Traditional Chinese medicine approaches hair loss as a symptom of a disease or imbalance in the body's systems. The University of Louisville states that treatment for hair loss with herbs often requires a combination of ingredients that the practitioner uses to heal systemic problems including a blood deficiency, "greasy wind" or kidney and liver deficiencies. The most popular Chinese herbs for hair loss demonstrate only anecdotal evidence that supports their use. Consult with your health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy.
He Shou Wu
He shou wu is a prevalent component in preparations for hair loss and treatment for graying hair. University of Louisville notes that its function is to strengthen the kidney and the liver, thus restoring the body's capacity to produce healthy hair. The university also notes that he shou wu has several names, including its botanical name: polygonum multiflorum, and the common name: fleece flower.
Drugs.com states that he shou wu has anti-atherosclerotic properties, making it a traditional remedy for preventing or clearing plaque buildup in your arteries. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this herb's use for this purpose or for hair loss, improved blood circulation could improve organ function and reduce "greasy wind." Traditional Chinese herbalists prescribe this herb for internal use, sometimes as pills. The most common daily dosage ranges from 9 to 15 g daily.
Erzhi Wan
The Institute for Traditional Medicine notes that one of the simplest Chinese herbal formulations for hair loss only contains two herbs: eclipta alba and ligustrum lucidum. Some Chinese medicine practitioners consider this herb combination to be the most effective treatment for hair loss; however, others use this formulation to modify common liver and kidney strengthening herbal preparations. Erzhi Wan is an herbal preparation that you take internally. To date, there is no scientific evidence that supports the use of this formulation for hair loss.
Traditionally, herbalists harvest the two herbs during the winter and summer solstices, respectively, leading to the colloquial name for the formulation: Two Solstices Pill. The Chinese believe that eclipta cools the blood. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains a phytoestrogen. Ligustrum's main properties are also anti-inflammatory, but the Chinese believe it works to remove heat from the body, blacken hair and nourish the liver.
Swerta
Swerta is one Chinese herb for which a recent scientific study has provided promising evidence with regard to hair loss. The Institute for Traditional Medicine reports that the "Oriental Materia Medica" manual suggests that this relative of gentian proved effective against hair loss in 80 percent of cases.
Gentax is a hair loss product available in Japan and the United States that contains the essential oil geraniol---an extract of swerta. However, claims that swerta and Gentax are effective treatments for hair loss lack reliable scientific evidence.
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