Say goodbye to expensive skin care products and complicated cosmetic surgeries. A proper daily diet can help you maintain youthfulness and delay aging. We recommend three traditional ingredients that have been used for thousands of years: wolfberries, red dates, and ginseng. These ingredients improve skin texture and condition our bodies from within.
In ancient times, especially inside the palaces, maintaining health and beauty were a distinct part of daily life among nobles. Beauty-conscious and adorned with exquisite clothing, they regulated their emotions as well as their qi (the energy or driving force that constitutes life in the body) and blood to stay young and healthy as much as possible.
In this respect, wolfberries (Lycium barbarum), red dates (jujube), and ginseng were widely used to regulate the body, improve vision, and enhance body immunity. In particular, ginseng was a precious medicinal material used by members of the royal families to prolong life.
Why are these three ingredients so highly acclaimed for their beauty and health effects?
1. Wolfberry
Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) is a precious tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)—known as a longevity fruit. It has been used since ancient times to prolong life, nourish the kidneys and liver, and improve vision, making it ideal for people who want to slow down aging and keep their skin look youthful.Lycium barbarum is rich in several biochemical components, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. A 2019 review showed that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide in wolfberry had anti-tumor activity, neuroprotective effect, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory functions.
A study on mice showed that mixed extracts of wolfberry, fig, and Korean mint increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced inflammatory factors, and increased collagen and hyaluronic acid content, thereby inhibiting skin wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity and moisture.
Qiju Dihuang Pills
A renowned TCM prescription, Qiju Dihuang pills, is based on the well-known Liuwei Dihuang pills with added wolfberry and chrysanthemum.Qiju Dihuang pills are especially effective for people with dull skin and dark spots caused by kidney deficiency, as well as people who work with their eyes for extended periods, especially those with dark circles under their eyes. Wolfberries are particularly beneficial for those who look at computer and smartphone screens for extended periods.
Case Study: A female patient who had been staying up late on a regular basis had dry eyes and dull skin. I suggested that she drink a cup of wolfberry tea every morning and also take Qiju Dihuang pills. Two months later, she said her eyes became less dry than before, and her skin became shinier.
Wolfberry Tea
Brew 10 grams of wolfberry in 500 ml of hot water for 10 minutes. Allow to cool before drinking.
2. Red Dates
Red dates, also known as jujubes, are sweet and delicious and an essential ingredient for beauty and anti-aging. Red dates are rich in vitamins A, C, and B. TCM believes that red dates are natural vitamin sources. They can nourish the qi and blood and strengthen the stomach and spleen. They are especially suitable for those physically weak and have dark complexions. They can help restore rosiness and luster to the skin.Research shows that red dates contain polysaccharides, phenols, and other active ingredients, and have pharmacological activities such as neuroprotection, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The polyphenols that are abundant in red dates offer extensive antioxidant effects as well as protection to the skin.
In September, a study published in Nutrients showed that dietary polyphenols are generally safe to consume and are effective in delaying aging and preventing age-related diseases.
Ganmai Jujube Soup
A popular TCM prescription called Ganmai Dazao decoction, which can be taken daily as a beverage, is a useful to regulate the mind, relieve anxiety, and stabilize mood. It is especially effective for people with poor skin and complexion caused by anxiety, insomnia, and stress.Studies on rats have shown that Ganmai Dazao decoction is effective as an antidepressant and has the potential to assist in the treatment of depression.
A friend of mine with chronic insomnia and anxiety, looked pale and had dry skin. I suggested she take one bowl of Ganmai Jujube soup every day and add red dates to her daily diet. Her skin regained its former radiance, and her mood became more stable as a result two months later.
Ganmai Jujube Soup Recipe
Ingredients3 grams licorice
15 grams barley
10 red dates
Preparation:
Place ingredients into 600 ml water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Makes one serving. Take once a day.
3. Ginseng
Since ancient times, ginseng has been considered a sacred substance for replenishing qi. It is said to possesses other curative properties such as improving physical strength, immunity, anti-aging, and skin elasticity.Modern scientific research has recognized that various ginsenosides contained in ginseng have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce cellular oxidative stress, protect the nerves and cardiovascular systems, and deliver anti-cancer and anti-fatigue effects.
Clinical trials have found that enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex significantly improved eye wrinkle roughness, skin elasticity and moisture content.
Shenling Baizhu Powder
A TCM prescription called “Shenling Baizhu Powder,” is good for replenishing qi, strengthening the spleen, removing dampness, and nourishing the skin. It is particularly effective for people suffering qi deficiency which causes sagging skin, dark complexion, and indigestion.Shenling Baizhu powder was often part of the menu of ancient palace cuisine to regulate those with weak spleen and stomach, and insufficient qi and blood, helping them stay healthy and young.
Shenling Baizhu powder includes ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, coix seed, yam, and other ingredients. Atractylodes macrocephala nourishes the skin, Coix seeds can remove dampness and improve edema, while Yam can nourish the spleen and stomach and improve digestion. These benefits are important foundations for beauty and anti-aging. Studies have shown that the polysaccharides in Shenling Baizhu powder can regulate intestinal microbiota and improve colitis by significantly modulating tryptophan metabolism.
One of my patients presented with sagging skin and poor digestion. I had him try Shenling Baizhu powder, together with ginseng chicken soup once a week. After three months, his mental and skin conditions greatly improved.
Ginseng Chicken Soup
Ginseng can be cooked alone, in what is called the “lone ginseng soup,” or stewed with other things. There are different varieties of ginseng, and American ginseng is comparatively milder than the rest.To prepare for a ginseng chicken soup, have a spring chicken and about 5 grams of ginseng slices ready, put both into a pot, and simmer with 1 liter of water for about one hour until the chicken is fully cooked. The chicken can be eaten with the soup. That amount should be enough for two to three servings.
Through extended periods of clinical experience, I’ve seen many patients achieve their beauty and anti-aging results through these dietary therapies and simple TCM conditioning. I hope this information can be useful to everyone and help you stay beautiful and healthy.
Note: Some of the Chinese herbs mentioned above may be unfamiliar, but many can be found in health food and Asian grocery stores. Since everyone’s body constitution is different, please consult a professional physician for specific treatment plans.
