At Vivid Health & Beauty (VHB), we’re all about embracing the wisdom of generations past - being a generational business and all - and there’s no better way to do that than with these amazing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tonics. TCM has been around for thousands of years and focuses on holistic remedies that not only make you look good but feel great too. We talked to our moms and grandmothers to bring you the best TCM recipes for glowing skin that have stood the test of time. Here’s what we learned!
For centuries, Chinese herbal tonics have been used to treat various ailments and promote overall health, emphasizing the connection between what we consume and how we look and feel. TCM practitioners have long believed that good nutrition is essential for maintaining balance in the body, which directly impacts skin health. This ancient approach uses food as medicine, harnessing the natural properties of ingredients to promote wellness from within.
One of the key principles of TCM nutrition is the idea of balance—specifically the balance of Yin and Yang. Foods are categorized based on their energy properties: Yin foods are cooling and hydrating, while Yang foods are warming and energizing. By balancing these energies through diet, TCM aims to create harmony within the body, leading to better health and radiant skin.
In recent years, there’s been a huge shift towards holistic health. People are starting to realize that what you eat, how you move, and how well you sleep all play a crucial role in your overall health. Our moms have always said, “You are what you eat,” and TCM takes this to heart. In TCM, food isn’t just fuel; it’s medicine. The right foods can help balance your Qi (that’s your vital energy) and keep your skin looking fabulous. Ingredients like red dates, goji berries, and green tea aren’t just tasty—they’re loaded with antioxidants that protect and rejuvenate your skin.Recipe for TCM Collagen Herbal Tonic
This vegan collagen-rich concoction is a staple in our household. We make a large batch and keep it in large mason jars in the fridge for up to three days. It's perfect for when your skin is feeling dull and dry. The secret ingredient is what we call snow (or white) fungus, or the tremella mushroom. In addition to it's widely known anti-aging and moisturizing benefits, it's also lauded for it's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Ingredients
Many of these ingredients can be purchased online or at your local Asian grocer.
- 1 head of dried snow fungus
- 6 jujube dates, seeded
- 1 handful of goji berries
- 1 smaller handful of lotus seeds
- 8 cups of mountain spring water
- brown sugar to taste
Instructions
- Cover the dried snow fungus with a lot of room temperature water in a bowl or pot and let it rehydrate for 3-4 hours. We use mountain spring water. Once rehydrated, it will triple in size and feel soft, and spongy.
- Use kitchen shears to trim off any hard parts including the base and cut it into smaller pieces.
- Add all the ingredients to a large stock pot, cover, and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for at least an hour.
- Add sugar to taste.
Recipe for TCM Anti-Inflammatory Mung Bean and Lotus Seed Soup
This soothing and cooling soup is perfect for reducing inflammation and hydrating the skin. Mung beans are well-known in TCM for their detoxifying properties, helping to clear heat and toxins from the body, which can result in clearer, healthier skin. Lotus seeds add another layer of benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, both of which are vital for maintaining a youthful complexion. You can have this warm or cold.
Ingredients
Many of these ingredients can be purchased online or at your local Asian grocer.
- 1 cup of mung beans
- 1 handful of lotus seeds
- 8 cups of mountain spring water
- brown sugar to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the mung beans under cold water until the water is clear.
- Add mung beans and water to a stock pot
- Cover and bring to a boil
- Lower the heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the mung beans are soft and slightly mushy, adding the lotus seeds in at the last 15-minutes.
- Add sugar to taste.
For More TCM Recipes...
Check out our Instagram @vhbskincare for Mimi's TCM Skincare and Immunity Soup.
There’s something special about using remedies that have been passed down through generations. It connects us to our roots and reminds us of the love and wisdom of our ancestors. Plus, these natural, plant-focused remedies are free from synthetic chemicals and harmful additives, making them a safer choice for your skin and body.
We hope you enjoy these! Let us know.