In China, from north to south, there is a common wild herb that can be found in many places, and it is also a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine available in pharmacies.
The Ben Cao Zheng Yi records its effects:
“Enters the kidneys to nourish yin and promote hair growth”“Applied to eyebrows, hair grows quickly and abundantly”
— This means it nourishes kidney yin and promotes hair growth; when applied to the eyebrows and hair, it results in rapid and dense hair growth.
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia states that it is primarily used to treat:
“Liver and kidney yin deficiency, loose teeth, premature graying of hair”How strong is its efficacy in preventing and treating “premature graying of hair”? The Ben Cao Jing Shu summarizes:
“Among the herbs that change hair color from ancient times to the present, this one is the best”
— This means that throughout history, no herb has been more effective in restoring hair color than this one.
This herb, known in ancient times as “Li Chang,” is the Mo Han Lian (Eclipta prostrata).
Ancient practitioners believed that Li Chang is an important herb for darkening hair and promoting hair growth. Many formulas for treating white hair, darkening hair, and preventing eyebrow loss include it.
On the summer solstice, fresh Li Chang is harvested and mashed with mulberries to extract juice and boil it into a paste. This is then mixed with honey wine and the seeds of Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum lucidum) harvested on the winter solstice, rolled into pills, known as the famous “Er Zhi Wan,” which can help treat premature graying.
Mulberries can nourish the kidneys, enrich yin, and nourish the blood.
However, Li Chang should not be consumed indiscriminately. It is cold in nature and, while beneficial for hair, it is not good for the spleen and stomach. Overconsumption can lead to stomach deficiency, and some people may experience diarrhea.
Generally, it is used more externally.
There is a formula from the Song Dynasty for treating sparse eyebrows, which involves using fresh Li Chang to make a medicinal juice that is repeatedly applied to the eyebrow arch bone, allowing the medicinal properties to penetrate the skin.
The “Seven Flavor Angelica Essence” also includes Li Chang.
Combining Li Chang with Nu Zhen Zi is a classic combination in “Er Zhi Wan,” along with Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) for invigorating and nourishing blood, Sang Ye (Mulberry leaf) for cooling and clearing blood, He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) for nourishing the liver and kidneys, and Cypress leaves and Pine needles for promoting hair growth, extracting the essence of the herbs.
Apply it to the scalp and hair roots every morning and evening, and it is best to use a meridian comb to brush a few times to clear the meridians for better results.
【Seven Flavor Angelica Essence】
Formula:Dang Gui, prepared He Shou Wu, Nu Zhen Zi, Li Chang, Cypress leaves, Sang Ye, and Pine needles
Usage:
-
Morning and evening application: Apply to the scalp and hair roots, then use fingers or a meridian comb to brush a few times for better results.
-
Enhanced conditioning: Before washing hair, add an appropriate amount (5%-30%) of Seven Flavor Angelica Essence to the shampoo, mix, and use for washing hair.
