Chinese medicine believes the skin is nourished by Blood.  (In Chinese Medicine, the concept of Blood covers more than just red blood cells, hemoglobin, and leukocytes. Blood is considered to be a dense and material form of qi (pronounced chee) which is the vital energy of the body.) Adequate supplies of "healthy" Blood nourish the skin and manifest as a clear, shining complexion.  Disorders of Blood or any of the associated organ systems can result in problematic complexions.  Some herbs commonly used to help replenish the quality and function of Blood in nourishing the body are angelica root (Radix Angelica Sinensis, or Dang Gui or Tang Kui), rehmanniae root (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae), and—believe it or not—a glue made from donkey hide (Gelatinum Corii Asini) which has superior blood-building qualities.  Some authorities recommend a tea made with Chinese chrysanthemum (Flos Chrysanthemi Morifolii) to refresh the skin and keep it glowing.

In Chinese medicine, these herbs are rarely used alone, although Dang Gui has made a name for itself even in western herb stores for its amazing effect on menstrual irregularities, and is sometimes given singularly.  More likely, a pallid, dull, or dry, flaky complexion with a tendency to bruise easily would be treated due to its systemic cause in the body and a prescription would be written to regulate or "balance" the body's systems.

And, of course, any physician will stress the importance of diet, nutrition, exercise, sufficient sleep, and adequate water intake to keep that peaches-and-cream complexion.  Clean, shiny, moist, well-nourished skin is considered the result of good health in virtually every culture.  Beauty truly does come from the inside out.

Skin Herbs
Skin Maintenance
Swelling, Sores & Ulcers