Want to look good? Then eat the right food!
Many TCM herbs and Chinese cuisine food items have hidden beauty properties that you probably did not know about. In the book 《美容本草》 (Měi Róng Běn Cǎo), written by 王葆方 and 梁华, the TCM herbs that have beautifying effects are introduced in detail.
Since many TCM herbs are often consumed as food in Chinese cuisine, we pick out some of these secret ingredients from the book and briefly introduce them, so you can eat your way to looking fabulous.
Chinese red dates（大枣）
Beauty: Legend has it that a woman who got married at a middle age had the complexion of a young lady. When asked about her beauty secret, she replied "3 dates a day, keeps aging away".
Yes, the dates you see in countless Chinese soups and desserts actually have beautifying properties. They are believed to replenish Qi and Blood and thus give a rosy and healthy complexion.
Health: Apart from replenishing Qi and Blood, red dates also strengthen the spleen and stomach. They are thus highly suitable for those with poor appetite, fatigue and loose stools. They may support healthy blood count as well.
Chinese Yam（山药）
Beauty: Regular consumption of Chinese yam is believed to have the effects of skin whitening, lightening brown spots, strengthening teeth, darkening hair and anti-aging.
Health: Chinese yam replenishes Qi and strengthens the spleen, kidneys and lungs. It is therefore a good tonic for those who tire easily, have poor appetite, loose stools, weak knees and waist, frequent urination at night etc.
Ginkgo nuts（白果）
Beauty: Ginkgo nuts are often found in Chinese desserts as well. In TCM, they have the properties of clearing toxins, sores and spots.
Health: Ginkgo nuts can target the lungs and may be used to clear phlegm and treat breathing problems.
Caution: Consuming too many ginkgo nuts, particularly in the raw form, may result in undesirable side effects. It is advisable to cook
Quick recipe - Chinese yam, date and ginkgo dessert
Ingredients (serves 1 person)
Chinese Yam 山药 (200g)
Ginkgo nuts 白果 (5)
Chinese dates 大枣 (5)
Rock sugar 冰糖 (to taste)
Water (500ml)
Directions
Boil the ginkgo and dates in water for 5min
In the meantime, peel and slice the yam into 0.5cm thick slices (use gloves to handle the Chinese yam to prevent itch on your hands)
Add the Chinese yam slices in and boil for another 5min
Add rock sugar
Optional: Add 2 pandan leaves in at the start for extra flavour
Co-author of 《美容本草》, Dr. Ong Poh Hong 王葆方, is a TCM practitioner at
只要饮食对，人就自然美！
许多中医草药及中餐材料都有美容功效，可惜少受到大众的关注。王葆方及梁华所主编的《美容本草》详细解说多种中药品之美容作用。
因许多中草药都常当食物食用，此文章从《美容本草》挑出几样食品，与您简单分享又爽口又养颜的饮食美容妙法。
大枣
美容功效：传说中一位妇女到了中年才出嫁，但她的皮肤娇嫩如少女。有人问她保颜的秘诀，她回答说：“一日吃三枣，一生不见老”。这就是指中餐甜品常运用的大枣。因大枣有补气养血之功效，所以善于红润皮肤。
养生功效：除了补气血以外，大枣也能健脾胃，适宜胃口差，疲乏无力，大便稀溏等人士。大枣也可助于贫血人士。
山药
美容功效：长期食用山药可使皮肤白皙，漂白黄褐斑，固齿，乌发及抗衰老。
养生功效：山药能补气健脾、肺、肾，适宜易疲劳，食欲差，大便稀溏，腰膝酸软，夜尿频等人士。
白果
美容功效：白果含有解毒，敛疮，除斑之功效。
养生功效：白果归肺，能化痰定喘。
使用注意：过食白果，尤其生白果，可产生不良反应。应煮熟而适量食用。
快速食谱 - 山药大枣白果汤
材料 (1 人份)
山药（200克）
白果（5枚）
大枣 （5枚）
冰糖（适量）
水（500毫升）
烹饪法
将白果与大枣煮滚五分钟
将山药削皮，并切成0.5厘米厚之山药片 （处理山药时，记得应用手套，否则皮肤瘙痒）
把山药片加入锅里，再煮5分钟
加入适量冰糖调味
建议：在开始烹饪时加入2片香兰叶以增加口味。
《美容本草》其中主编王葆方医师在此诊所行医：
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