Ancient Formulas, Modern Hair Solutions: The Science of Shouwu Wan - BaoFuLing Online Store

Ancient Formulas, Modern Hair Solutions: The Science of Shouwu Wan

I. Theoretical Foundation & Formula Design

Huangdi's Canon of Medicine states: "The liver stores blood; the kidney stores essence. The liver and kidney share the same source, and their manifestation is seen in the hair." Therefore, hair loss and premature graying are often rooted in liver and kidney deficiency, along with a lack of qi and blood.

BaoShuTang Shouwu Wan is designed based on this classical wisdom:

  • Nourish liver and kidney to promote hair growth: Processed Polygonum multiflorum and Rehmannia replenish liver blood and kidney essence, addressing hair loss and graying from deficiency.
  • Strengthen tendons and bones: Wine-processed Achyranthes and salt-processed Psoralea support yang, relieve dizziness and weakness.
  • Treat both symptoms and root cause: Honey-fried Folium Mori and Lonicera clear wind and heat, soothing scalp inflammation and seborrheic alopecia.

Shouwu Wan Herbs

II. Historical Origins: From Imperial Secret to Classic Formula

  1. Kou Zhun’s Youth Secret (Northern Song): In Wenjian Jinlu, Prime Minister Kou Zhun maintained youthful black hair into his 50s by taking Polygonum multiflorum with “Three Whites” (radish, salt, rice). Emperor Taizong called him “the young minister.”
  2. Su Shi & Shen Kuo’s Su Shen Liang Fang: Records the use of “Shouwu Powder” (Polygonum multiflorum, Achyranthes, Epimedium) for wind-damp pain via liver-kidney tonification.
  3. Yuan Dynasty’s “Da Lao Er Pill” Legend: Fengqin Yanglao Shu recounts a 60-year-old woman's youthful appearance after long-term Polygonum multiflorum use, giving rise to “Beating the Son Pill.”
  4. Dong Qichang’s Longevity Dan (Ming): The famous painter took a formula with processed Polygonum multiflorum, retaining dark hair into old age—prototype for modern Shouwu Wan.
  5. BaoShuTang's Modern Craftsmanship: Uses “nine-steaming and nine-drying” processed Polygonum multiflorum and honey-fried herbs to enhance efficacy and reduce dryness.

III. Core Formula Logic: Liver-Kidney Dual Tonification

1. Traditional TCM Composition

Role Ingredients Function
Monarch (Jun) Processed Polygonum multiflorum Nourishes liver & kidney, blackens hair
Minister (Chen) Rehmannia, Ligustrum, Black Sesame, Eclipta, Mulberry Assist in nourishing blood and essence
Assistant (Zuo) Kidney-Tonifying: Psoralea, Cuscuta, Rosa laevigata Stabilize essence, warm kidney yang
Wind-Heat Clearing: Folium Mori, Lonicera Dispel wind, clear heat
Wind-Damp Dispelling: Siegesbeckia Alleviate joint pain, unblock meridians
Guide (Shi) Achyranthes (wine-processed) Guide herbs downward, strengthen bones

Note: All ingredients and processing follow the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

2. Modern Pharmacological Insights

Role Key Herb Scientific Mechanism
Monarch Processed Polygonum multiflorum Contains lecithin & emodin; activates melanocytes, inhibits 5α-reductase to reduce hair loss[1][2]
Minister Rehmannia, Mulberry, Black Sesame Antioxidant, blood-nourishing, lipid metabolism improvement[3]
Assistant Achyranthes, Psoralea, Siegesbeckia Improves bone density, reduces inflammation, supports joints
Guide Lonicera, Folium Mori Clears liver heat, reduces fatigue, detoxifies

IV. Target Users: Addressing Sub-Health Conditions

Shouwu Wan for Sub-health

  • Premature Gray Hair: Stress-induced graying due to liver and kidney essence deficiency (rapid temple graying, daily hair loss >50 strands).
  • Liver-Kidney Deficiency Symptoms: Dizziness, tinnitus, memory decline, sore lower back, numbness in limbs.

V. Safety Warnings: Scientific Monitoring

  • Liver Function Monitoring: Test liver enzymes monthly during use. Discontinue if jaundice or fatigue appears.
  • Contraindications: Not for pregnant women, those with impaired liver function, or family history of liver disease.
  • Dietary Precautions: Avoid spicy, raw, greasy foods; reduce coffee/strong tea to improve absorption.

Note: Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition).
  2. Li YH, et al. "Hair Blackening and Anti-Aging Effects of Polygonum multiflorum: Pharmacological Evidence." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022.
  3. Wang Z, et al. "Pharmacological effects of Rehmannia and its compounds." Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020.
  4. 周超, 等. 何首乌主要成分药理作用及其安全性研究进展. 中国中药杂志, 2021.
  5. Lin LC, et al. "Safety Considerations for Polygonum multiflorum (Shou Wu)." Current Drug Safety, 2015.
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