The beauty secrets of Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the most influential women in Chinese history, have long been a source of fascination. Even in her sixties, Cixi reportedly maintained a remarkably youthful and delicate complexion, as recorded by her close attendant, Duc Duc Linh, in her memoir, “Thanh Cung Nhi Nien Ky.”
Empress Dowager Cixi was renowned for her ageless beauty, even in her seventies.
Even in her later years, Cixi maintained a lustrous head of dark hair, a feat she achieved through the use of traditional Chinese herbal remedies. She prepared a special hair tonic daily, incorporating ingredients such as He Shou Wu (a renowned Chinese herb), black sesame seeds, and walnuts. These ingredients, rich in vitamins and minerals, nourished her scalp, stimulated hair growth, and prevented hair loss, resulting in thick, shiny, and naturally dark hair.
Cixi’s hair care routine, which included natural ingredients such as He Shou Wu, sesame, and walnuts, was revealed by those close to her.
Here are five foods that contribute to healthy, shiny black hair:
1. He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu, a precious Chinese herb, has long been used in traditional medicine to address premature graying. It contains resveratrol and emodin, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the scalp and stimulate melanin production, slowing down the graying process. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, premature hair graying is associated with liver and kidney deficiencies. He Shou Wu strengthens and improves the function of these organs, contributing to overall hair health. However, its effects are gradual and may vary depending on individual body constitutions.
He Shou Wu is a common ingredient in hair care products.
Using He Shou Wu, black beans, or other nutrients will not reverse gray hair but will help slow down the process by boosting antioxidants, stimulating melanin production, and nourishing the hair follicles.
2. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are considered one of the best natural ingredients to prevent premature graying. Rich in essential nutrients such as lecithin, protein, vitamin E, and linoleic acid, they nourish hair from within, making it stronger and shinier. In addition to preventing hair from turning gray, regular consumption of black sesame seeds improves blood circulation, aids digestion, and promotes healthy bowel movements.
Black sesame seeds contribute to long-term hair darkness rather than turning gray hair black.
Combining black sesame seeds with walnut powder not only improves bowel movements but also enhances lung function and energy circulation. It promotes blood circulation, moisturizes the skin, and supports liver and kidney health, contributing to overall well-being.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are not just a nutritious snack but also a natural remedy for improving hair health. Rich in omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids, and potassium, they stimulate hair growth, strengthen hair from within, and reduce breakage. The biotin and vitamin B7 in walnuts promote the health of new hair growth. Additionally, selenium deficiency is a known cause of hair loss, and walnuts are an excellent source of this mineral, effectively preventing hair fall. For optimal results, it is recommended to consume 100–200 grams of walnuts daily.
Walnuts help reduce hair breakage.
The nutrients in walnuts also enhance blood circulation under the scalp, promoting hair growth. The natural oils in these nuts moisturize the scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness, and their antibacterial properties prevent dandruff.
