Did you know that Chinese herbs can improve the quality of your skin?
A 2016 study found the Chinese herbal formula, Si Wu Tang, to have marked improvements on skin quality and liver function.
Traditionally, SWT is used to treat gynecological and blood disorders– or a pattern we call “blood deficiency” in Chinese medicine (this is not necessarily the western diagnosis of anemia, but it can be!). Chronic blood deficiency patterns can also result in dry, dull skin, more pronounced fine lines, and accelerated aging.
This 2016 randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, included 60 healthy participants who were put into two groups: one taking an oral dose of SWT, and one given a placebo. They were also given skin assessments evaluating skin toughness, sebum content, hydration, surface water loss, erythema, melanin index and elasticity.
At the end of 6-months of oral administration of SWT, participants showed vast improvement of antioxidant levels, lipid-profile, liver function, and skin integrity and texture. Abdominal ultrasound in the SWT group revealed a positive impact of the herbal formula on mild fatty liver, gallstones, and mild splenomegaly. Additionally, blood oxidative indexes, serum lipids and hepatic markers, and physical skin evaluation all showed an overall improvement in the participants who received SWT daily.
*It’s important to remember that Chinese herbs are not a one-size fits all. Proper pattern diagnosis is important to avoid adverse side effects. Please consult a licensed acupuncture physician before taking herbal medicine.
In addition to herbal medicine, cosmetic facial acupuncture has also been demonstrated to improve facial elasticity. More and more people are looking for alternatives to neurotoxic injections and fillers to support graceful aging, and cosmetic acupuncture is an excellent alternative!
We love supporting graceful aging with cosmetic facial acupuncture and herbal medicine at Be + Well Acupuncture in Encinitas, North County San Diego.
