5 Chinese Herbs That May Help In Treating Hair Loss

You can use Chinese herbs for hair growth if you have hair loss. Research shows that Chinese herbs can induce hair growth (1), (2). These are great for helping treat hair loss, treat discoloration of hair, and restore its natural pigmentation (3). You must know about Chinese herbs like Dong Quai, Goji Berry, Schisandra Berry, and Rhodiola Rosea because of their amazing health benefits. Here we have compiled a list of five Chinese herbs that may aid hair regeneration and prevent hair loss. Take a peek around.

Note: Before using any herbs, please be sure to consult with your doctor.

Before learning about the Chinese herbs that treat hair loss, let’s discuss what causes hair loss in the first place.

Causes Of Hair Loss

Hair fall can occur due to a variety of factors:

• A family history of hair loss significantly influences one’s genetic predisposition to balding (4), (5).
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause, can also cause temporary hair shedding (4).
• A diet lacking in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin D weakens the hair and causes it to fall out (4).
• Stress and emotional turmoil can also trigger conditions like telogen effluvium, which disrupts the natural hair growth cycle and causes hair shedding (4), (5).
• Medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases, often cause hair loss (4).
• Poor hair care habits like excessive styling, harsh chemical treatments can also damage the hair shaft.

Identifying the cause of your hair loss can ease treatment and prevention.

Using herbs for hair loss may help you prevent and manage hair loss to a great extent. While you might have heard of Ayurvedic herbs, Chinese medicine also has a rich tradition of using plants, roots, and herbs for hair strengthening and maintaining overall hair and scalp health. Head over to the following section to explore some unique Chinese herbs and how they are beneficial for hair loss.

Chinese Herbal Remedies For Hair Loss You May Try

1. Fo-ti

Fo-ti is the most commonly used Chinese herb. It is also known as he-shou-wu. Fo-ti has been used for ages to treat hair loss and baldness (6). It can also help restore the natural pigmentation of hair and increase blood circulation.

Trivia

Traditionally, fo-ti was prepared by boiling the root in black bean juice and was consumed as an oral tonic. In modern times, fo-ti is available as tea, supplement, or in the formulations of topical hair and beauty products.

2. Reishi Mushroom

The reishi mushroom is often used in hair tonics. It is also called lingzhi. It has antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties (7), (8). It has anti-aging and anti-pigmentation properties that may help keep hair healthy (8). It can also protect hair from photodamage (8).

A mice study shows that that reishi mushroom exhibits hair growth activity and can be used to treat alopecia (9).

Another study shows that reishi mushroom contains 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (10). 5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). An increase in the levels of  5-alpha-reductase will increase the levels of DHT, leading to hair loss. Reishi mushroom can help prevent this.

3. Nu Zhen Zi

This herb promotes the growth of black hair (11). It also has antiviral properties, which may help in promoting scalp health and cleanliness. It also helps flush out toxins from the body and strengthens the immune system. Nu-Shen-Zi increases blood circulation to the scalp.

Did You Know?

Nu Zhen Zi is a wild harvested bitter-sweet fruit that looks glossy and grows on the privet bush, native to China. In English, Nu Zhen Zi is referred to as the “glossy privet fruit”.

4. Wu Wei Zin

This herb is popular as a beauty enhancer. It also serves as a tonic that helps purify the blood. Wu wei zin showed hair growth-promoting factors in a study conducted on rats (12). It can also help reduce hair loss and prevent photoaging (13).

5. Morus Albus

A study conducted in 2008 showed that morus alba stimulated hair growth in mice (14). Although there is not much human research done, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that this herb helps prevent hair loss, increases hair thickness, and premature graying of hair.

Herbs like amla (or Indian gooseberry), horsetail, nettle, saw palmetto, and fenugreek have been used traditionally and have anecdotal evidence for promoting hair growth and dandruff prevention. However, these Chinese herbs can be regularly used as a home remedy. The good thing about them is that they can be grown in your kitchen garden or as window sill plants.

The Chinese method of hair care follows the ancient principles of yin and yang to address the problem at its root. These herbs may be found in any local Chinese markets in the city. Also, these are not very expensive and are generally sold in easy-to-use forms.

Infographic: 5 Chinese Herbs To Combat Hair loss

Chinese herbs can be easily grown and also are easily available. They help prevent premature hair graying and reduce the effects of photodamage. The herbs have other benefits too. In the following infographic, we have listed the different Chinese herbs and how they can boost hair health. Take a look.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most powerful Chinese herb?

Ginseng is considered one of the most powerful Chinese herbs. It is a powerful antioxidant that has cardioprotective and anti-cancerous effects and the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease (15).

Which Chinese herb is best for the skin?

Astralagus or huáng qí is one of the most popular herbs used in Chinese medicine. It can help treat skin disorders like allergic dermatitis (16). Also, it has a photoprotective effect that protects your skin from UVB-induced skin inflammation and photoaging (17).

How long do Chinese herbs take to work?

Although frequent and consistent use of Chinese herbs for a long time is preferable to get the best results. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Chinese herbs can treat certain chronic cases like alopecia areata if used consistently.

Is Chinese herbal medicine good?

Chinese herbs are a crucial part of holistic treatment and act as a beneficial medicine when used properly and under a doctor’s supervision. They shouldn’t, however, be used as a substitute for standard medical care.

How long does Chinese herbal medicine last?

When stored properly, decocted herbal medicines have a shelf life of up to 70 days from the date of manufacturing.

Can you take Chinese herbs long-term?

Chinese herbs can be used for a few weeks to a few months. Unlike many prescription drugs, this one is usually prescribed for long-term use.

Can you be allergic to Chinese herbs?

The chemical components of Chinese medicines are extremely complex. Some Chinese medicines may cause allergic reactions because each person’s body constitution is unique. The combination of certain Chinese herbs can also be toxic. Check for individual contraindications before taking Chinese herbs as medicines.

Illustration: Chinese Herbs That May Help In Treating Hair Loss

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Explore the world of traditional Chinese medicine for hair treatment! Discover ancient remedies, techniques, and holistic approaches to promote healthy, lustrous hair naturally. Watch this video to unveil the secrets.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Leata A. WilliamsBoard-certified Trichologist

 

Leata A. Williams is the founder of Mane Theory, Inc. She is a L’ Oreal trained licensed cosmetologist who began styling hair at a very young age. Leata’s love for hair came about once she realized the versatility of styles that can be done.

Read full bio of Leata A. Williams

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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