Chinese herbs that are best for hair growth, such as hazelnut, fo-ti-tieng, and ginseng, are specifically used in TCM to improve hair health.
Traditional Chinese herbs that are best for hair growth
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been providing natural remedies for many health problems, including hair loss and hair growth, for thousands of years. While modern medicine offers many solutions for thinning hair, TCM takes a holistic approach that balances the body’s internal energy, or “Qi”, to promote overall health and hair growth.
Natural remedies supported by TCM
Here, we explore seven Chinese herbs that are best for hair growth, which have been used for centuries to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. These herbs are not only famous for their medicinal properties but are also considered extremely effective in growing strong and healthy hair.
Note: Please consult your doctor before using any herb.
Seven Chinese Herbal Remedies for Hair loss You can Try
1. Shou Wu
Shou Wu, also known as Fo-Ti, is one of the most well-known Chinese herbs that is best for hair growth in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is renowned for its ability to promote hair growth and prevent premature graying. Shou Wu has been used for centuries as a natural remedy.
In TCM, the root of this plant is believed to nourish the liver and kidneys. Shou Wu is an essential organ for maintaining healthy hair, as hair is considered a part of the kidneys. It is also rich in antioxidants. Shou Wu helps protect hair follicles from free radical damage, which can contribute to thinning and graying hair.
Its rejuvenating properties also support better blood circulation in the scalp, thereby promoting stronger and healthier hair growth (1). As a result, it is commonly used to prevent hair thinning and reverse early signs of graying.
How to Use
Shou wu is available in various forms, such as capsules, tinctures, and teas, and it is often combined with other herbs to enhance its effectiveness.
Scientific studies also support its benefits: one study found that fo-ti extract could activate the anagen (growth) phase in mice, increase the size of follicles, and increase proteins involved in hair regeneration (2).
2. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi mushroom, also known as lingzhi, is one of the Chinese herbs that is best for hair growth. It is an ancient Chinese herb that is considered extremely beneficial for hair growth and strength. It has antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which improve hair health (3).
Reishi mushroom has anti-aging and anti-pigmentation effects, which help keep hair young and healthy. It also protects hair from photodamage caused by UV rays and environmental stress (4).
Research on mice has shown that reishi mushrooms strengthen hair roots and accelerate hair growth by enlarging hair follicles (5). It also promotes proteins that support the hair growth cycle.
Additionally, reishi mushrooms contain natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which prevent testosterone from converting to DHT – DHT is a major cause of hair loss. In this way, reishi mushrooms help reduce hair loss and make them thicker and stronger, making it an effective and natural remedy for hair care.
How to Use: You can drink it as a tea, take it as a supplement, or apply a sage-infused hair tonic or oil to the scalp.
3. Schisandra: A wonderful Chinese Herb for Hair care
Schisandra is a powerful adaptogenic herb that not only helps fight stress but also prevents hair loss. This herb nourishes the hair roots and promotes the growth of thicker, stronger hair (6). The lignans present in it help keep the liver healthy. A healthy liver flushes out toxins from the body, reducing hair-damaging toxins (7).
Schisandra also improves blood circulation, allowing essential nutrients to reach the hair roots easily. It also balances hormones, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
It also protects hair follicles from damage caused by external factors like stress and pollution. Schisandra is considered one of the best Chinese herbs for hair growth, as it promotes natural hair growth by balancing the body from within.
How to Use: Schisandra can be taken as a supplement in pill or powder form. It can also be added to tea. Many hair oils and topical preparations contain schisandra to improve scalp health and promote growth.
4. Morus Albus
White mulberry, also known as Morus alba, is an herb that has shown promising results in a 2008 animal study. Researchers found that extracts taken from the branches and roots of white mulberry helped stimulate hair growth in mice. These extracts were also found to have antibacterial properties, which may support a healthy scalp- an important factor for overall hair health.
While there is limited scientific research on its effects in humans, many believe that white mulberry may help prevent hair loss, increase hair thickness, and slow down the process of premature graying (8). However, more studies on humans are needed to confirm these benefits.
How to Use: Use hair oils or shampoos containing mulberry root and branch extracts or drink mulberry tea to improve general hair health.
Read this also: How to Stop Hair Fall and Hair Thinning Naturally.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herb in Chinese and Korean medicine. It is known to boost energy and improve blood circulation, both of which help promote healthy hair growth.
How it works: Ginseng contains natural compounds called ginsenosides that can activate hair follicles and improve blood flow to the scalp. This helps your hair receive more nutrients and oxygen, which are essential for strong and healthy hair.
Ginseng also helps reduce stress and balance hormones, especially DHT- a hormone linked to hair thinning and pattern baldness. It is great for people struggling with hair loss. Its regular use may lead to thicker hair and new growth over time.
How to Use
- You can take ginseng as a tea or supplement.
- Look for shampoos, oils, or serums that contain ginseng.
- Mix ginseng powder with honey or yogurt and apply it to your scalp.
6. Nu Zhen Zi
Fructus Ligustri Lucidi, also known as Nu-Zhen-Zi in Chinese, is a traditional herb known for its health benefits, especially in promoting dark hair growth and promoting overall well-being. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses Nu-Zhen-Zi to nourish the liver and kidneys, which is believed to promote the growth of healthy, dark hair. This herb has antiviral properties that can help keep the scalp clean and healthy (9). By improving blood flow, Nu-Zhen-Zi helps deliver better nutrients to the hair follicles, leading to better hair health.
How to Use
- You can eat this herb dried.
- A common way to consume Nu-Zhen-Zi is by boiling it into a tea.
- Look for shampoos or conditioners that contain Nu-Zhen-Zi extract so you can apply its benefits directly to your scalp and hair.
7. Dong Quai: Natural Herbs for Women’s Hair Health
Dong quai, also called female ginseng, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to maintain hormonal balance. It is especially helpful for women who struggle with hair loss due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.
How it Helps
- Improves blood circulation, which keeps hair follicles nourished and encourages healthy hair growth.
- It balances estrogen levels, which can reduce hair thinning.
- Protects against oxidative stress with its natural antioxidants, helping to keep the scalp and hair healthy.
FAQ’s
Q1. Which is the most powerful Chinese herb?
Ginseng is considered to be the most powerful Chinese herb. It may be helpful in improving heart health, fighting diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Q2. Which is the best Chinese herb for skin?
Astragalus (watercress) is beneficial in treating skin allergies and inflammation and protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Q3. How long does it take for Chinese herbal medicines to show results?
Their effect is gradual. Especially for hair growth or skin problems, their continuous and long-term use is necessary.
Q4. Are Chinese herbal medicines reliable?
Yes, if they are taken on the advice of an expert or doctor, they are effective. But never use them in place of modern medicine.
