The theory of Chinese food medicine utilizes the belief that hot and cold energy in foods affect different energies in the body. The body shows us hot and cold symptoms that can be treated with foods of opposite polarity to balance energy. Common Chinese food remedies for the skin come in the form of topical applications and foods that can be ingested to help relieve symptoms and usually cool down hot inflamed skin. Food remedies should be repeated every day, and used for a week to several months before a change in symptoms can be expected.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is described as lubricating oil of a cool nature that is a topical treatment for cracked skin. Apply sesame oil directly to cracked skin several times a day. Use before skin cracks for hydration.

Marjoram

Marjoram is an herb common to spice racks used for soups, meats, and pasta dishes much like oregano. Make a wash by steeping one cup of the fresh herb in one cup of hot water. Use a marjoram wash if you have an itchy skin rash. It is believed that marjoram relieves water retention and makes the body sweat which helps energy in the body circulate.

Cucumber

The Chinese prescribe eating cool fresh cucumbers for the symptoms of common acne. The cool energy of the cucumber is supposed to help the hot skin eruptions of acne by cooling the lungs and stomach.

Pumpkin

Seed a pumpkin and blend the flesh in a food processor, blender or by hand until it is a pulp. Refrigerate and use the pumpkin pulp to treat sunburns or burning underneath the skin.

Red Chilies

Frostbite is a serious skin condition that often recurs throughout the cold part of the season. Chinese food logic looks to treat the cold skin condition with heat from a pepper. Crush 6 dried red chilies and boil in ½ cup water. Wash the affected area with the pepper water a few times daily. To help heal the skin and help prevent future frostbite, try heating the red chilies in some sesame oil or soaking them in alcohol and applying to the affected area with cotton.

Peppermint

The menthol found in peppermint is used to cool hot itchy eruptions on the skin. Use peppermint oil topically on skin eruptions to help stop the itch and replace it with a cool numb sensation.

Ginger
Ginger is used in a wide variety of food remedies in Chinese medicinal cooking. Use the juice squeezed from a piece of fresh ginger to treat a minor burn from the stove or a curling iron. Try ginger for burning and itching on the hands by rubbing the fresh cut ginger juice directly on the affected area or use the juice.

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