Moves the qi and quickens the blood in the scalp. Chinese doctors have been writing prescriptions for herbal hair care formulas for not less than 1,700 years. Typically, these formulas contain acrid-flavored medicinals which move the qi and quicken the blood. This is based on the idea that the qi moves the blood and the hair is the surplus of the blood. Therefore, if the blood in the scalp is healthy, so will be the hair. Within this formula, Dang Gui and Bai Zhi have been used for externally applied herbal hair care products in China for many centuries.
When it comes to the beautification of the skin and hair, Bai Zhi is the most commonly used medicinal for external application found in Chen Guan-ting et al.’s Zhong Yi Mei Rong Da Quan (Great Collection of Chinese Medicine Cosmetology), Chinese National Medicine & Medicinal Science & Technology Press, Beijing, 1989.
Lu Hui is a more modern hair care ingredient. Pharmacological research has shown that Lu Hui contains emodin glycosides which are anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, and bacteriocidal. Other research has shown that Lu Hui has an exceptionally powerful ability to premeate the skin, thus giving this medicinal the ability to reach deep layers of the skin. Since Lu Hui also contains saccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals, not only does it kill bacteria and resolve toxins, it also helps in tissue regeneration. Gan Ye Ju is also a more modern hair care ingredient.
Used in South America as well as grown commercially in China, it is reported to retard the greying process, eliminate dandruff, and improve hair luster when applied externally. Contains no animal products or mineral oil. No animal testing.
