Secrets to Silky Black Hair and Reduced Hair Fall: 3 Traditional Foods Inspired by Empress Dowager Cixi

In a world overflowing with chemical-laden hair care products, the allure of natural remedies remains evergreen—especially when they’re backed by centuries of traditional wisdom. One such timeless beauty inspiration is Empress Dowager Cixi (Từ Hi Thái Hậu) of the Qing Dynasty. Renowned for her thick, shiny black hair well into her later years, her beauty secrets continue to captivate generations. Surprisingly, her hair care didn’t rely on fancy cosmetics but on simple, natural ingredients—some of which were part of her daily meals.

 

 

Today, we uncover three humble, traditional foods that not only nourish your body but also serve as powerful allies in your journey toward healthier, darker, and more luscious hair—just like the Empress herself.

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1. Black Sesame Seeds – The Ancient Elixir for Youthful Hair

Black sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) were a staple in Empress Dowager Cixi’s diet, and for good reason. In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame is believed to "nourish the liver and kidney," organs closely associated with hair health.

Why it works:

• Rich in vitamin E, zinc, iron, and B vitamins, black sesame seeds help stimulate hair growth and darken hair naturally.

• Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that strengthen hair follicles and prevent premature graying.

• Enhances melanin production, which gives hair its rich, black color.

How to use it:

• Roast a handful of black sesame seeds and grind them into a fine powder.

• Mix with warm milk or porridge for a simple morning tonic.

• You can also add them to smoothies, soups, or sprinkle over salads.

Beauty tip from history: It is said that Empress Cixi would often drink a black sesame and walnut tea to maintain her hair's deep black luster and delay signs of aging.

 

 

 

2. Walnuts – Brain Food That Feeds Your Follicles

Walnuts are more than just a brain-boosting snack. Known in ancient remedies as a “longevity nut,” they are rich in biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B7—all essential for strong, shiny hair.

Why it works:

• Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts reduce scalp inflammation, a common cause of hair fall.

• Biotin improves keratin infrastructure, supporting hair strength and thickness.

• Selenium and zinc in walnuts help regulate hormones and maintain a healthy scalp environment.

How to use it:

• Snack on a small handful of raw or lightly roasted walnuts daily.

• Add crushed walnuts to congee (rice porridge), oatmeal, or stir-fried dishes.

• For a luxurious treatment, mix walnut oil with a few drops of rosemary oil and massage into your scalp once a week.

Cultural nugget: Walnuts were considered a luxurious ingredient in the Qing Dynasty, reserved for royalty and aristocrats. Empress Cixi is believed to have consumed them daily as part of her imperial breakfast.

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3. Black Beans – A Protein-Packed Tonic for Thicker Hair

In many Asian households, black beans are cherished for their ability to boost vitality and replenish energy. In the realm of beauty, they’re praised for their ability to strengthen and thicken hair from the inside out.

Why it works:

• High in plant-based protein, which is crucial for hair structure.

• Contain iron, which helps carry oxygen to hair roots, promoting growth.

• Rich in anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to combat hair thinning.

How to use it:

• Soak black beans overnight and boil until soft. You can season lightly and eat as a side dish or add to soups and stews.

• Prepare a traditional black bean and rice porridge—a favorite in many Asian households for beauty and longevity.

• You can also make a black bean smoothie with a touch of honey and soy milk for a nutritious hair-loving breakfast.

Royal secret: In ancient Chinese medicine books, black beans were documented as a "yin tonic," particularly beneficial for women’s health, including hair vitality. Empress Cixi reportedly enjoyed sweetened black bean desserts as a beauty elixir.

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The Royal Routine: More Than Just Food

Empress Dowager Cixi’s beauty routine extended beyond her plate. Her lifestyle included:

• Scalp massages using herbal-infused oils.

• Avoidance of stress, which was seen as disruptive to the body’s balance and harmony.

• Sleep hygiene—ensuring she rested at the right hours to nourish her blood and qi (vital energy).

Combining these practices with her hair-nourishing diet created a holistic beauty regimen that kept her appearance youthful even into old age.

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Tips to Maximize the Benefits of These Superfoods

1. Be consistent: Hair growth is a slow process. Incorporate these foods into your daily routine and give it time—usually 2 to 3 months—to see visible results.

2. Pair with a healthy lifestyle: Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments.

3. Choose organic, minimally processed ingredients: The fresher the food, the more potent its benefits.

4. Mind your gut: A healthy digestive system helps your body absorb the nutrients needed for beautiful hair.

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Final Thoughts

While modern hair care products promise quick fixes, the wisdom of the ancients reminds us that true beauty comes from within. The simple, earthy ingredients favored by Empress Dowager Cixi—black sesame, walnuts, and black beans—have stood the test of time, providing a gentle yet powerful way to nurture your hair naturally.

If you’re struggling with hair fall, dull strands, or graying, perhaps it’s time to turn to these humble superfoods. Take a page from the Empress's book and let your meals become your beauty rituals. After all, radiant hair is not just a mark of beauty—it's a sign of balance, nourishment, and inner harmony.