🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Freckles
Freckles derive their name from resembling spots on sparrow eggs. They commonly occur on the face, appearing as round or oval-shaped spots, similar in size to a pinhead or grain of rice, presenting as brownish or black pigmented spots that do not protrude above the skin surface.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition results from accumulated heat stagnating in the fine blood vessels, further aggravated by wind pathogens. It may also stem from constitutional insufficiency, where kidney essence fails to nourish the face, leading to floating fire stagnation and spot formation. Western medicine attributes freckles to genetic factors, often inherited in families. Additionally, they may be linked to sunlight exposure, as the condition typically worsens in summer and improves in winter—correlating with UV intensity. Commonly used folk remedies and prescriptions for treating freckles are listed below.
[Formula One]
Water buffalo horn 60 grams, rhubarb root 30 grams, qianghuo 30 grams, fangfeng 30 grams, white attachment 15 grams, white芷 15 grams, raw rehmannia 30 grams, chuanxiong 15 grams, safflower 15 grams, huangqin 15 grams, raw licorice 6 grams.
Grind all herbs into fine powder, steam until cooked, form small pills. Take 10 grams each night with warm water.
This formula clears wind, reduces heat, cools blood, and disperses stasis; effective for treating freckles.
[Formula Two]
Several quantities of xiang'erzi (Xanthium fruit). Grind into powder, wash, dry thoroughly in the oven, then pulverize finely and store in a bottle. Take 3 grams after meals with rice gruel, three times daily.
This formula applies to freckles caused by wind pathogen affecting the face and disharmony of qi and blood.
[Formula Three]
Prepared rehmannia 15 grams, shanzhuyu 10 grams, stir-fried danpi 10 grams, fu ling 12 grams, shanyao 30 grams, shengma 3 grams, bai fuzi 3 grams, xixin 3 grams, baji tian 3 grams, gancao 10 grams. Decoct and take once daily, divided into two doses.
This formula suits freckles due to deficiency of kidney yin.
[Formula Four]
Black ipomoea seeds in appropriate amount, egg white in appropriate amount. Mix evenly and keep ready. Apply the prepared black ipomoea powder to the face before bedtime, and rinse off in the morning.
This formula both removes freckles and protects the skin.
[Formula Five]
Several quantities of xuanfu hua (Inula flower). Remove impurities, discard stems and leaves, sieve out soil, grind into fine powder for storage. Use when washing face.
This formula treats freckles and also moisturizes skin and preserves youthfulness.
[Formula Six]
White sandalwood and sour water in appropriate amount. Crush white sandalwood into juice. Sour water preparation: Boil millet, soak in cold water for five to six days until white foam forms, then filter and reserve. Wash face every night with warm sour water, wipe dry with towel, then apply sandalwood juice locally on freckles. Wipe off the next morning.
This formula is effective against freckles.
[Formula Seven]
Peony flowers and winter melon seeds in equal parts, honey in appropriate amount. Dry peony flowers in shade, grind into fine powder. Remove husks from winter melon seeds, grind into powder. Mix with honey, apply as a paste on the face at night. Wash off in the morning, once daily.
This formula regulates qi, activates blood, nourishes skin, and fades spots; effective for freckles.
[Formula Eight]
Yinchen 20 grams, raw diyu 15 grams, old zicao 15 grams, chishao 10 grams, di fuzi 15 grams, tufuling 15 grams. Decoct and take once daily.
This formula clears heat, cools blood, removes spots, and enhances beauty; suitable for freckles.
[Formula Nine]
Fresh celery root 60 grams. Chop finely, soak in water for 24 hours, filter, and use the juice to wash face. Wash twice daily, morning and evening.
This remedy is effective for freckles.
<Freckle Removal Remedies>