Erling Pill

[Formula] Polygonum multiflorum (equal parts of male and female roots; during collection, scraping, and pounding, no iron utensils shall be used; soak in the first rinsing water of rice for one night, then drain it the next day and place it in a silver vessel; first arrange a layer of jujubes, split each one open, then spread a layer of Polygonum multiflorum on top, add another layer of jujubes, and then another layer of Polygonum multiflorum until all is used up; the next day, pour clean river water onto the herbs until the water level is about five fingers’ width above them; cook over a slow fire until the jujubes are extremely soft and the Polygonum multiflorum is slightly soft; then remove them, discard the jujubes, and select only the Polygonum multiflorum; soak it in clean water for a short while, then use a bamboo knife to scrape off the black skin and the froth on both sides until clean; cut it into thin slices with a bamboo knife and dry it over a slow fire until pure) 500 g & Cyathula officinalis (remove the rhizome tips and fine ends, take only the thick middle parts, break them into pieces about half an inch long, soak in good wine for two nights, then take out and dry over a slow fire) 250 g

[Usage] Grind the above ingredients into a fine powder and process them with refined honey into pills the size of Sterculia platanifolia seeds (used as a reference for size). Take 60 pills daily on an empty stomach, washing them down with warm wine or rice soup. After half a month, increase the dosage to 70-80 pills. After another month, increase it to 100 pills. Visible effects will be observed after taking it for a hundred days.

[Efficacy] Blackens the beard and hair, preserves youthful appearance, prolonged consumption leads to a light body and prolongs life without aging.

[Commentary] Both of the two herbs selected in this formula can nourish the Liver and Kidney, replenish essence and blood, and darken the hair and beard. Prolonged use can prolong life. Polygonum multiflorum can also nourish the skin and improve complexion; Achyranthes bidentata can make the body lighter with prolonged use. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Polygonum multiflorum can nourish hair roots, promote the production of hair melanin, and make hair black and shiny. The starch it contains has a good hair-moisturizing effect. The anthraquinone it contains can increase intestinal peristalsis and inhibit cholesterol absorption. In elderly patients with Kidney deficiency, the use of Polygonum multiflorum significantly increases plasma HDL-ch and HDL-ch/TC levels and significantly decreases LPO levels.

Q1: What is Erling Pill used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

A1: Erling Pill is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen bones and tendons, and promote blood health. It is especially valued for its capacity to generate new hair and combat premature graying, as well as to support overall vitality and anti-aging processes.

Q2: How is Erling Pill prepared with Polygonum multiflorum according to traditional methods?

A2: The preparation of Erling Pill involves using equal parts of male and female Polygonum multiflorum roots, which are collected, scraped, and pounded without iron utensils. The roots are soaked in the first rinsing water of rice for one night, then the next day they are drained and layered alternately with split jujubes in a silver vessel before being processed.

Q3: What are the benefits of Erling Pill for hair and anti-aging?

A3: Erling Pill is renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its benefits to hair and anti-aging, as it helps restore natural hair color, reduce hair loss, and promote thicker growth. Its anti-aging properties stem from its ability to tonify the liver and kidneys, which are considered essential for maintaining youthful vigor and slowing the aging process.

Q4: Why is Polygonum multiflorum prepared without iron utensils in the Erling Pill formula?

A4: Polygonum multiflorum is prepared without iron utensils in the Erling Pill formula because contact with iron is believed to diminish its medicinal potency and alter its chemical properties. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes using silver vessels or other non-iron materials to preserve the herb’s effectiveness for hair and anti-aging benefits.

Q5: Can Erling Pill improve hair health and slow aging?

A5: Yes, Erling Pill is traditionally used to improve hair health and slow aging by nourishing the liver and kidneys, which are key to maintaining hair vitality and overall longevity. Its main ingredient, Polygonum multiflorum, is prepared in a specific manner to maximize its effects on preventing graying, reducing hair loss, and supporting a youthful complexion.