Forget expensive skincare products and complex beauty treatments. Simple dietary adjustments can help you maintain a youthful glow and slow aging. We highlight three time-tested traditional ingredients: goji berries, red dates, and ginseng. These not only enhance your skin but also nourish your body from within.
In ancient times, especially within royal courts, maintaining health and beauty was essential to aristocratic life. Beyond appearances and fashion, they focused on emotional balance and vital energy (known as “qi” in traditional Chinese medicine) to stay youthful and healthy. Goji berries, red dates, and ginseng were commonly used to boost the immune system, improve vision, and promote longevity. Ginseng, in particular, was a prized tonic for royal family members.
This article provides real-life examples and scientific research to help you understand why these three ingredients are powerful for beauty and wellness.
3 powerful ingredients for youthful skin
Goji berries: The longevity fruit
Goji berries are a treasured tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, often called the “longevity fruit.” They have been used for centuries to support kidney and liver health, improve vision, and help those looking to delay aging and maintain youthful skin.
Rich in bioactive compounds like carotenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, goji berries have been shown to have anti-tumor, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. A study on mice found that a mixture of goji berries, figs, and Korean mint extract increased antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced inflammation, and boosted collagen and hyaluronic acid levels, thereby reducing wrinkles and enhancing skin elasticity and hydration.
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
A famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, “Qi Ju Di Huang Wan,” builds on the well-known “Liu Wei Di Huang Wan” by adding goji berries and chrysanthemums. This remedy is particularly effective for those with dark circles or dull skin due to kidney deficiency. In today’s digital age, where screen time is high, goji berries are increasingly important for eye health.
Goji berry tea
Brew 10 grams of goji berries in 500 ml hot water for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly before drinking. One patient often stayed up late and suffered from dry eyes and dull skin. I recommended she drink a cup of goji berry tea every morning and take Qi Ju Di Huang Wan. After two months, she reported less eye dryness and more radiant skin.
Red dates: The natural vitamin pill
Red dates are not only delicious but also essential for anti-aging and beauty. Rich in vitamins C and B, they are known in traditional Chinese medicine as natural vitamin pills. They help boost energy, nourish the blood, and support the stomach and spleen, making them ideal for those with weak bodies or sallow complexions. They also help restore the skin’s rosy glow.
Studies show that red dates contain polysaccharides and phenolic compounds with neuroprotective and cardiovascular benefits. The polyphenols in red dates have strong antioxidant properties that protect the skin.
Gan Mai Da ZaoTang
The “Gan Mai Da Zao Tang” is a well-known traditional red-date-based formula that can be consumed as a beverage. It helps calm the mind and relieve anxiety, making it practical for those whose skin and complexion suffer due to stress and insomnia.
Animal studies have confirmed its antidepressant effects, showing potential as an adjunct treatment for depression. A friend who struggled with anxiety and insomnia had pale, dry skin. I suggested she drink a bowl of Gan Mai Da Zao Tang daily and include red dates in her diet. After two months, her skin regained its glow, and her mood stabilized.
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang recipe
Ingredients: 3 grams of licorice, 15 grams of wheat, and 10 red dates. Method: Place the ingredients in a pot with 600 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Drink once daily.
Ginseng: The ultimate energy booster
Ginseng has long been recognized as a supreme tonic for boosting energy, enhancing immunity, and fighting aging. It also improves skin elasticity and overall vitality.
Modern research highlights ginseng’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties reduce oxidative stress, protect nerves and the cardiovascular system, and offer anti-cancer and anti-fatigue benefits. Clinical trials have shown that enzyme-treated red ginseng extract significantly improves eye wrinkles, skin elasticity, and moisture content.
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
The traditional ginseng-baed formula “Shen Ling Bai Zhu San” is excellent for boosting energy, strengthening the spleen, and enhancing beauty. It’s particularly effective for those with sagging skin, dull complexion, and digestive issues due to energy deficiency.
This formula, often used in ancient royal diets, helps those with weak digestion and blood deficiency maintain health and youthfulness. It includes ginseng, poria, white atractylodes, coix seeds, and Chinese yam. White atractylodes also enhance beauty, coix seeds reduce swelling, and Chinese yam supports digestion — all crucial for anti-aging and beauty. Research shows that Shen Ling Bai Zhu San polysaccharides can regulate gut microbiota and promote tryptophan metabolism, improving colitis.
A patient suffering from fatigue, sagging skin, and poor digestion were advised to take Shen Ling Bai Zhu San and consume ginseng chicken soup weekly. After three months, his energy and skin condition improved significantly.
Ginseng chicken soup
Ginseng can be cooked alone, known as “Du Shen Tang,” or stewed with other ingredients. American ginseng is milder. To make ginseng chicken soup, prepare a young chicken and slice about 5 grams of ginseng. Place the chicken and ginseng in a pot with 1 liter of water and simmer for about an hour until the chicken is tender. Consume the soup and chicken over 2-3 meals.
In our clinical practice, many patients achieve beauty and anti-aging effects through these dietary and simple traditional Chinese medicine treatments. We hope this information helps you maintain beauty and health in your life.
While these herbs may sound unfamiliar, many are available at health food and Asian grocery stores. As each person’s constitution differs, please consult a professional physician for specific treatment plans.
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