This formula was first recorded in the 'Analytic Collection of Medical Formulas' (yi fang ji jie) by Wang Ang, 1682. However, it was originally developed by Shao Ying-jie during the Ming dynastic period. Over the subsequent centuries it has been widely used both in its original form and also as the basis for a variety of different formulas aimed at restoring hair growth and reversing premature greying of the hair.
Alopecia is mostly caused by deficiency of the Liver and Kidney, leading to failure of the Blood to nourish the hair. The striae (cou li) of the scalp subsequently become loose and Wind may then invade the skin of the scalp. Therefore, Blood deficiency, together with invasion by exogenous Wind are the main underlying factors in hair loss.
The original formula name means the 'seven treasures elixir for beautiful hair (or beard)', as it was composed of seven ingredients. The ChinaMed variant is enhanced with several additional ingredients:
- Ginseng root (ren shen) & Astragalus root (huang qi): which strongly tonify the Qi
- Rehmannia glutinosa, root (shu di): nourish the Liver and Kidney Yin, enrich the Kidney Essence and nourish the Blood.
- Cornus, fruit (shan zhu yu): stabilizes the Kidney & contains the Kidney Essence
- Morus fruit (sang shen): substitute for Fallopia root (he shou wu), nourishes the Blood, nourishes the Liver and Kidney.
TCM ACTIONS
Nourishes the Kidney and Liver, tonifies the Qi and nourishes the Blood.
TCM SYNDROMES
- Kidney and Liver deficiency
- Qi and Blood deficiency
INDICATIONS
Hair loss, alopecia.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS (Key clinical features in bold)
-
Thinning of the hair
-
Bald patches
- Fatigue
- Muscular weakness
- Postural dizziness
- Dry and lacklustre skin
- Dry mouth and throat
- Excessive thirst
- Low back pain
- Irritability
- Normal or light red tongue with little coat
-
Thready pulse that may also be weak or rapid
