Chinese Herbs for Skin

Chinese medical practices date back more than 6,500 years and focus on herbal and natural treatments that maintain the health of "chi," the life force that Chinese medicine says is present in every living thing. A well-balanced chi results in healthy skin. An out-of-balance chi can indicate an underlying condition, or can be the cause of that condition---often it is both. A number of Chinese herbs maintain chi balance and can help ensure radiant skin.

Huang Qi

• Huang qi, or astragalus, has antibacterial and antibiotic properties and can help heal bacteria-related skin blemishes. Huang qi, which removes excess heat from the chi, is either taken orally or applied as a skin cream.

Licorice

• Licorice also removes excess heat from the chi and is often recommended by traditional Chinese medical practitioners as an aid to a healthy complexion.

Sanqi

• Sanqi, like most Chinese herbs for the skin, improves the complexion by reducing excess heat in the chi. It can also be used to stanch bleeding.

Sichuan Lovage

• Sichuan lovage is used either on its own or in combination with these, and other, herbs, in Chinese medicine. It helps to cool and balance the chi.

Gaoben

• Gaoben, or lovage root, is used both as a flavoring or spice and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. It is often used as part of Chinese herbal skin creams.

Ligustrum

• Ligustrum is a valued tonic herb in Chinese medicine. It is also called nuzhenzi and strengthens the yin, or lubricating aspects, of the chi. Li Shi-Zhen first used this herb---which also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen properties---as a beautifying herb in 1590. It is usually taken in powder or capsule form.

Chinese Hawthorn

• Chinese hawthorn is often prescribed for eczema and other skin conditions. Hawthorn extracts cool the chi and promote good blood circulation to the skin.