The Hair Alchemist's Apothecary
The Hair Alchemist's Apothecary page contains resources and instructions for how to make herbal remedies that stimulate Hair Growth, and, more
importantly, to support overall vitality and efforts to correct the internal imbalances that
underlay Male Pattern Baldness (MPB).
Herbal remedies will have the most impact on our hair and well-being, due to their energetic influence on
the Etheric Body. They are both applied topically, in the form of oil infusions, hair rinses, and alcohol
extracts, as well as taken internally, in the form of decoction teas and alcohol extracts.
Linked pages will contain instructions for how to make
each formulation and recommendations for where to buy ingredients.
All herbal formulas on this page were inspired by, or are traditionally used in,
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, or the Doctrine of Signatures, to treat Hair Loss.
In addition, there are resources for detoxification
strategies, scalp stimulation tools, and mineral supplements that can further enhance our efforts.
Note that any such resources on this page that are marked with an asterisk (*)
are affiliate links, as well as any bulk herbs used in the formulas on the linked pages.
Water
Tap water contains many harmful
chemicals and is, furthermore, too "disorganized" structurally in order to deliver a potent therapeutic effect
from the herbs on this page. Rather, all water-based decoctions, extracts, shampoos, abd rinses must be made with either primary
(spring) water, or tap water that his been thoroughly filtered and then structured to restore its
coherence, or a combination thereof. This is necessary to
preserve the vibrational energy of the herbs, and avoid adding a heavier toxic load to the body.
Berkey (*) is a reputable brand that sells stainless-steel
carbon-based gravity filtration tanks and fluoride filter (*)
attachments. This water can then be structured with an
Analemma Wand
to restore its coherence.
Decoctions are herbal medicines that are made by simmering specific amounts and proportions
of, usually, dried whole herbs in boiling water for an extended period of time (1-1½ hours).
The purpose is to extract the beneficial biologic and energetic constituents of the herbs to
manipulate the three body constituents
(Blood, Moisture, and Qi), in one or more of the five organ systems (Kidney, Liver, Heart, Lung,
and Spleen), to correct the imbalance in the two polarities (Yin and Yang) that is causing a dis-ease.
Decoctions may be used to treat acute illnesses or deeper constitutional imbalances, with appropriate variations
in potency, duration, and frequency of the doses to facilitate the therapy.
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is a dis-ase that manifests from a deep constitutional imbalance. The
decoctions which are most appropriate are those of higher potencies and given in daily doses over the
course of several months, or longer. Furthermore, to comprehensively address the pathology of the
dis-ease, it requires two types of decoctions: "Root" formula, and "Branch" formula.
"Root" formulas are aimed at balancing the fundamental disharmony within the five organ
networks that is perpetuating the dis-ease. "Branch" formulas are focused on mitigating the
secondary effects of the disharmony that are manifesting in other organ networks as
"symptoms." The Root formula described below for MPB targets the Heart, Spleen, and Kidney
organ networks, in an effort to ground the high intensity mental activity that is
stimulating skull bone growth, and subsequent pattern loss. The Branch formula, by contrast, mainly
targets the Liver organ network, helping to clear pathogenic Heat in the scalp, build back the Blood
supply to grow a healthy crop of Hair, and restore the coherent flow if Qi to the follicles.
For the details on the herbal ingredients and how to make this potent medicine, click on the
links in the descriptions below.
Alchemist's Protocol: Decoct and Drink twice per day:
MPB Root Tonic
Earth, Essence, & Shen
An unstable Earth element (Spleen), deficient Water element (Kidneys), and an over-exuberant
Fire Element (Heart) form the underlying energetic disharmony that generates and perpetuates
the unwanted excess skull growth,
and the subsequent Hair loss pattern, that manifests as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB).
The herbs in this formula aim to restore Digestive
Fire, replenish Yin fluids and Essence (vital energy) and calm the Shen (Heart-Spirit), from
excessive and intense mental activity. In addition, supportive herbs are added to stop the destructive
effects of rising Qi in the body through the Liver channel, in order to halt the progression
of bone remodeling and pattern loss.
While internal Decoctions treat the systemic imbalance associated with MPB, Topical
treatments address the negative effects of the imbalance of the disorder at the Hair follicle.
Topical Oils are most prominently used in Vedic Medicine (Ayurveda). They are made
by first decocting the essence of the herbs into teas, then infusing it into oil
using a slow cooking process. Application of the oil bypasses the digestive process,
penetrates deep into the skin layers, and delivers the action of the decocted herbs to directly
to the scalp. It is a potent and necessary complement to the energetic work of herbal tonics,
in order to comprehensively treat MPB.
The following herbal oil infusion is the most famous Hair oil in Ayurveda. It
contains three herbal constituents (Bhringraj, Brahmi, and Amla). Bhringraj
is the primary herb, and is a familiar one in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Bhringraj is Mo Han Lian, or Eclipta. In topical form, it is one of the
most potent herbs for stimulating Hair growth. Click on the details for information
on how to make it.
Alchemist's Protocol: - Apply Bhringraj Oil 3 x per week:
Bhringraj Oil
Eclipta is an herb renown in both Ayurveda and TCM for its effect on the Hair.
In Ayurveda, it is called bhringraj, meaning "King of Bees", for its ecological use, but kesharaj,
meaning "King of Hair", in regards to it's therapeutic use.
As a Vedic hair therapy, it is infused into an oil and
applied topically to cool and detoxify the scalp. This helps repair the damage and blockages
impacting the energy meridians, which restores proper delivery of life-force (prana) and
vital nutrients to the Hair.
Apply 3 x per week, ONLY on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday to align with Vedic Astrology auspices.
Herbal Shampoos and Rises cleanse the hair, scalp, and natural oils of accumulated debris,
toxins, and EXCESS oil, without stripping the nutrient-rich oil base that the hair follicle needs to grow
a healthy shaft. Instead of a chemical lather, hair is WASHED with a decocted blend of Soap Nuts (reethka),
Amla Berry, and Shikakai powder, which will cleanse and condition the Hair and scalp without removing
the sebum, as well as provide key energetic an nutrient factors to counteract scalp Heat and Dryness,
which are present in a scalp that exhibits pattern loss and thinning. While this will not resolve the internal
imbalance that is causing Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), it will mitigate some of the effects of the imbalance.
Furthermore, this effect can be enhanced by applying a Hair Rinse, a light botanical decoction, after
the wash, in order to cool and moisturize the scalp, and restore proper acidic conditions.
Ayurveda-style "Shampoos" and Rinses are inexpensive and simple to make, with easy to
acquire ingredients and HIGH quality water (i.e. Spring or
structured-filtered (*)
water). Click on the links in the descriptions below for instructions on how to make a
"Shampoo" or Hair Rinse, how to use them, and resources on where to buy ingredients.
Alchemist's Protocol: Shampoo and Rinse 3 x per week:
Ayurveda Soap Nut Shampoo
This is a classic Ayurveda shampoo formula that combines the gentle cleansing effect of Soap Nuts (Reetha) with
the collagen and circulation boosting potency of Amla Berry and the moisturizing and
nourishing nature of shikakai powder, to clean, strengthen, and condition the hair without
exposing it to chemicals or doing any damage to its natural oil base or structure.
Herbal Hair Rinse Formulas
Herbal Hair Rinses are teas made by steeping 3 or 4 select hair herbs in water, and applied
after the Soap Nut Shampoo to help cool excess heat, clear toxins, add structural elements,
and complement internal treatments by restoring balanced conditions to the scalp.
Various combinations of herbs can be combined to alter the therapeutic effects.
The Earth Element helps us to maintain our stability, structure, nourishment, and keep us
grounded. Without adequate mineral (Earth) intake we are weakened and prone to chronic anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and
irritability, all of which trigger the energetic pathology that results in Male Pattern Baldness.
Minerals are a potent Earth tonic that we take each day, to keep us stable and strong,
physically and emotionally.
Supplementing daily with the following key minerals will serve to anchor the rising
Qi, which is causing unwanted skull growth (i.e. pattern loss), as well as calm the Mind (shen),
which is causing an imbalanced emotional state this is at the root of pattern loss.
Magnesium
(Earth Element)
Magnesium is the most grounding mineral. It calms the nervous
system, alleviating the common symptoms anxiety and restlessness that result
from an overactive Vata (Air-Ether)
dosha.
Magnesium is also the active binding agent for calcium
in bone-resorption. Therefore, it is essential for counteracting all forms of
excess sclerosis in the body, such as
Male Pattern Baldness.
While Oral Magnesium Supplements can stress a weakened Spleen, which
deplete vitality and, thus, negatively impact the Hair,
Magnesium Bath Salts bypass the digestive system while maintaining
effective absorption, nourishing the skin tissue,
alleviating insomnia, and provide gentle detoxification
support.
Alchemist's Protocol
Add Magnesium Chloride Salts to a hot foot bath several times per week, or as needed, to calm the mind,
ground the Qi, and detoxify the body.
Deep Sea Minerals
(Water Element)
The Sea represents "Old Yin" in TCM, which is Yin in its most mature, extreme, and transformative state.
This is the depth of Winter or the darkest part of night, holding all of the potential for rebirth into Yang.
Sea minerals, sourced from the dark, high-pressure depths of the ocean, embody "Old Yin."
They are used to ground excessive Yang, detoxify heavy metals, and nourish the Kidneys.
Alchemist's Protocol
Start with ½ tsp once daily (in the morning). Increase to ½ tsp twice daily if needed,
and/or well-tolerated.
In TCM, Hair Superfoods are foods that have an affinity for the Kidney organ network,
and help build our vitality and Yin reserves, i.e. our Essence. For plant foods, they
are generally black, or a deep blue, have a salty flavor in nature, or correspond
to the reproductive part of the plant. For animal
foods, they are salty, cooling, and are the parts of the animal that correspond to
the tissues that are specifically governed by Kidneys, such as the brain, bones,
and reproductive organs. Such foods include the following:
Oysters
Bone Broth
Fish Eggs
Black Beans
Kidney Beans
Blackberries
Blueberries
Black Sesame Seeds
In Ayurveda, Hair Superfoods are foods that are Tridoshic, build Ojas (vitality),
and have a cooling and grounding effect in the body. Such foods include the
following:
White Basamati Rice
Boiled Spiced Milk
Most of these foods can be found at local health-conscious grocery stores. However,
some are easier sourced online. The following are foods that I have found to be
the most difficult to obtain in stores, with online source options:
Black Rice
(Forbidden Rice)
Black Rice is called "Forbidden Rice" because it
was historically reserved exclusively for Chinese emperors and royalty in ancient China.
All the peasant farmers, rather, were forbidden to eat their yield of
Black Rice. Instead, they surrendered it all to the ruling elites, who coveted it due
to its health and longevity promoting properties.
Although no longer forbidden, Black Rice is notoriously difficult to cultivate, with very
low yields, making it a fairly expensive rice. However, it is still affordable and only
needed to be eaten in small quantities to have a powerful therapeutic effect.
TCM:
As the ancient Chinese emperors understood, the unique black color of "Forbidden Rice" is especially tonifying
for the Kidneys, and helps to replenish the Essence, which determines the color, thickness, and luster of the Hair.
In addition, it is nourishing to the Liver, and helps it build Blood, ultimately aiding in its efforts to deliver
Qi and nutrients to the Hair. Finally, it is the only whole grain rice that can tonify Spleen Qi, which further
helps replenish Kidney Essence.
Alchemist's Protocol
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich, milky-white secretion of young nurse bees, which serves
as the exclusive diet for the queen bee throughout her life. It is directly responsible for
her extended lifespan, which 40 times longer than
that of a regular bee.
Historically, Royal Jelly has been a highly coveted delicacy,
that is often reserved for royalty, priests, and emperors due to its potency as a
vitality tonic and beauty treatment.
TCM: Royal Jelly is considered an Essence tonic. It's affinity for the Kidney's is due to it
being densely reproductive in nature. It is a lactation substance of female honey bees,
produced to nourish the developing eggs and larvae. Furthermore, it is generated by their diet, much of which is pollen,
which is the male reproductive substance of a flower. The reproductive organs of plants and animal particularly benefit
the Kidneys because the Kidneys manage our reproductive system, along with the Hair.
Ayurveda: Royal Jelly is a rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) that specifically builds Ojas
(vitality) and pacifies Vata (mental/emotional volatility) due to its heavy, unctuous, and sweet nature.
Although it has a slightly heating potency, which can aggravate a Pitta-Fire (male) imbalance, its rejuvenation properties
generally outweighs the negative effects when taken in small doses.
Alchemist's Protocol
Nori
Nori is an edible red algae seaweed that is primarily cultivated in Japan, China, and Korea.
It is best known for its use in sushi but is also a nutrient-dense superfood valued in TCM,
paired with soups and rice porridges.
In TCM, TCM Nori is classified as cold in nature with a salty taste.
Salty foods guide energy downward to the Kidneys, while the cold nature nourishes Yin, clears Heat,
and anchors the Liver Yang to prevent unwanted skull growth and pattern loss. It is also considered
a "black food" (like black rice), which are foods that help build Essence.
While seaweed is primarily known for Kidney support, it also enters the Stomach and Spleen meridians and helps resolve
dampness and phlegm, which can obstruct the Spleen's function. By clearing this dampness, it indirectly strengthens the
Spleen's ability to transform food into Qi and Blood, which replenishes the Essence, the foundation of Hair Growth.
Nori is also especially rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iodine, which support thyroid function and nervous system regulation.
In TCM, clearing Heat and nourishing Yin naturally calms the Shen (spirit), reducing the anxiety and restlessness which
trigger the energetic pathologies that result in Male Pattern Baldness.
In Ayurveda, the salty taste and mineral density of Nori strongly ground the nervous system.
In addition, the light, dry, and salty qualities help reduce Blood and prana stagnation and support
thyroid function. Finally, the bitter taste helps clear heat and toxins (ama), which impedes the metabolic
pathways and scatters the prana.
Since the salty taste carries a
warming potency, it can aggravate Pitta if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is best
eaten a few times per week.
Alchemist's Protocol
Beef Kidney
In TCM, eating the organ of the animal "sends Qi" to that same organ.
In that manner, eating Beef Kidney is a potent Kidney Qi tonic, which is the functional energy of the
Kidneys that grows the Hair. Furthermore, Beef Kidney is especially potent for building Kidney Essence,
which are the material constituents that become the Hair, and the ultimate source of Kidney Qi.
In Ayurveda, Beef Kidney is a powerful builder of Ojas (vitality) and
reproductive tissue (Kidney system), which are critical for growing Hair. Furthermore, Beef Kidney
grounds nervous system, reduces anxiety, and stabilizes the Mind. This is corroborated in TCM, as the
pathogenic Kidney emotion is fear. By strengthening the Kidney Qi, Beef Kidney helps anchor the Willpower,
our resolve, and reduce the deep-seated anxiety
and fright that are at the root of the MPB pathology.
Ayurveda, however, warns against excessive red meat for those with high
Pitta-Fire (male) imbalance, as it will generate Heat. Therefore, Kidney, and other organ meats,
are recommended to be eaten only 1-2 times per week.
Alchemist's Protocol
Eat 4 - 6 oz of Grass-Fed Beef Kidney once per week, at Lunch. In addition,
boil it and accompany it with BEEF bone broth for optimal digestion.
NOTE: Freezing organs, or any meat, severely cripples the life-force (prana) and vitality
(ojas) of the food, according to both TCM and Ayurveda. It essentially becomes "dead" food that
provides caloric sustenance, but has destructive effects in the body.
So, if you cannot source FRESH Beef Kidney, or are averse to eating animal organs, then
freeze-dried is the next best option. It is not ideal, as it creates excess Heat, which
can aggravate a Pitta-Fire (male) imbalance, but it will not
lead to the toxin accumulation and digestive impairment that frozen meat does.
Grass-Fed Beef Organs are easy to source online, and have the convenience of stable shelf-life.
A few options are provided below:
Ghee
Ghee is the food most rich in Ojas (vitality), according to Ayurvda. In fact, it is
said to be structurally identical to Ojas, and thus pure Ojas. In addition,
Ghee is "tridoshic", or soothing and balancing for all three doshas, widely-compatible
with other foods, and a rare food that is both a "cooling" fat and can still kindle the digestive fire
(Agni).
Ghee is made from lightly simmering cultured butter until all of the milk solids
have crisped up, infused their life-force (prana) into the "clarified"
butter fat, and can be filtered out.
Ghee is widely available in health-food stores. However, it is often expensive, and of
suspect quality. Furthermore, it is almost never made from CULTURED butter, which is a very important
component to making a therapeutic Traditional Ayurveda Ghee.
Alchemist's Protocol
Even though Ghee is the #1 Ayurveda Superfood for Hair and Vitality, it must be used in moderate amounts to avoid impairing the Agni or
aggravating Pitta-Fire.
Include Ghee (1-2 Tbs) in all meals that do not contain Fish or Yogurt. It can be used to sauteé
vegetables, or melt in porridges and bone broth soups.
Sidr Honey
Raw Honey is an Ojas building food in Ayurveda, so long as it is never heated
above 104 °F. A teaspoon of Local Raw Honey in the morning serves to support energy
levels, vitality, and positive health outcomes.
Sidr Honey is particularly therapeutic type of honey that is collected from bees who
feed on the the pollen mainly, or even exclusively, from Jujubee (Red Date) Trees. The Jujubee is
a medical herb in TCM that tonifies Spleen Qi. The result is a honey that deeply nourishes
digestive strength and is exceptionally high in Ojas (vital essence). In addition, Sidr Honey is uniquely
"cooling" for a honey in its energetic effect on the body, which serves to balance male energy
(Pitta-Fire), and the unctuous quality of Raw Honey is very grounding for a Vata imbalance, both
of which are energetic factors of Hair Loss.
Alchemist's Protocol
Consume 1 tsp of Sidr Honey (or Local Raw Honey) with any grain porridge
at breakfast to strengthen digestion for the day.
Cod Liver Oil
Weston A. Price used Cod Liver Oil as one of the main components of his nutritional therapy program
for children suffering from physical and mental disabilities, as part of studies examining the
debilitating effects of poor cranio-facial development, due to malnutrition,
in the 1930's and 40's. However, he was not a pioneer in this respect. Rather, Cod Liver Oil has been a
traditional cross-cultural tonic for the ill and feeble, including TCM and Ayurveda.
In TCM, Cod Liver Oil supports the Kidney network by nourishing both Yin and Yang,
while replenishing the Essence, which serves to build the functional energy of the Kidneys and vital
reserves for Hair Growth. In addition, it help clears clear deficiency Heat and calms the Shen (Mind).
However, it must be used in moderation so as to not damage digestion with too much dampness.
In Ayurveda, Cod Liver Oil is a tonic for the nervous system, which helps ground
anxiety and restlessness (Vata), as well as the bones, which helps restore vitality (Ojas). In
addition, it kindles the Digestive Fire, and builds our "radiance". However, it must be
consumed sparingly to avoid aggravating Pitta-Fire.
Alchemist's Protocol
Consume 1 tsp of Cod Liver Oil once per week. Pair it with a Fish meal only, to avoid
digestive incompatibilities.
Tapping, circular massaging, and brushing are the basic ways to provide the Hair,
the scalp energy meridians, and the surrounding tissue, the gentle stimulation that they need to
support healthy Hair Growth.
While hands with some fingers is all that is essentially needed to invigorate the
Blood and Qi flow to the Hair, some stimulation tools can serve to
augment the effects of, or ease the strain in, applying rubbing, brushing, and tapping massages
to the scalp in the Alchemist's Protocol. Below are some useful tools for such:
Boar Bristle Toothbrush
Tapping massages remove stagnation and invigorate Qi flow when done along meridians in the body.
Toothbrushes add leverage to tapping massages, which enhances the stimulatory effect of the tapping
massage.
Alchemist's Protocol
Tap the brush side all over the scalp areas for 5 minutes, 3-5 days per week, to
boost Qi flow to the Hair.
Note: Avoid tapping on Tuesdays, Saturdays, New Moons, Full Moons, and major Solar events.
Natural Wood
Boar Bristle
Brush
In addition, brushing stimulates the scalp meridians, and the the bai hui
acupuncture point in particular, helping to clear stagnation and drive Qi to the flow through
the Hair. This is accomplished simply by doing directional brushes from the base of the neck to the
hairline, and the reverse, for a few minutes at a time.
Alchemist's Protocol
Electric and Magnetic Frequency Fields, or EMF, are particularly detrimental to the
Etheric Body.
Prolonged exposure, even to fields of moderate strength, will significantly disturb the etheric flow.
The primary effect is aggravating existing weaknesses in the coherence of the flow of Qi,
which are the same weaknesses that the herbal tonics, oils, and overall the energy work on this page and website aim
to correct, thus subverting any intervention efforts in this regard.
Wifi, 5G towers, cell phones, laptops, Bluetooth, and Air Pods create the most harmful culprits of EMF exposure
in modern day. They are pervasive, becoming increasingly difficult to avoid,
and expose us Radio-Frequency (RF) Fields of unprecedented strength, 2000+ times stronger than
anything that occurs in nature. However, the electrical current that flows through our houses, cars,
computers, and home appliances create strong Electrical and Magnetic fields are a problem too. They
may not be as strong, and not of the RF type, but they are constant and strong enough to significantly disturb
our bio-field.
Blue-light exposure is becoming almost just as difficult to avoid as EMF. Blue light is the
part of the light spectrum to which we are exposed in concentrated amounts by TV and computer
screens. Even though it is the "cool" end of the light spectrum, blue-light has a stimulatory
effect on the nervous system, which heightens the anxious, fearful, and worrisome tendencies.
Protecting our eyes, and even skin, from harmful blue-light that worsen the constitutional
imbalances that the interventions on this webpage aim to mitigate.
The following are useful products for mitigating EMF exposure and harmonizing the Etheric environment,
which will serve to enhance the effects of any energy work interventions implemented here:
Orgonite
Orgonite is a composite material made by embedding metal shavings and quartz crystals within resin.
The compression force activates the piezoelectric charge in the quartz, while the metal shavings
create a induction matrix to attract and store orgone (aka. qi, prana, ether) energy while repelling
ambient energy fields, including EMF.
RF-EMF Meter
Meters are available at the consumer-level that can measure the EMF levels. They serve to guide exposure mitigation
strategies for the home, office, and even travel.
There are three types of EMF to be aware of: Electric, Magnetic, and Radio-Frequency (RF).
While there are some meters that can measure all three types, RF-EMF meters are generally more accurate
as a stand-alone device. These meters will measure the strength of the RF fields created by
cell phones, wifi, laptops, and local cell towers.
Powerline Extenders
(re-wired internet)
Powerline Extenders (*) run the
internet through the electrical system in the house. They make
local internet access to a device possible through the nearest
electrical outlet, via ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for the device to be
connected to the wifi, or running long ethernet cables all through the house in order
to avoid such.
Most importantly, Powerline Adapters allow for having the wifi router in a remote location, such as the
garage, while not creating any RF-EMF on its own.
Furthermore, it does so without creating any additional radio-frequency field itself. The result is a
drastic reduction in exposure to harmful RF-EMF while using household internet.
Blue-Light Glasses
According to TCM, the portal for the Liver is through the eyes. Therefore, excessive eye-strain,
which even moderate exposure to computer and television screens will do, aggravates the Liver.
This impairs its valuable function facilitating proper digestion, toxin metabolism,
Blood conditioning, and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi, all of which significantly impact Hair
and well-being.
Blue-Light
Screen Filters
In addition to our eyes, all of our cells react to the type of light
to which they are exposed. Therefore,
subjecting ourselves to hours of blue light, even while
wearing blue light glasses, is still going to disrupt
in our biological functions. Avoiding screens altogether is
ideal, but filtering much of the blue light at the screen level
is the next best thing.
