Ancient Formulas, Modern Hair Solutions: The Science of Shouwu Wan
I. Theoretical Basis from Huangdi's Canon of Medicine and 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, alopecia is mostly caused by liver and kidney deficiency, and a lack of qi and blood.”
The formulation of BaoShuTang Shouwu Wan is closely aligned with this classical theory:
- Nourish liver and kidney to promote hair growth: Processed Polygonum multiflorum and Rehmannia nourish liver blood and kidney essence, addressing premature graying and hair loss due to blood and essence deficiency.
- Strengthen tendons and bones: Achyranthes bidentata (wine-processed) and Psoralea (salt-processed) reinforce liver-kidney yang and alleviate dizziness and weakness from dual deficiency.
- Treat both symptoms and root cause: Honey-fried Folium Mori and Lonicera clear heat and wind, soothing scalp inflammation and seborrheic alopecia linked to liver deficiency fire.
II. Historical Origins: From Imperial Secret to Classic Formula
1. Kou Zhun’s Youth Secret (Northern Song Dynasty)
In Wenjian Jinlu, Prime Minister Kou Zhun reportedly maintained youthful black hair in his 50s by taking Polygonum multiflorum with “Three Whites” (radish, salt, rice). Emperor Taizong praised him as “the young minister.”
2. Su Shi & Shen Kuo’s Records in Su Shen Liang Fang
This book recorded “Shouwu Powder,” combining Polygonum multiflorum with Achyranthes bidentata and Epimedium to treat wind-damp pain via liver-kidney tonification.
3. Yuan Dynasty's “Da Lao Er Pill” Legend
In Fengqin Yanglao Shu, a 60-year-old woman retained a youthful appearance due to long-term use of a formula rich in Polygonum multiflorum. Her son aged prematurely without using it, giving rise to the name “Beating the Son Pill.”
4. Dong Qichang’s Longevity Dan (Ming Dynasty)
The famous painter Dong Qichang took a longevity formula containing processed Polygonum multiflorum and retained dark hair into old age. This became the prototype for modern BaoShuTang Shouwu Wan.
5. BaoShuTang's Modern Craftsmanship
Building on ancient formulas, BaoShuTang enhances efficacy by processing Polygonum multiflorum with the “nine-steaming and nine-drying” method and honey-frying herbs like Folium Mori and Lonicera to reduce dryness and improve bioavailability.
III. Core Formula Logic: Liver-Kidney Dual Tonification
1. Traditional TCM Composition
| Role | Ingredients | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Monarch (Jun) | Processed Polygonum multiflorum | Nourishes liver and kidney, blackens hair |
| Minister (Chen) | Rehmannia, Ligustrum, Black Sesame, Eclipta, Mulberry | Assist monarch 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 | Relieve 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 and emodin; activates melanocytes, inhibits 5α-reductase to reduce hair loss |
| Minister | Rehmannia, Mulberry, Black Sesame | Antioxidant, blood-nourishing, improves lipid metabolism |
| Assistant | Achyranthes, Psoralea, Siegesbeckia | Improves bone density, reduces inflammation, supports joints |
| Guide | Lonicera, Folium Mori | Clears liver heat, reduces fatigue and detoxifies |
IV. Target Users: Addressing Four Sub-Health Conditions
1. Premature Gray Hair
Stress-induced graying due to lack of liver and kidney essence. Symptoms include over 50 strands of hair loss daily and rapid graying at the temples.
2. Liver-Kidney Deficiency Symptoms
- Dizziness, tinnitus, poor memory
- Sore lower back, numbness in limbs
V. Safety Warnings: Scientific Monitoring
1. Liver Function Monitoring
Test liver enzymes monthly during use. Discontinue immediately if jaundice or fatigue appears.
2. Contraindications
Do not use if pregnant, with impaired liver function, or family history of liver disease.
3. Dietary Precautions
Avoid spicy, raw, and greasy foods. Reduce intake of coffee and strong tea to avoid absorption issues.
Note: Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.