According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, "the spleen governs the muscles" and is the source of qi and blood production, while "the lungs govern the skin and body hair." Based on the characteristics of autumn, any tonic that moistens the lungs, promotes fluid production, relieves dryness, and strengthens the spleen to nourish the blood can be used for skin care and beauty. For instance, in autumn, one can choose from pears, lilies, jujubes, Chinese yam, sesame, goji berries, pine nuts, carrots, Ophiopogon japonicus, tremella, lingzhi, apricot kernels, pearl powder, and pig skin, among others. Below are several specific foods introduced for skin care and beauty. First, the Rosa roxburghii
It is a star among autumn fruits, impressing people with its unique flavor and rich nutritional value. According to research and analysis, Rosa roxburghii contains 18 amino acids, as well as fats, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin P, and carotene. However, the most outstanding nutritional feature of Rosa roxburghii is its rich content of vitamin C, earning it the reputation of "the king of hundred fruits" and "the leader among fresh fruits." Vitamin C is often called "the skin's closest partner." If the body lacks vitamin C, it is prone to disfiguring diseases like freckles, butterfly spots, acne, angular cheilitis, cheilitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, and the skin can become dark, dry, and rough. Regular consumption of Rosa roxburghii in autumn can reduce or prevent the occurrence of some of these skin problems, making the skin fairer and more delicate. This is because vitamin C not only promotes metabolism but also enhances the absorption and utilization of iron from food. Therefore, Rosa roxburghii can treat the sallow and lifeless complexion caused by anemia.
In addition, the carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin P in Rosa roxburghii are beneficial for promoting human growth and development, maintaining a healthy figure, improving eyesight, and preventing skin keratinization. Therefore, it is advisable to eat more Rosa roxburghii in autumn. Second, Lily
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, lily is sweet in taste and neutral in nature. With its plump texture, pure white color, and delicate, sweet fragrance, it is a superb autumn tonic rich in nutrition. Modern nutritional analysis shows that it is rich in protein, fat, starch, sucrose, crude fiber, pectin, phosphorus, calcium, iron, B vitamins, vitamin C, carotene, and various alkaloids. Lily is not only a good medicine for treating illnesses but also a beauty treasure that helps nourish the skin, reduce wrinkles, and prevent skin diseases. Regular consumption of lily in autumn can increase skin nutrition, promote skin metabolism, and make the skin delicate and elastic, gradually reducing existing facial wrinkles.
It is also effective in restoring a radiant complexion for those with a haggard face after recovering from various febrile illnesses, as well as for those with long-term neurasthenia, insomnia, and dream-disturbed sleep, or for menopausal women with a dull complexion.
In autumn skin care and toning, there are many ways to prepare lily for beauty, including boiling, decocting, steaming, stir-frying, stewing, stuffing, braising, and making in honey syrup. The best methods are:
① Honey-preserved Lily:
100g of dried lily, 150g of honey. Wash the dried lily and place it in a large porcelain bowl. Add honey and steam over boiling water for 3 hours. Stir well while hot. After cooling, store it in a jar for later use. Take one tablespoon each morning and evening. It can beautify, moisturize the skin, and reduce wrinkles.
② Lily Congee:
30g of lily, 100g of japonica rice, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Wash the lily clean and soak until soft. Wash the japonica rice and cook it with the lily in water. When the congee is cooked, add rock sugar, stir until it dissolves, and cook for a moment longer. Consume in the morning and evening.
③ Lily and Lotus Seed Soup:
Take equal amounts of lily and lotus seeds, add an appropriate amount of water, and cook over low heat until tender. Add a little sugar. Third, Goji Berries
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, goji berries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature. They are a popular and excellent product for health, longevity, and beauty. Modern pharmacological research has found that goji berries contain nutrients such as protein, fat, sugar, vitamins, and minerals. Long-term consumption of goji berries in autumn can make one's complexion ruddy, hair black and shiny, and delay the aging process.
Soaking goji berries in wine is effective for beauty. The preparation method is: take 250g of Ningxia goji berries, place them in a small-mouthed bottle, add 500ml of baijiu (white liquor), seal the bottle, and shake it once a day. Start drinking after 7 days. Continue drinking while refilling with more baijiu. Drink an appropriate amount with dinner or before bedtime each day. For those who do not drink alcohol, wine can be used for soaking instead. It has a skin-nourishing effect.