Fragrant Hair-Dispersing Powder

[Formula] Linglingcao (Lysimachia foenum-graecum) 30g, Xinyi (Magnolia biondii flower) 15g, Meiguihua (Rosa rugosa flower) 15g, Tanxiang (Santalum album wood) 18g, Dahuang (Rheum palmatum root and rhizome) 12g, Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root and rhizome) 12g, Fendanpi (Moutan cortex) 12g, Shannai (Kaempferia galanga rhizome) 9g, Gongdingxiang (Eugenia caryophyllus flower bud) 9g, Xixin (Asarum heterotropoides root and rhizome) 9g, Suheyou (Styrax liquidus resin) 9g, Baizhi (Angelica dahurica root) 9g

[Usage] Grind the above ingredients into a fine powder, mix evenly with storax oil, air-dry, and then grind again into a fine powder. When using, sprinkle it evenly onto the hair and comb it out with a fine-toothed comb. If the hair is oily, do not wash it with water; simply sprinkle the medicine on and comb it out once, and the hair will be clean. Prolonged use promotes hair regrowth and helps maintain graying even in old age.

[Functions] Fragrances the hair and nourishes it.

[Commentary] This formula is a secret imperial court prescription from the Qing Dynasty, used by Empress Dowager Cixi for hair care. The ingredients in the formula are mostly aromatic substances that dispel foul odors and pungent-warm herbs that open the orifices. Among them, lingling grass, also known as fragrant grass, is noted in the Ming Yi Bie Lu (Record of Famous Physicians’ Supplementary Records) for its ability to “eliminate foul odors.” In ancient China, there was also a folk custom of grinding bai zhi (Angelica dahurica), shan nai (Kaempferia galanga), and gong ding (clove) into a fine powder to make sachets for women and children to wear. The inclusion of da huang (Rheum palmatum) and dan pi (Paeonia suffruticosa) serves two purposes: firstly, to counteract the drying properties of the aromatic herbs, and secondly, to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, thereby improving blood circulation in the scalp and facilitating hair growth.

Q1: What is fragrant hair dispersing powder used for?

A1: Fragrant hair dispersing powder is traditionally used to cleanse the scalp, reduce excess oil, and impart a long-lasting natural fragrance to the hair. The herbal blend helps harmonize the scalp environment while the aromatic herbs leave the hair smelling fresh and invigorated.

Q2: How to make fragrant hair dispersing powder at home?

A2: To make fragrant hair dispersing powder at home, combine 30g Lysimachia foenum-graecum, 15g Magnolia biondii flower, 15g Rosa rugosa flower, 18g Santalum album wood, 12g Rheum palmatum root, 12g Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, 12g Moutan cortex, and 9g each of Kaempferia galanga rhizome, Eugenia caryophyllus flower bud, Asarum heterotropoides root, and Angelica dahurica root. Grind all dried herbs into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or electric grinder, then store in an airtight container.

Q3: How to use fragrant hair dispersing powder on hair?

A3: To use fragrant hair dispersing powder on hair, sprinkle a small amount directly onto the scalp and roots, then gently massage it in. Allow it to sit for 15–20 minutes before brushing or combing out; it works effectively as a dry shampoo to absorb oil and refresh hair between washes.

Q4: What are the key ingredients in fragrant hair dispersing powder?

A4: Key ingredients in fragrant hair dispersing powder include Lysimachia foenum-graecum, Magnolia biondii flower, Rosa rugosa flower, Santalum album wood, Rheum palmatum root, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, Moutan cortex, Kaempferia galanga rhizome, Eugenia caryophyllus flower bud, Asarum heterotropoides root, and Angelica dahurica root. These herbs work together to cleanse the scalp, control oil, and provide a pleasant fragrance.

Q5: Can fragrant hair dispersing powder be used on all hair types?

A5: Fragrant hair dispersing powder is generally safe for all hair types, including oily, dry, and normal hair. However, those with sensitive scalps should perform a patch test first due to the presence of essential oils and potent herbs in the formula.