Herbal remedies, both Western and Chinese, can help to heal acne and prevent further breakouts by cleaning the lymphatic system. Here is a formula that combines equal parts of the tinctures of 9 herbs:

• burdock,
• cleavers,
• dang gui,
• echinacea,
• licorice,
• milk thistle,
• red clover,
• schisandra and
• yellow dock.

Boil a litre of water and add 30 grams of the combined tinctures. Turn off the heat and steep for 30 minutes. Drink 2 cups a day for up to 3 months. You can keep the unused amount in the fridge for up to a week.

This formula also contains herbs that are thought to help the liver, nourish the blood, and fight infection.