What Are the Different Types of Chinese Herbs for Hair Loss?

Some Chinese herbs for hair loss are eclipta, ligustrum, foti, ginkgo biloba, and astragalus. Ginseng, gotu kola, peony root, and green tea are also commonly used. Herbs for hair loss may be prescribed by a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Since there are myriad reasons for hair loss, the doctor of Chinese medicine will first determine the cause of the loss and then choose the appropriate herb or herbal combination. Some causes of hair loss are nutritional deficiency, severe stress, and drug abuse.

According to TCM philosophy, hair is an extension of the blood, and hair loss is caused when the circulation of blood and qi, or energy to the scalp, are adversely affected and prevent the hair follicles from receiving the nutrients they require to grow healthy hair. TCM sees two possible causes for this. The first is a deficiency of the kidney and liver, which prevents the blood from circulating properly to the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles. Two Chinese herbs for hair loss commonly used to strengthen the liver and kidneys are eclipta and ligustrum.

The other cause of hair loss, according to TCM, is toxic heat somewhere in the body. Toxic heat is known in traditional Western medicine as inflammation. Foti is one of the Chinese herbs for hair loss frequently prescribed to reduce and eliminate inflammation. Turmeric, salvia, ginger, ginseng, and gotu kola also have properties that help reduce the inflammation that may be the root cause of the hair loss. Most people who have hair loss are generally believed to be suffering from a combination of inflammation and liver and kidney deficiencies, so a combination of herbs is often prescribed.

Ginkgo biloba is one of the Chinese herbs for hair loss that has numerous health benefits, including improved circulation to the skin and brain. It is believed that this helps increase the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles as well. Ginger, peony root, and gotu kola are also prescribed to improve blood circulation to support a healthier scalp. Gotu kola has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

Some believe that alopecia is the result of an autoimmune disorder that prevents the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles. There are numerous Chinese herbs for hair loss that strengthen the immune system. These include astragalus, ginseng, and green tea. Numerous studies and clinical trials have proven the efficacy of Chinese herbs for hair loss, and in China, traditional western medicine and TCM are practiced as complementary therapies. Some physicians in China are trained in both forms of medicine and use both in their practices. The use of Chinese herbs for hair loss has become more popular in the West as word has spread about TCM.