoid harsh chemicals, and use natural ingredients like green tea and aloe vera.
- Exercise Regularly: Helps improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and maintain hormonal balance.
- Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts hormones and increases stress levels, which can exacerbate acne.
- Manage Stress: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga help regulate stress hormones that contribute to acne.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Reduces the transfer of bacteria and oil from your hands to your skin, preventing breakouts.
- Use Natural Skincare Products: Opt for chemical-free, non-comedogenic skincare products to prevent irritation and clogged pores.
Final Thoughts
Chinese herbal tea for skin is slow and unglamorous, and that is rather the point — you are treating the heat and the dampness underneath the spots rather than drying out the spots themselves. Pick the recipe that matches your skin, brew it for a fortnight, and see what your face does.
Chinese Medicine Acne Treatment
Dr Joyce Chee has been treating acne for over a decade, and at Chinese Doc it is her condition rather than Dr Mark’s.
She is particularly adept in the assessment and treatment of different types of acne, especially cystic acne, using Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Beyond acne she treats topical steroid withdrawal, eczema, inflammatory conditions of the gut, and migraines.
PhD in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Registered with the TCM Practitioners Board of Singapore, T1403143G.
Book in now to get TCM Acne Treatment.
FAQs
1. What Chinese tea is good for skin?
It depends what your skin is doing. The traditional pick for red, hot, angry breakouts is chrysanthemum, usually with honeysuckle — both are cooling. For dull or tired-looking skin the pick is different: goji berry and red date, which are warming and aimed at building rather than clearing.
If your skin is inflamed, cooling. If it is dull, nourishing. Reaching for the wrong one is why some people drink herbal tea for a month and see nothing.
2. Which tea is best for hormonal acne?
Rose tea is the one traditionally reached for when breakouts track the menstrual cycle and cluster along the jaw and chin. It is gentle enough to drink daily and does not have the cold quality that heavier clearing herbs do.
If the breakouts are deep and painful rather than surface spots, rose alone will not be enough — that is where a prescribed formula does the work.
3. How long before herbal tea helps my acne?
Give it two to four weeks before judging. Skin turns over roughly every 28 days, so anything working from the inside is working on spots that have not surfaced yet. The first change is usually that new spots are smaller and settle faster, not that existing ones vanish.
If nothing at all has shifted in six weeks, the formula is wrong for your pattern rather than herbal tea being wrong for you.
4. Can Chinese herbal tea make acne worse?
Yes — in two ways, and both are about the formula rather than about herbs in general.
- Herbs that are overly warming. Korean ginseng and eucommia (杜仲) are the usual examples. They are good herbs, but they add heat, and heat is often what is driving the breakout in the first place.
- Too much of the detox herbs. Angelica dahurica (白芷) is the one to watch. It earns its place in recipe 4 above — but in too large a portion it works against you.
That is why the temperature and the portion of a herbal formula matter, not just which herbs are in it. The same herb can help one person’s skin and aggravate another’s, depending on how much of it there is and what it is sitting alongside.
5. Which Chinese herbs are good for the skin?
The ones that come up most often for acne-prone skin, and what each is used for:
- Chrysanthemum (菊花) — clears heat, for red inflamed spots
- Honeysuckle (金银花) — clears heat and toxin, for pustules
- Dandelion (蒲公英) — for sore, swollen lesions
- Prunella (夏枯草) — for lumps and nodules under the skin
- Mulberry leaf (桑叶) — for heat showing in the upper body and face
- Job’s tears (薏苡仁) — drains damp, for oily skin and cystic spots
- Goji berry (枸杞) and red date (红枣) — nourishing, for dull or depleted skin
Recipes for most of these are in the sections above.
6. Is it safe to drink these teas every day?
The mild ones are — goji and red date, barley tea, and the flower teas in moderation. The clearing formulas are different. Honeysuckle, dandelion and chrysanthemum are meant to be taken while there is heat to clear, not as a daily habit indefinitely.
Two groups should check before starting: anyone pregnant or trying to conceive, and anyone on regular medication. Herbs are medicine, and that cuts both ways.
