Kangxi Emperor

The Kangxi Emperor lived a very long life of 68 years, which had everything to do with his healthy lifestyle. He cautioned the elderly to cut down on foods that were heavy on the salt or sauce, not eat at night, go to bed at the right time, and not read by candlelight. He believed that his own healthcare practices could benefit the body in the long run.

The Maxims of Fatherly Advice (Tingxun geyan) is a collection of the Kangxi Emperor’s admonitions to his sons. It gives his views on maintaining good health: “Do not be gluttonous or picky about what you eat. Every man should choose the appropriate diet for himself. Do not eat too much of one’s favourite food.” He also noted, “After a meal, one must speak of positive things, or look over the pleasing curios and wares that one has made. This makes for easier digestion and greatly benefits the body.” Maintaining a cheerful mood can help promote digestion and absorption, which greatly benefits physical and mental health.

Qianlong Emperor

Having lived to the age of 88, the Qianlong Emperor was another emperor in Chinese history known for his longevity. During his later years, he suffered from a deficiency of qi and blood, and he took ginseng root to replenish and harmonise them. He took ginseng root regularly after the age of 50, dissolving about three grams in the mouth each day. He also ate Eight Treasures Puddings to maintain his health. Made from ginseng root, Indian buead, largehead atractylodes rhizome, Job’s tears, gordon euryale seed, white hyacinth bean, and white sugar, the pudding boosts qi to invigorate the spleen and relieves diarrhoea with astringents. According to the Records of Medication (Yongyao dibu) of the Qing court, he regularly ate Eight Treasures Puddings from the age of 67 into his 80s.

Empress Dowager Cixi

The Empress Dowager Cixi lived to the age of 73 through the three reigns of the Xianfeng Emperor, the Tongzhi Emperor, and the Guangxu Emperor. It is said that she suffered from a weak spleen and stomach, and she underwent dietary therapy to nourish her gastric qi. Medical records show that she took congee made with Mongolian milkvetch root, common yan rhizome, and lotus seed to help with her ailments. Mongolian milkvetch root replenishes the qi and stabilizes the exterior, common yan rhizome replenishes the kidneys and strengthens the intestines, and lotus seed clears the heart, invigorates the spleen, and has an astringent effect on the body.