Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Alopecia areata, commonly known as “bite hair ringworm” or “ghost haircut,” is a localized non-scarring patchy hair loss that occurs suddenly, progresses slowly, and may resolve spontaneously or recur. This condition can affect individuals of all ages and genders, but it is more commonly observed in young to middle-aged adults. The exact cause remains unclear, though it is generally believed to be associated with factors such as genetics, emotional trauma, focal infection, refractive errors, autoimmune responses, and others.
The clinical manifestations of alopecia areata are as follows: (1) Sudden occurrence of round or oval patchy hair loss of varying sizes on the scalp, with no inflammation or conscious signs of imbalance at the affected sites. (2) In some cases, all hair may be lost in a short period, resulting in total alopecia; in severe instances, even eyebrows, axillary hair, and vellus hair may fall out, leading to universal alopecia. (3) There is a tendency for spontaneous recovery. When new hair initially grows, most of it is thin, soft, and grayish-white, resembling vellus hair. It may continue to fall out as it grows, and during recovery, the hair gradually becomes thicker and darker. Alopecia areata corresponds to “You Feng” (oil wind) in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that this condition often results from Yin Deficiency in the Liver and Kidneys, qi deficiency and blood weakness, allowing exogenous wind pathogens to invade when the body is vulnerable. Wind excess leads to blood dryness, depriving the hair of nourishment and causing hair loss.
1. Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness: Short duration of hair loss, mild itching, accompanied by dizziness, insomnia, thin tongue coating, and a thin and rapid pulse. The supports principle is to nourish blood and disperse wind.
2. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: The course of the condition is relatively long or accompanied by headache and thoracic-hypochondrial pain. There may be a history of trauma at the affected area. The tongue appears dark with petechiae, and the pulse is deep and thin. The supports principle is to regulate Qi and promote blood circulation, which supports healthy blood circulation and helps maintain a balanced internal environment.
3. Liver and Kidney Deficiency: With a prolonged course of the condition, there may even be complete baldness (alopecia totalis) or universal baldness (alopecia universalis). There are various signs of imbalance such as dizziness, tinnitus, and insomnia. The tongue is pale with scanty coating, and the pulse is thin. The supports principle is to nourish and enrich the Liver and Kidneys, which supports Liver and Kidney health.
1.Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-ti) and Jujube Tea
Ingredients: Polygonum multiflorum (processed, Zhishouwu) 30 grams, Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) 5 pieces.
Preparation Method: Decoct the two ingredients in water to obtain the decoction, and take it as a tea substitute in one dose. One dose per day, continue taking until general well-being is promoted.
Functions: Helps tonify Qi and nourish blood, supports Liver and Kidney health. Used to help maintain normal function in cases of blood deficiency with wind-dryness pattern and Liver-Kidney deficiency pattern of alopecia areata.
2.Shenying Yangzhen Tea (a tea formula that promotes vitality and supports healthy hair and scalp)
Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (prepared, Dashudi) 60 grams, Angelica sinensis (tail, Dangguiwei) 30 grams, Paeonia lactiflora (stir-fried, Chaobaishao) 30 grams, Ligusticum chuanxiong (slices, Chuanxiongpian) 24 grams, Notopterygium incisum (Chuanqianghuo) 24 grams, Gastrodia elata (Tianma) 24 grams, Chaenomeles sinensis (Chuanmugua) 30 grams, Cuscuta chinensis (Tusizi) 30 grams.
Preparation method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder and mix them evenly for later use. Take 10 grams of the herbal powder each time, place it in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over it, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink it as a tea substitute. Take 3 doses per day.
Function: Helps nourish blood, disperse wind, and support hair growth. Used to support scalp health in cases of blood deficiency with wind-dryness pattern (alopecia areata).
3.Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) Tea
Ingredients: Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao), Rehmannia glutinosa (fresh Shengdi) 50 grams each.
Preparation Method: Grind the two ingredients above into coarse powder together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. Take 1 dose daily for 15 consecutive days.
Functions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports Yin, nourishes Qi and blood. Used to support the health of individuals with blood deficiency and wind-dryness pattern alopecia areata.
4.Chishao Taoren Tea
Ingredients: Paeonia lactiflora (Chishao) 15 grams, Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) 10 grams, Prunus persica (Taoren) 10 grams, Carthamus tinctorius (Honghua) 10 grams, Bupleurum chinense (Chaihu) 10 grams, Angelica sinensis (Danggui) 15 grams, Citrus reticulata (Chenpi) 10 grams, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) 30 grams, Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 10 grams.
Preparation Method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, combine the decoctions evenly, and use as a tea substitute. Take 1 dose daily, divided into morning and evening servings.
Function: helps maintain a balanced flow of Qi and supports healthy blood circulation. Used to support scalp health in cases of Qi Stagnation and blood stasis patterns associated with patchy hair loss.
5.Gouqi Zhima Tea (Lycium barbarum (Gouqi) and Sesamum indicum (Zhima) Tea)
Ingredients: Lycium barbarum (Gouqizi) 30 grams, Sesamum indicum (Heizhima) 50 grams, Polygonum multiflorum preparata (Zhishouwu) 20 grams, Morus alba (Sangzhi) 20 grams, Platycladus orientalis (Cebaiye) 15 grams.
Preparation Method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, combine the decoctions evenly, and use as a tea substitute. Take 1 dose per day, divided into morning and evening administrations. 7 doses constitute one course of supports, and take 2-3 consecutive courses.
Functions: Helps nourish Liver and Kidney health, supports healthy hair growth. Used for cases with Liver and Kidney deficiency manifesting as patchy hair loss.
6.Erdi Guishao Tea
Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (raw) (Shengdi), Rehmannia glutinosa (processed) (Shudi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao), Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-ti) (Heshouwu) 20 grams each.
Preparation Method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. Take 1 dose daily and continue taking until wellness is achieved.
Functions: Helps nourish Liver and Kidney health, supports healthy blood circulation to promote hair growth. Used for supporting scalp health in cases of Liver-Kidney deficiency pattern.
7.Sesame and Mulberry Leaf Tea
Ingredients: Semen Sesami Nigrum (Heizhima, black sesame seeds) 30 grams, Folium Mori (Dongsangye, winter mulberry leaves) 9 grams
Preparation Method: Grind the two ingredients above into fine powder and mix them evenly for later use. Take 9 grams each time, put it into a cup, steep with boiling water, and use it as tea. Consume three times a day for three consecutive months.
Functions: Helps nourish Liver and Kidney health, supports healthy blood circulation to promote hair growth. Used for supporting scalp health in cases of Liver-Kidney deficiency pattern.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Interesting! I’ve been dealing with alopecia areata for a few months now. Never thought about trying herbal teas. Do any of these remedies work better for sudden flare-ups versus gradual thinning? Would love to hear if anyone here has tried them.
Interesting! I’ve been dealing with patchy hair loss for a few months now. Never thought herbal tea could help. Which of these remedies worked best for you? I’m curious to try the Rehmannia and Goji blend.
I’ve struggled with a small bald spot for years—never tried TCM teas though. This is really helpful! Do you recommend a specific blend for mild cases, or should I consult a practitioner first?
漢方茶で抜け毛対策ができるなんて知りませんでした。特に精神的なストレスも原因と聞いて、自分も気をつけなきゃと思いました。こういう自然な方法を試してみたいです。
I’ve struggled with a small patch of alopecia for years, and I’m always curious about natural remedies. Do you have any tips on which herbal tea works best for stubborn spots? Would love to try