Almost every herb has some medicinal application, and there are many roots and herbs that are useful in treating acne. Herbs can be used to treat acne both internally and externally, and some combination of the two will be the most effective in clearing your skin.

Cleaver leaves and burdock leaves will help to clear acne when taken internally. To do this, crush the leaves and place them in an infuser, or a seeping ball (metal mesh ball used for infusing loose teas).

If you do not have an infuser or a seeping ball, you can snip the toe off a new pair of pantyhose, rinse well with water, and place leaves inside. Tie off the top, and you have a teabag. Boil in water to infuse. Sweeten tea with honey, not sugar, as sugar irritates acne while honey, a natural antibiotic, can help acne clear.

Several herbal essential oils are useful in treating acne topically. One part lavender oil can be diluted with 10 parts water, rosewater, or witch hazel. Lavender is especially helpful in reducing redness and soothing the skin.

The affected area can be rubbed with a cut clove of garlic. This will help the skin clear rapidly. To eliminate the unpleasant odor, soak cut clove in milk for half an hour before application.

Tea tree oil is also extremely effective, and can be found in most health food stores. Dilute in the same manner as the lavender oil, or one drop to the lavender mixture to kill bacteria and cleanse the skin.

To moisturize and treat acne, soak cabbage leaves in witch hazel, then strain leaves. Mix them with two drops of lemon oil and apply to skin as a lotion.