To achieve a healthy complexion, dietary conditioning is particularly important. Lotus root is in season now, and there is a saying, "The lotus plant is a treasure in itself, but the autumn lotus root is the most nourishing for people." Regular consumption is greatly beneficial for improving a woman's complexion. Lotus root can be eaten cleverly for both beauty and skincare.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), raw lotus root is cool in nature and has the effect of clearing heat and relieving vexation. It is especially suitable for people who get pimples due to "blood heat." After being cooked, it changes from cool to warm, and has the benefits of nourishing the stomach, enriching yin, strengthening the spleen, and replenishing qi and blood. It is an excellent food supplement, especially suitable for those with weak spleen and stomach, and insufficient qi and blood, who experience dry skin and a dull complexion. The joints of the lotus root (lotus nodes) are a valuable medicinal ingredient that can strengthen the spleen, whet the appetite, nourish the blood, stop bleeding, and also improve complexion.
Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root
Lotus root is divided into three types: red-flowered, white-flowered, and variegated. The red-flowered lotus root is slender, with a rough, yellowish-brown outer skin. It is high in starch and low in moisture, making it glutinous but not crispy or tender, suitable for stewing. The white-flowered lotus root is plump, with a delicate, smooth, silvery-white outer skin and crisp, juicy, and sweet flesh, making it best for eating raw. The variegated lotus root has a pinkish hue, a rough outer skin, and is high in starch, making it best for cooking.
There are many ways to eat lotus root; it can be used as a standalone dish or combined with other ingredients. Here are two recommended medicinal soups with lotus root as the main ingredient that are effective for improving complexion:
Fresh Lotus Root Juice: Use an appropriate amount of fresh lotus root, wash, peel, and juice it. Take 2 tablespoons at a time, three times a day. Rock sugar can be added to taste. This is suitable for people with facial acne.
Wheat, Jujube, and Lotus Root Soup: 250g lotus root, 75g wheat, 12g licorice root, 5 red dates, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Wash the wheat and soak it in water for 1 hour. Then, place the wheat, licorice root, and red dates in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil. Add the lotus root and simmer over low heat until tender, then season with salt. This soup has the effects of replenishing qi and blood, and calming the mind. It is especially suitable for people with insomnia, irritability, and a poor complexion.
To prevent the lotus root from turning brown, you can soak the peeled lotus root in clean water with a little vinegar for 5 minutes. When stir-frying lotus root shreds, to avoid them turning black, it is best not to use a cast-iron wok. Stir-fry while adding a little water from time to time. This way, the lotus root shreds will come out as white as jade.
glutinous rice lotus root