Zihe Black Decoction

Source: 500 Ancient Imperial Ladies’ Herbal Beauty Recipes Author: Zeng Xianbin | Yu Shengqing

[Formula] Galla Chinensis 30g, Pomegranate Rind 30g, Dried Lotus Leaf (pounded separately) 30g, Chinese Gallnut (stir-fried) 15g, Chebulic Myrobalan Rind 15g, Chinese Gallnut Extract 15g, Copperas (ground separately) 15g

[Usage] Grind the above into fine powder, add 5 – 6 spoons of stir-fried flour, and make it into a paste with good-quality vinegar. Mix the medicinal powder and flour evenly, apply it uniformly to the hair, wrap the head with lotus leaves, and then wrap it with a leather cap for 24 hours. After removing the cap and lotus leaves, the hair will turn black.

[Functions] Dyes hair, blackens hair.

[Indications] Premature graying of sideburn hair.

[Commentary] This formula is also a secret recipe of Zhang Zihe. It represents a comprehensive collection of hair-dyeing herbs, incorporating a large number of potent hair-dyeing and blackening agents such as myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), copperas (ferrous sulfate heptahydrate), pomegranate rind, chebulic myrobalan rind (Terminalia chebula Retz. pericarp), Chinese gallnut processed product, and gallnut (Rhus chinensis Mill.), demonstrating remarkable efficacy in dyeing and blackening hair. However, due to the toxicity of copperas, it must not come into contact with the mouth or eyes.

Q1: How to make Zihe Black Decoction at home?

A1: To make Zihe Black Decoction at home, grind Galla Chinensis 30g, Pomegranate Rind 30g, Dried Lotus Leaf 30g (pounded separately), Chinese Gallnut 15g (stir-fried), Chebulic Myrobalan Rind 15g, Chinese Gallnut Extract 15g, and Copperas 15g (ground separately) into a fine powder. Mix the powder with 5-6 spoons of stir-fried flour and add good-quality vinegar to form a paste, then apply uniformly to the hair.

Q2: What are the ingredients in Zihe Black Decoction?

A2: The Zihe Black Decoction ingredients list includes Galla Chinensis 30g, Pomegranate Rind 30g, Dried Lotus Leaf 30g, Chinese Gallnut 15g (stir-fried), Chebulic Myrobalan Rind 15g, Chinese Gallnut Extract 15g, and Copperas 15g. These are combined with stir-fried flour and vinegar to create the application paste.

Q3: Is Zihe Black Decoction effective for gray hair?

A3: Zihe Black Decoction is a traditional natural remedy for gray hair, using ingredients like Galla Chinensis and Chinese Gallnut to help darken hair. Its formula is designed to be applied as a paste and left wrapped on the head, potentially restoring natural color over time. However, individual results may vary and it should be used consistently for best effects.

Q4: Can Zihe Black Decoction be used as a natural hair dye?

A4: Yes, Zihe Black Decoction can be used as a natural hair dye to address gray hair. The decoction’s ingredients, such as Copperas and Galla Chinensis, work together to create a darkening effect on hair. Apply the prepared paste uniformly, wrap the head with lotus leaves and a leather cap, and leave it on for the recommended duration.

Q5: What is the preparation method for Zihe Black Decoction?

A5: The preparation method for Zihe Black Decoction involves grinding the ingredients into a fine powder, mixing with stir-fried flour and good-quality vinegar to form a paste. After applying the mixture to the hair, wrap the head with lotus leaves followed by a leather cap to allow the decoction to work effectively as a natural remedy for gray hair.

4 thoughts on “Zihe Black Decoction”

  1. Interesting formula! I’ve used gallnut and pomegranate rind separately for digestive issues, but never together like this. The copperas addition is intriguing—wonder if it’s for color or a specific therapeutic effect. Anyone tried this for chronic diarrhea?

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  2. Interesting formula! I’ve seen pomegranate rind used in traditional remedies before, but combined with gallnut and copperas? That’s a powerful mix. Would love to know what ailments this is meant for. Thanks for sharing the details.

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  3. Interesting traditional formula! I’ve seen Galla Chinensis used for skin issues, but never with copperas and pomegranate rind like this. Is this decoction typically taken internally or applied topically? Would love

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  4. Interesting formula! I’ve used pomegranate rind for digestion before, but never saw it combined with gallnuts and copperas. Does the stir-fried flour help bind it or add any medicinal effect? Curious how this is traditionally taken.

    Reply

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