Zhushen Pills

[Formula] Polygonum multiflorum (washed with Qianli water, soaked in millet rice water until soft, scraped off the skin with a bamboo knife, dried in the sun, with equal parts of female (white) and male (red) types) 900g, Rehmannia glutinosa (placed in water, the sunken parts are selected, evenly spread in a willow wood steamer, Qianli water is put in an earthenware pot, the wooden steamer is placed on the pot, steamed with mulberry wood fire until the steam permeates, dried in the sun, mixed evenly with the natural juice of fresh Rehmannia glutinosa and wine, then dried in the sun again, this process of steaming and sun-drying is repeated nine times) 300g, Angelica sinensis (washed, the root stalks are removed, and dried by baking) 210g, Morinda officinalis (soaked in wine and dried by baking) 210g, Schisandra chinensis (the stems are removed, stir-fried, and dried by baking) 210g

[Usage] Grind the above ingredients into a fine powder. Simmer the fresh juice of Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di Huang) in a silver or stone vessel to form a paste, then shape into pills the size of plane tree seeds. Store them in a porcelain container. Take 70 pills each time, once before meals on an empty stomach and once before dinner. Administer with a mixture of equal parts warm wine and decoction of Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di Huang). It is contraindicated with Ulmus macrocarpa Hance (Wu Yi) and the blood of pigs and sheep. If accidentally consumed, it will neutralize the efficacy of the current medication. If the urine is turbid, add 210g of Alismatis Rhizoma (Ze Xie); if there is constipation, add 210g of Platycladi Semen (Bai Zi Ren); if the qi is not flowing smoothly, add 210g of Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang).

[Efficacy] Nourishes blood and qi, blackens the beard and hair, moisturizes the skin, and nourishes the muscles.

[Indications] Deficiency of qi and blood, yellowish-white beard and hair, dry and rough skin, and poorly nourished muscles.

[Commentary] This formula starts with replenishing qi and blood to achieve the goals of blackening hair, moisturizing the skin, and nourishing the muscles. Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata is used to nourish essence and blood, blacken the beard and hair, promote skin growth, prolong life, and improve complexion. 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 also has a good hair-moisturizing effect. It is assisted by Rehmanniae Radix to nourish blood and yin and promote muscle growth; Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Morindae Officinalis Radix are used to replenish qi and nourish blood, replenish essence and generate body fluids to moisturize the skin and blacken the beard and hair.

Q1: How to prepare polygonum multiflorum for Zhushen Pills?

A1: For Zhushen Pills, polygonum multiflorum is first washed with Qianli water, then soaked in millet rice water until soft. The skin is scraped off with a bamboo knife, and the herb is dried in the sun. Equal parts of the female (white) and male (red) types are used, totaling 900g.

Q2: What is the role of rehmannia glutinosa in Zhushen Pills?

A2: Rehmannia glutinosa in Zhushen Pills is selected by placing it in water and using only the sunken parts. It is then processed by steaming in a willow wood steamer over an earthenware pot of Qianli water, using mulberry wood fire until steam permeates, and dried in the sun. This preparation enhances its nourishing properties to support overall vitality and hair health.

Q3: What are the benefits of Zhushen Pills for hair growth?

A3: Zhushen Pills are traditionally formulated to promote hair growth by combining polygonum multiflorum and rehmannia glutinosa. Polygonum multiflorum is known for its reputed ability to darken hair and stimulate growth, while rehmannia glutinosa nourishes the blood and kidneys, which are fundamental to healthy hair. The synergistic effect of these ingredients supports improved hair density and strength.

Q4: What are the key ingredients in Zhushen Pills?

A4: The key ingredients in Zhushen Pills are polygonum multiflorum and rehmannia glutinosa. Polygonum multiflorum is prepared with specific washing, soaking, and drying steps, while rehmannia glutinosa is processed by steaming and drying. Together, they form the basis of this traditional formula aimed at nourishing the blood and promoting hair health.

Q5: How is rehmannia glutinosa processed for Zhushen Pills?

A5: To process rehmannia glutinosa for Zhushen Pills, the herb is first placed in water and only the sunken parts are selected. It is then evenly spread in a willow wood steamer, with an earthenware pot of Qianli water underneath, and steamed using mulberry wood fire until the steam thoroughly permeates. After steaming, it is dried in the sun, which prepares it for incorporation into the pills.