Condition
Teen Acne
Safety notice — LOW
Sunaras provides educational wellness content only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual responses to herbs vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.
Tea Tree Oil (2.5–5% topical)
Melaleuca alternifolia
A clinical trial found tea tree oil 5% gel equivalent to benzoyl peroxide 5% for reducing acne lesion count at 3 months, with fewer side effects (dryness, peeling). The most evidence-based natural topical for teen acne.
Preparation:
- Dilute to 2.5–5% in aloe vera gel or jojoba oil (the closest oil to human sebum — does not clog pores).
- Apply to acne spots with a cotton swab after cleansing.
- Avoid the eye area.
Dosage:
- Apply to affected areas after cleansing, once or twice daily.
- Start with 2.5% to test skin tolerance.
- Increase to 5% after 2 weeks if tolerated.
Avoid if:
- Avoid mucous membranes and eyes
- May cause contact dermatitis in sensitive skin — patch test first
Vitex / Chaste Tree Berry
Vitex agnus-castus
For teenage girls with hormonally-driven acne — Vitex reduces the LH spike that triggers excess androgen production from the ovaries, directly addressing the hormonal root cause of pre-menstrual and chronic teen acne.
Preparation:
- Standardised extract capsule (150–300 mg) or tincture.
- Take in the morning.
- Requires 3–6 months continuous use for full effect.
Dosage:
- Teens (girls 14y+): 150–300 mg standardised extract once daily in the morning.
- Continue for minimum 3 months.
Avoid if:
- Not for pregnant or breastfeeding teens
- Not for teens on hormonal contraception
- For girls only — not appropriate for boys
Burdock Root
Arctium lappa
Traditional 'blood purifying' herb for skin conditions — burdock supports liver detoxification of androgens and reduces systemic inflammation that drives acne. Used in all major herbal traditions for chronic skin conditions.
Preparation:
- Decoction: simmer 1 tbsp dried burdock root in 500 ml water for 20 min.
- Strain.
- Drink as a daily tea.
- Or capsules.
Dosage:
- Teens: 240 ml tea twice daily, or 500–1000 mg capsules daily.
- Continue for 3 months minimum.
Avoid if:
- Avoid in Asteraceae allergy
- Not in pregnancy
Zinc (topical and internal)
Zinc gluconate/sulphate
Zinc is the most evidence-based internal supplement for acne — multiple RCTs show oral zinc sulphate reduces inflammatory acne lesions by 50–60%. Zinc inhibits 5-α-reductase, reduces C. acnes colonisation, and decreases inflammatory cytokine production.
Preparation:
- Zinc gluconate or citrate supplement (better tolerated than zinc sulphate).
- Take with food.
- Topical: zinc oxide lotion applied to spots.
Dosage:
- Teens: 25–30 mg elemental zinc daily with a meal.
- Take with a small amount of food to reduce nausea.
- Continue for 3 months minimum.
Avoid if:
- Take with food — zinc on empty stomach causes nausea
- Do not exceed 40 mg daily long-term — risk of copper depletion
Neem
Azadirachta indica
Traditionally used in Ayurveda for acne, eczema, diabetes.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Diabetes Medications: May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Manjistha
Rubia cordifolia
Traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin health, inflammation, acne.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Arishta (Neem Flower)
Azadirachta indica flos
Traditionally used in Ayurveda for acne, parasites, fever.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Khadira
Acacia catechu
Traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin health, acne, wound healing.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Arctium (Niu Bang Zi)
Arctium lappa
Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for common cold, skin health, inflammation.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Gleditsia Spine (Zao Jiao Ci)
Gleditsia sinensis
Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for skin health, acne, wound healing.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Herba Patriniae (Bai Jiang Cao)
Patrinia scabiosaefolia
Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for inflammation, detox, liver support.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can)
Bombyx mori
Traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for skin health, headache, fever.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
Traditionally used in Western Herbalism for skin health, liver support, digestive issues.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Burdock Root
Arctium lappa
Traditionally used in Western Herbalism for skin health, acne, liver support.
Preparation:
- Decoction: Simmer 1–2 tsp in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes.
- Can also be ground into powder and taken in capsules (500 mg–1 g).
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Ragweed / Daisy Family Allergy: Burdock Root belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, you may also react to this herb — start with a small amount.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Heartsease
Viola tricolor
Traditionally used in Western Herbalism for skin health, eczema, acne.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Marigold
Calendula arvensis
Traditionally used in Western Herbalism for skin health, wound healing, inflammation.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Ragweed / Daisy Family Allergy: Marigold belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, you may also react to this herb — start with a small amount.
Burdock
Arctium lappa
Traditionally used in Indigenous / Native American for skin health, liver support, acne.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Ragweed / Daisy Family Allergy: Burdock belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, you may also react to this herb — start with a small amount.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Bouncing Bet
Saponaria officinalis
Traditionally used in Indigenous / Native American for skin health, eczema, acne.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Rubia (Seki So)
Rubia cordifolia
Traditionally used in Kampo / Japanese Medicine for skin health, inflammation, acne.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
Neem (Azad Darakh)
Azadirachta indica
Traditionally used in Persian Medicine for skin health, parasites, diabetes.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Diabetes Medications: May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Neem (Vembu)
Azadirachta indica
Traditionally used in Siddha Medicine for skin health, acne, diabetes.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Diabetes Medications: May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Wild Turmeric (Kasthuri Manjal)
Curcuma aromatica
Traditionally used in Siddha Medicine for skin health, acne, wound healing.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Neem (Mimba)
Azadirachta indica
Traditionally used in Jamu for skin health, acne, diabetes.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Diabetes Medications: May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Tea Tree (Paperbark)
Melaleuca alternifolia
Traditionally used in Aboriginal Australian Medicine for wound healing, infection, skin health.
Preparation:
- Decoction: Simmer 1–2 tsp in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes.
- Can also be ground into powder and taken in capsules (500 mg–1 g).
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia citriodora
Traditionally used in Aboriginal Australian Medicine for infection, skin health, respiratory issues.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
Kakadu Plum (Gubinge)
Terminalia ferdinandiana
Traditionally used in Aboriginal Australian Medicine for immune support, wound healing, antioxidant.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
Quandong (Native Peach)
Santalum acuminatum
Traditionally used in Aboriginal Australian Medicine for wound healing, digestive issues, kidney support.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
Akapulko
Cassia alata
Traditionally used in Filipino Traditional Medicine for skin health, fungal infection, acne.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Sabila (Local Aloe)
Aloe vera
Traditionally used in Filipino Traditional Medicine for skin health, wound healing, digestive issues.
Preparation:
- Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
- Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.
Dosage:
- 1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule
⚠️ Not Medical Advice: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Avoid if:
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
When to see a doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or before starting any herbal protocol.
Sunaras provides holistic health education. Always work with a qualified healthcare practitioner.
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