Beauty comes from within. Rather than harsh chemicals from make up, why not consider natural remedies that are time tested and can rejuvenate your skin from within? For 2000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has been a mainstay in the beauty regimes of Chinese royalty. Below are some of the main TCM products you can consume to maintain elasticity in your skin and be refreshed, both inside and outside.
Bird’s Nest
Birds nest is hardened saliva from swiftlet, and while this may seem unusual, it has been consumed by royalty since the Tang Dynasty to get skin with an eternal glow. In fact, many top Chinese celebrities such as Zhang Zi Yi (from Memoirs of a Geisha) incorporate this as part of their daily regimen. It is packed with glycoproteins, amino acids, and minerals, which helps the skin retain moisture and slows down fine lines. Furthermore, it provides collagen boost, stimulates cell regeneration and combats free radicals, which may slow down the ageing process. It is rich in protein, which promotes hair growth and skin health.
Its benefits are not contained to the superficial. Birds’ nest has antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as strengthening the immune system. Furthermore, it soothes colds and coughs, improves digestion and may improve cognitive function.
You can eat birds nest by itself, or with a splash of milk and honey. My personal favourite is water steamed egg with birds nest and a splash of honey. It is best consumed in the morning on an empty stomach or right before bed.
However, due to its high demand due to its numerous health benefits and expensive prices, there are counterfeits on the market. Therefore, it is important to source your birds nest from a trusted and qualified TCM provider. Birds nest also has different grading depending on its purity, which influences the price.
Fish Maw
Fish maw is fish bladder, however don’t let that deter you from trying it. It has a smooth creamy and slightly gelatinous texture, which is no surprise as it is a natural collagen booster. It is a staple in Chinese culinary tradition, most commonly used in soups with other nutrient boosters such as goji berries, dates and Chinese yams. Its texture also makes it a great addition to fried rice. Furthermore, it is low in calories and high in protein. Similar to birds nest, it is seen as a status symbol and sign of cultural elegance, a staple at opulent weddings and family banquets in China.
Fish maw is packed with collagen, which promotes skin rejuvenation and elasticity, reduces fine lines and sagging. It helps with moisture retention in skin which brightens the complexion and is especially good for dry skin types. Fish maw also contains an abundance of Vitamin D, enhancing bone strength, and Vitamins A an B12 which strengthen the immune system. It is rich in protein, which strengthens your hair and skin. Additionally, it is rich in glycosaminoglycans which have anti-inflammatory properties and promote tissue repair and joint mobility, making it a great supportive food for arthritis. Fish maw soup is also commonly eaten in post partum recovery.
Just like birds nest, beware of counterfeit goods and only purchase it from a trusted and qualified TCM clinic.
Sea cucumber
Similar to birds nest and fish maw, sea cucumber is rich in collagen which nourishes the skin and helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles and promotes skin rejuvenation. Unlike pharmaceutical skin care and supplements, the collagen in sea cucumber is in a natural matrix of animo acids which makes it more bioavailable to be absorbed into the skin. As it contains saponins, peptides and chondroitin sulfate, it fights free radicals and supports skin repair and scarring. Therefore, it is a great health supplement for anti-aging, skin damage or those recovering from cosmetic treatments or lasers and calms down skin flareups. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces chronic inflammation in the body which manifest as skin breakouts, dullness of premature ageing.
Similarly, it has overall health benefits too. It strengthens the immune system, and its chondroitin and glucosamine components supports post-workout recovery, and strengthens muscles and joints. It is also commonly used as part of recovery processes, for instance in post prtum and post-illness settings.