She Essential Blog

As summer comes into full bloom, we are once again surrounded by an abundance of high quality, organic, local produce at neighborhood farm stands and green markets. Whether it is the sweetness of freshly picked corn, the zing of a tomato, or the juiciness of a peach, this season sharply reminds us of why it is important to eat seasonally and locally.

To put it simply; the fresher, the better. The Chinese ancients wrote about the Qi (pronounced “chee”) of food in a very matter of fact way. Food was considered medicine and therefore had properties that could heal. A vital energy source found in every living thing, Qi gives food its healing nature. Internally, it corresponds to the energy that gives us our life force. One way we replenish our Qi is by eating nourishing foods. So, when you eat local, organic, seasonal food, the amount of Qi available is at its peak. This is how we should think about what we put into our bodies. Know where your food is coming from, and choose it because it resonates with you.

How does this relate to our skin? Beauty starts on the inside with the digestive system, so choosing foods that are fresh and colorful will ultimately have a positive effect both inside and out. According to Chinese medicine, the digestive energy sends the nutritive energy of the food upward. All the digestive channels start or end in the face, so a strong nourished digestion will reflect in your complexion first. There is nothing to get overwhelmed with here: Eat simply, eat fresh, and pick it yourself.

Our favorite local beauty foods this summer are:

Watermelon: Clears heat, relieves irritability, and replenishes the skin. A great dietary addition for those with hot-type skin conditions like rosacea and acne.

Dandelion greens: Clear heat, detoxify the liver. Do you tend to be irritable, or break out in the summer? These are your greens.

Cherries: Benefit the skin by regenerating fluids, and strengthening digestion. Apply topically to heal burns.

Lettuce: Invigorates the Qi, and removes stagnation, making it a great addition to summer meals. Stick with the darker green and bitter varieties as these are better for the skin. Eating lettuce at the end of the meal can give your digestion an extra boost.

Spinach: A great detoxifying leafy green that strengthens all organs and lubricates the intestines. Apply a poultice to bug bites and hot toxic skin conditions for soothing relief.

Cucumbers: Clear heat and relieve irritability. Apply topically to hot scratchy swollen eyes for 10-20 minutes. You will be amazed at the results!

Remember, just because a certain food may be good for a condition that you experience never over do it. Too much of a good thing will always have a negative effect. Eat a variety of colors and eat in moderation, always.

Laura and Beth

Laura Kauffmann and Beth Hooper are licensed acupuncturists and certified Chinese herbalists practicing in New York City. Co-Founders of Shē Essential Beauty, a natural and organic skincare line based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Tags: diet and beauty, Natural beauty, organic skincare, Traditional Chinese Medicine

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 at 11:21 am and is filed under Beauty and Diet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.