Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
1. Lotus Flower Beauty-Enhancing Formula
The lotus stands tall and elegant, with a charming demeanor. It rises unstained from the mud and has long been metaphorically referred to as the “gentleman among flowers.” The lotus is both visually appealing and delicious, suitable for consumption, and also has cosmetic benefits. The Book of Edible and Medicinal Flowers and Fruits records nearly ten recipes involving the consumption of lotus.
Compendium of Materia Medica states that the efficacy of lotus flower is “calming the Heart, enhancing complexion, preserving youthful appearance, and promoting a light body.” The book also records a method for “taking substances to preserve youthful appearance,” which is presented below for reference: “On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, collect seven parts of lotus flowers; on the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, collect eight parts of its roots; on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, collect nine parts of its seeds. Dry them in the shade, pound and sift them. Take one cubic inch spoonful each time, mixed with warm wine for consumption.”
“Fangcunbi” is the name of an ancient utensil used for measuring powdered medicine. Its shape resembles a knife spoon, and it is one cun square in size according to ancient measurements, hence the name. One fangcunbi is approximately equal to 2.74 milliliters, holding about 2 grams of powdered mineral and stone medicines and around 1 gram of powdered herbal medicines.
Source: Taiqing Caomu Fang
2. Pearl Beauty Powder
The cosmetic effects of pearls have long been recognized by the ancients, and they can be used both externally and internally. For cosmetic purposes, freshly harvested pearls are preferable (refer to “Qing Palace Beauty Secret Recipes” for preparation methods).
Pearl contains various amino acids and calcium carbonate, and has the effect of nourishing the skin. When used for beauty purposes, it is advisable to take 0.6 grams to 0.9 grams each time, and take it once every 10 days.
It is said that taking pearl powder was also an important beauty method for Empress Dowager Cixi.
Source: Records of Floating Fragrance in the Imperial Palace
3. Facial Blackness-Removing Whitening Ointment
One white gourd, remove its peel and slice it with a bamboo knife, place it in an aluminum pot, add 1000 milliliters of yellow rice wine and 1000 milliliters of water, boil until mushy, then filter out the dregs and further boil it into a paste. Use a glass
Store in bottles or porcelain jars in a cool, dry place. Take an appropriate amount each evening and apply it to the face, then wash it off the next morning. With prolonged use, a dark complexion can become fair and clean.
Source: Sheng Ji Zong Lu
4. Cucumber Skin Care Prescription
Apply fresh cucumber juice, obtained by washing and mashing the cucumber, to the face. Long-term use can make the skin delicate, elastic, and help eliminate wrinkles.
Source: Folk proven recipe
5. Banana Beauty Recipe
Blend ripe bananas with milk into a paste. After washing your face every morning, apply an even layer. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse off with clean water.
Source: Folk proven recipe
6. Peach Kernel Facial Cleansing Formula
Prunus persica (Tao Ren) was a commonly used beauty medicine in ancient times. Meng Shen, a renowned pharmacologist of the Tang Dynasty, said, “Chew one kernel every night with honey and apply it to the hands and face for good results.” Soak an appropriate amount of Prunus persica kernels, remove their skins, then grind them together with japonica rice, wring out the juice, and use it to wash the face for a smooth, delicate complexion.
Source: Qian Jin Yi Fang
7. Goji Berry Beauty-Enhancing Wine
Lycii Fructus is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. Compendium of Materia Medica records that it can “replenish deficiencies of essence and qi, improve complexion, reverse graying of hair, brighten the eyes, calm the nerves, and promote longevity”. Lycium barbarum wine has excellent nourishing and beauty-enhancing effects.
Wash the wolfberries (Lycium barbarum L., goji berries), put them into a silk bag, soak them in white liquor, and take them out after half a month to drink in appropriate amounts. Do not get drunk.
Source: Waitaimiyao (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library)
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Toller Artikel! Die Lotusblüte als Schönheitsgeheimnis klingt wirklich spannend. Ich frage mich, ob man diese Rezepte auch heute noch einfach zu Hause nachmachen kann. Danke für die Inspiration – werde ich auf jeden Fall ausprobieren!
These ancient beauty recipes are fascinating! I’ve always admired how Chinese culture uses natural ingredients for skincare. The lotus one sounds amazing—not just beautiful but actually beneficial for the skin. Might try making a face mask with
I love that the ancient Chinese were so in tune with nature for beauty! The lotus one sounds especially interesting—never thought of it as both food and skincare. Can’t wait to try these out, my skin
I’ve always been fascinated by natural beauty recipes from different cultures. The lotus one sounds amazing – who knew it had cosmetic benefits too? Definitely going to try incorporating more traditional ingredients into my skincare routine! Thanks for sharing these ancient secrets.
Interesting read! I’ve always been curious about ancient beauty secrets. The lotus flower formula sounds lovely—I wonder if it’s easy to make at home? Would love to try it!