Evidence supporting the use of: Rhemannia
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Rehmannia (typically Rehmannia glutinosa) is a herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, Rehmannia is considered a primary tonic for nourishing the yin and blood, and is often included in formulas for supporting hair health, particularly in cases of hair loss or thinning thought to be related to "kidney yin deficiency." Classical TCM theory holds that the kidneys govern the hair, and that nourishing kidney and blood can help prevent premature graying and hair loss. Common hair-supporting formulas such as "Shou Wu Wan" or "He Shou Wu" pills often contain Rehmannia as a major ingredient.
However, there is limited scientific research directly investigating Rehmannia’s effects on hair growth or hair loss in humans. A few animal studies have examined its potential for promoting hair growth, but these are preliminary and sometimes use herbal combinations rather than Rehmannia alone. The majority of modern claims regarding Rehmannia and hair rely on its traditional use and its role in broader TCM formulas rather than robust clinical evidence. Therefore, while its use for hair health is well-established in TCM tradition, scientific validation is minimal and the evidence base is weak.
Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)
alfalfaamino acids
apricot
ashwagandha
biotin
black garlic
bovine gelatin
rice
burdock
collagen
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flavonols
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
onion
green tea
iron
l-cystine
l-methionine
licorice root
moringa
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
quail egg
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
silicon
spinach
spirulina
almond fruit
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
bee pollen
dioscorea
ganoderma
morinda
royal jelly
trace minerals
fulvic acid
algae
thyroid substance
Argan nut oil
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef liver
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus aethiopum
coconut oil
Chlorophytum
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Epidermal Growth Factor
Egg
Eugenol
Fo-Ti
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
silica
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Rhemannia
AnemiaAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Blood Poisoning
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Cold Hands and Feet
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hangover
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Nephritis