Hair Grayingaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Hair Conditions, Premature Aging Conditions
What is Hair Graying?
Hair graying, also known as canities or premature graying, is a natural process where the hair loses its pigmentation, resulting in gray or white hair. This phenomenon is often associated with aging but can occur prematurely in some individuals. It's a common cosmetic concern and can affect one's self-esteem.
How Does TCM View Hair Graying?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on hair graying. In TCM, the health of the hair is closely linked to the balance of Yin and Essence in the body. Yin represents the cooling, nourishing, and moistening aspects of the body, while Essence is the fundamental substance that supports vitality and reproduction.
Root Causes of Hair Graying in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hair graying is viewed through the lens of patterns of disharmony. One common pattern is Yin Deficiency in the Liver and Kidneys, which can lead to hair graying, along with symptoms such as sore knees, lower back pain, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia.
Another pattern is Essence Deficiency, particularly Kidney Essence Deficiency, which may result in hair graying, along with issues like deafness, mental dullness, and infertility. Understanding these underlying patterns is crucial in TCM for addressing the causes of hair graying and tailoring treatments accordingly.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hair graying according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Essence Deficiency
- Kidney
- Liver
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Graying
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin | Hair Graying, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair loss... see more | Er Zhi Wan |
Essence Deficiency
In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more
Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Graying
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Hair Graying, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Graying
Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Dizziness Blurry Vision Hair Loss Sore Knees Knee Weakness Dry Mouth Dry Tongue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Hair Graying, Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin | Hair Graying, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair loss... see more | Er Zhi Wan |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Hair Graying
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin | Hair Graying, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dry tongue, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair loss... see more | Er Zhi Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hair Graying
TCM provides tailored treatments based on the patient's pattern of disharmony. Formulas and herbs recommended for hair graying aim to address the root causes and improve overall well-being. These may include Er Zhi Wan for Yin Deficiency and Zuo Gui Wan and Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan for Essence Deficiency. These formulations work holistically to support not only hair health but also overall vitality and balance.
By understanding the TCM perspective on hair graying, individuals can explore personalized approaches to address this common concern and promote healthier, more vibrant hair.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hair graying, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Essence Deficiency
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Er Zhi Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hair graying, such as Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Learn more
Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan
Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause hair graying, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hair Graying Caused by Essence Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hair graying-causing patterns like Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin.
One such formula is Er Zhi Wan, with glossy privet fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hair graying
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hair graying-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for hair graying
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some hair graying-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hair Graying
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hair graying, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Hair graying can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair graying, like Er Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for hair graying
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) | Er Zhi Wan |
| Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) | Er Zhi Wan |
| Mulberry Fruits (Sang Shen) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Hair graying can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair graying, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for hair graying
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Pilose Antlers (Lu Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hair graying can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair graying, like Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for hair graying
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Zuo Gui Wan |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Hair graying can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Yam (Shan Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hair graying, like Tu Si Zi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for hair graying
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| King Solomon's Seal Roots (Huang Jing) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stop bleeding
Hair graying can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Biota Twigs And Leaves (Ce Bo Ye), which is directly recommended for hair graying.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Hair graying can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma), which is directly recommended for hair graying.