Herbs and supplements for clear skin

Recommendation

Rationale

Notes

Aloe (Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis)
applied topically

Possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.

Food-grade aloe can be taken internally, too.

Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
5 grams/day

Enhances liver function.

Resembling a long brown carrot, burdock root can also be peeled and juiced for drinking or chopped and added to stir-fry.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
1 ounce dried herb brewed into tea daily

Helps relieve inflammation of the skin.

This herb may also help prevent scarring.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
400 mg/day

An antioxidant effective at repairing the liver.

Begin taking after you cleanse the liver.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
160 mg, 2x/day

Inhibits production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates the production of oil in the skin.

Take in conjunction with zinc.

Vitamin A
10,000 IU/day

Helps to regulate the skin's sebum (oil) production, which helps decrease acne.

It can be toxic in high doses, so do not exceed recommendation unless under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

Zinc
50 mg/day

Inhibits conversion of DHT, which stimulates oil production.

Be sure to take with food.

Sources: Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, RH; Hilary Andrews, ND.