Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan / Seven Treasures for Hair
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan 七寶美髯丹 “Seven Treasures to Beautify Whiskers Pill” tonifies both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang, replenishes Jing, tonifies Blood, strengthens tendons and bones, and benefits vitality.
This classical and elegant formula was first recorded in the “Jiputang Prescriptions” 積菩堂方 and is attributed to Physician Shao Ying Jie 邵應節 of the Ming Dynasty. It is said that Shao Ying Jie successfully used this formula to help the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing Emperor (personal name Zhu Houcong, 1507-1567) conceive an heir.
The story goes that the Jiajing Emperor had ascended to the throne at age 14, and 10 years later still did not have an heir, potentially threatening the stability of the dynasty. Dr. Shao presented his formula to the court to be prepared and administered by the Imperial Physician. The emperor went on to have eight sons and five daughters. The success of this formula led Qing Dynasty Physician Wang Ang 汪昂 to record this story and the formula in the Imperial YI Fang Ji Jie 醫方集解 “Collection of Medical Prescriptions”. Around the same time, Physician Li Shi Zhen 李時珍 recorded it in his Ben Cao Gang Mu 本草綱目 "Compendium of Materia Medica".
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidney stores pre-natal essence and is the “innate foundation” of Yin and Yang of the five Organs and the source of life. The Liver and Kidney are very closely related in that the Liver stores Blood, and the Kidney stores Jing Essence. Jing helps produce Blood, and Blood can transform Jing. Since Jing and Blood have the same origin according to this theory, this means that pathologically the Liver and Kidney also influence each other. For example, loss of Kidney Jing can lead to insufficient Liver Blood; conversely, insufficient Liver Blood can also cause deficiency of Kidney Yin, Yang, or Qi.
According to TCM concepts, hair is the “surplus of Blood” 髮為血之餘 and the “Kidney governs bones and generates marrow, and its essence is hair" 腎主骨生髓，其華在髮. From this perspective, Liver and Kidney Deficiency can lead to hair dryness, premature graying and hair loss. Also, since the Kidney governs the bones and the Liver governs the tendons, when they are not nourished it is said that the teeth will become loose, and the waist and knees can become weak. Other signs of Kidney deficiency can also be spermatorrhea, soreness and weakness of the low back and knees, and night sweats. These patients may have a TCM diagnosis of Kidney Jing or Yin deficiency alongside Liver Blood deficiency. If Blood deficiency is the primary pathology, they may have a pale tongue, or a red tongue if the primary pathology is Yin deficiency. They may also present with a thready, possibly rapid and weak pulse.
The “Collection of Medical Prescriptions" 醫方集解 says that "this prescription is a medicine for Foot Shaoyin and Foot Jueyin" 此方為足少陰、足厥陰藥也. The basic pathogenesis of the syndrome and treatment is deficiency of Blood in the Liver and Kidney and insufficient primal Yang. This formula is composed of seven herbs; beginning with He shou wu/Polygonum multiflorum as the chief herb to warm and nourish the Liver and Kidney, astringe Jing and consolidate Qi. Gou qi zi/Lycium chinensis and Tu si zi/Cuscuta chinensis serve as deputies in the formula, both entering the Liver and Kidney to replenish and consolidate Jing. Another deputy herb, Niu xi/Achyranthes bidentata, strengthens muscles and bones and is used for its ability to strengthen the low back and knees. Dang gui/Angelica sinensis serves as an assistant to support the other herbs by nourishing Liver Blood. Of the remaining ingredients, Bu gu zhi/Psoralea corylifolia helps to tonify Kidney Yang and warm the Dan Tian. Finally, Fu ling/Poria cocos communicates with the Heart and Kidney to dispel Damp by promoting urination and supports the functions of the middle Jiao. The herbs work synergistically to tonify Yin, Yang, Liver, Kidney, and Spleen while nourishing the Essence and Blood, making it an excellent formula to enhance longevity. However, it is contraindicated for those with an excess constitution and a propensity toward excessive phlegm and dampness due to the cloying nature of some of the herbs in the formula. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy, during the acute stages of an illness or infection, and to be used with caution for those with Spleen deficiency or a weak digestion.
While the name clearly establishes the original intent of the formula, modern clinical use of Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan allows for a wide range of applications to benefit your patient’s health, and it is generally safe for long term use. As always, lean into your differential TCM diagnosis to choose the best formula for your patients.
Sources
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%B8%83%E5%AE%9D%E7%BE%8E%E9%AC%93%E4%B8%B9/6683343
- https://www.zysj.com.cn/zhongyaofang/qibaomeirandan/index.html
- https://m.hstyf360.com/medicine/399.html
- https://k.sina.cn/article_7498955505_1bef8faf10010139xz.html?from=health
References
- Bensky, D. & Barolet, R., Formulas & Strategies, Eastland Press: 1990.
- Wrinkle, A. et al., A Practitioner’s Formula Guide, Elemental Essentials Press: 2008.
About the Author
Janet L. Borges, MSTCM, Dipl.Ac. & C.H, L.Ac. graduated from San Francisco's American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2002. She maintains a thriving private practice in Richmond, Virginia focusing on mental health, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic digestive issues. In addition, she has been a representative and consultant for Mayway Herbs for over 20 years, as well as serving on national and state Boards for the advancement of the east Asian medicine profession.
