Watching your hair thin or seeing bald patches can be an emotionally devastating experience. While modern medicine has solutions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has natural alternatives that have helped people to restore their hair for centuries.
These Chinese herbs for hair regrowth work by getting to the root of the problems, rather than treating the symptoms.
Understanding Hair Loss From a TCM Perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a different perspective on hair loss than western medicine. In TCM, healthy hair is dependent on the proper flow of qi (vital energy) and blood to the scalp.
When this circulation is disrupted, from blood deficiency, depletion of kidney essence, or liver imbalances, the hair follicles are starved of the nutrients they need to make hair.
TCM is focused on balance between organs in the body, Qi (life energy), and scalp. The kidneys are especially important as they control bone marrow production and this in turn directly influences hair health. A deficiency will often show itself in the form of loss of hair or premature graying.
5 Strong Chinese Herbs For Growing Back Hair On Bald Patches
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) – The Hair Restoration Champion
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) is the most famous Chinese herb for the treatment of hair loss and bald patches. This herb is used in nearly all medicines for people who are losing their hair and is said to be a blood tonic in Chinese medicine.
And, research shows impressive results. In several studies over 60% of people who had lost hair experienced hair regrowth within 3 months after taking He Shou Wu.
The herb works by stimulating the anagen or growing phase in hair follicles and increasing the follicle size while increasing proteins that aid in hair regeneration.
How to use: Taken as supplements, teas or topical oils. The root was traditionally boiled in black bean juice as an oral tonic.
How to use: There are reports of toxic effects on the liver with use of He Shou Wu. Quality and correct dosage should be the decision of a licensed acupuncturist.
Ginseng (Ren Shen) – The Circulation Booster
Ginseng is an adaptogenic powerhouse which strengthens the whole body and has a direct benefit for hair growth. It stimulates blood circulation and invigorates the scalp, enhancing hair growth and reducing hair loss as a result of stress.
The active compounds known as ginsenosides stimulate dermal papilla cells at follicle bases that coordinate the production of hair. Research has proven that ginseng extends the growth phase and possibly reverses the miniaturization of follicles that results in thinning.
Beyond hair benefits, ginseng decreases stress levels (a major contributing factor to hair loss) and helps with mental performance and immune function.
How to use: Supplement, make a tea from, or apply hair tonics infused with ginseng to the scalp.
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) – The Blood Nourisher
Known as a premier women’s herb (though men can also benefit), Dang Gui is a superior herb for building blood and improving circulation.
This herb is phytoestrogen and rich in iron which increases the blood supply to the scalp and stimulates the growth of new hair follicles.
The iron content helps to prevent hair loss due to deficiency, while the coumarin compounds help open up your blood vessels to ensure that nutrient-rich blood is getting to your follicles. This makes Dang Gui especially useful for postpartum hair loss/thinning due to blood deficiency.
How to use: Traditionally used in soups with the other herbs, or as supplements and tinctures. Rarely used singly in TCM practice.
Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) – The Yin Restorer
Prepared Rehmannia nourishes both kidney yin and blood – two essential factors for healthy hair in TCM theory. It helps keep the scalp hydrated and nourished with nutrients, helping to solve the dryness and brittleness that frequently accompany thinning hair.
This herb has been used historically as a hair tonic for the prevention of premature graying. It is also protective for the liver, which helps the body to nourish from within to support hair health.
How to use: Usually used in combination with other herbs in formulas. Can be taken in decoctions, in pills or added to herbal soups.
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How Chinese Herbs Work on Bald Patches
These herbs do not just stimulate surface-level follicles. They operate through several different mechanisms:
- Increasing the flow of blood to get oxygen and nutrients to starved follicles
- Activating growth factors such as those called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) that signal follicles to grow
- Minimizing the levels of DHT (the hormone that causes pattern baldness)
- Extending the anagen phase so that hair grows longer before shedding
- Providing antioxidant protection against follicle aging and damage
TCM has the ability to effectively increase the total number of hair follicles, percentage of terminal hair to vellus hair, reduce skin discolorations time and skin hair growth time.
Combinations of Herbs for Better Results
Individual herbs are rarely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Formulas are used to combine multiple ingredients, as they sometimes have a synergistic effect.
The herbal formula BeauTop, which is formulated from six herbal ingredients including Ginseng, Astragalus, Angelica Sinensis, Ligustri Fructus, Rehmannia glutinosa and Eclipta prostrata showed significant improvement in clinical trials for androgenetic alopecia.
Common combinations are:
- He Shou Wu + Rehmannia for kidney and blood nourishment
- Ginseng + Dang Gui (circulation, build blood)
- Eclipta + Ligustrum Against graying, for growth
How to Use Chinese Herbs to Grow Hair
Oral Supplementation
Taking herbs internally has systemic benefits. Supplements help you have a consistent amount, so it is easier to track results over time. Most practitioners recommend taking formulas for at least 3-4 months to see visible improvements.
Topical Application
Herbal-infused oils and serums permit treatment of the bald patches. Apply in the scalp and massage gently for 5 minutes to help the absorption and stimulate blood flow. Leave on at least 30 min before washing.
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