Red Gold Powder，*Zhang’s Comprehensive Treatise on Medicine*, Volume 15.，
Red Gold Powder
Formulas Name : Red Gold Powder
Chinese Name : 赤金散
Drug Formulation
Red Copper Flakes (from shavings of red copperware; rinse thoroughly in boiling water; heat in a copper spoon until red-hot; calcine with rice vinegar 7 times) 3 qian; Sichuan Wu Bei (preferably water chestnut-shaped; crush into bean-sized pieces; remove fine powder; roast in an oil-free pan; first red smoke appears, then black smoke; it will become soft as mud; if not thoroughly roasted, it will not turn black; do not overcook, or it will turn green.The most important thing is to control the heat properly; wrap it in a square of damp blue cloth and press it on the ground to form a block) 1 liang, He Shou Wu (dried; crushed into coarse powder; stir-fried until black while retaining its properties; avoid contact with iron utensils), dried alum 3 qian, Mo Shi Zi (crushed to the size of rice grains; mixed with vinegar; stir-fried until black while retaining its properties).
Source
*Zhang’s Comprehensive Treatise on Medicine*, Volume 15.
Processing
Grind the above ingredients into an extremely fine powder, then mix evenly with 3 qian of sifted flour.
Instructions for Use
Use 2–3 qian per application, adjusting the amount according to the length of the beard. Just before use, add 1 li of table salt per qian to a strong brew of tea, mix until it forms a thin paste, and steam it over water until it becomes as soft as a jujube and as glossy as lacquer. Mix thoroughly again. First, wash the beard with soap to remove grease,wipe them dry, and while still hot, apply the mixture to the base of the beard using a brush; if it cools slightly, it will not turn black. Use your fingers to gently massage the mixture into the beard until evenly distributed. Cover with paper. In the morning, wash off with warm water. Use this method for 2–3 consecutive nights, and the beard will become as black and glossy as lacquer. After half a month, the roots of the beard will gradually turn white; simply use a small amount, prepare it according to the method, and apply it to the roots—there is no need to dye the already blackened areas.
Red Gold Powder,