No, I am no kidding—Chinese Yam, lotus seeds, lily flower
roots, and red dates (I will talk about these two in my next post) really are
common herbs used in Chinese medicine.
Yam is called
“Shan Yao” in Chinese. It’s the root of
plants, Common Yam Rhizome or Winged Yan Rhizome. You can pretty much buy Chinese Yam at the
vegetable section of any Asian supermarket.
Chemical composition wise, Chinese Yam contains various
amino acids, proteins, vitamins, polysaccharides, various trace elements. The
studies suggested that Chinese Yam can lower blood glucose level, and
therefore, is useful in treating diabetes.
Chinese medicine believes that Chinese Yam can tonify the spleen, stomach,
and lung. So, the herb is usually used
in formulations for treating digestive system related problems. For skin care purpose and general wellbeing,
I suggest you make Chinese Yam part of your diet.
Lotus seeds, “Lian Zi”
in Chinese, are the seeds of lotus flowers.
The Latin name for the plant is Seneb Bekynbubus. Chemical composition wise, lotus seed
contains carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, fatty acids such as
myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and
higenamine, alkaloids such as nuciferine, nornciferine, oxoushinsunine, and
N-noramepayvine.
Research suggests that lotus seeds can lower blood
pressure, anti-cancer, strengthen cardiovascular system, and clear acne and
dark spots. Chinese medicine believes
that lotus seed can tonify spleen and heart, clear eyes, and nourish
stomach. It is often used in TCM
formulations for treating insomnia, acne, and dark spots etc. I usually make soups with lotus seeds. They taste very good. For topical skincare use, boil lotus seeds in
water for 45 min to an hour. Use the
liquid in your face wash, toner, and mask, especially during the physiological
period that you are prone to acne and breakouts.
Thanks for reading!
Connie @ www.cherruby.com
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