Can Sedum sarmentosum treat white hair?
Jun 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
If gray hair is caused by factors such as liver and kidney deficiency or insufficient qi and blood, and is characterized by symptoms including premature graying, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, fatigue, and pallor, the cold nature of Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) will not effectively address these underlying causes. Moreover, it may impair the spleen and stomach's yang energy, negatively affecting qi and blood production, thereby worsening the problem of gray hair. Additionally, relying solely on Sedum sarmentosum without incorporating an overall regimen based on syndrome differentiation and treatment principles will be insufficient.
Sedum sarmentosum may be tried as an adjunctive treatment for gray hair caused by blood heat or damp-heat, but it is less effective for gray hair caused by other factors such as deficiency of liver and kidney. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Sedum sarmentosum is cool in nature and has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting diuresis. When gray hair is caused by excessive blood heat or internal accumulation of damp-heat, manifesting as premature graying accompanied by symptoms such as oily scalp, bitter taste in mouth, and constipation, after TCM syndrome differentiation by a physician, combining Sedum sarmentosum with herbs that cool the blood and darken hair might help improve gray hair by removing internal heat pathogens and improving the internal environment. However, this effect is relatively limited and requires long-term adherence combined with other therapies.
If gray hair is caused by deficiency of liver and kidney or insufficiency of qi and blood, manifesting as gray hair accompanied by symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, fatigue, and pale complexion, the cold nature of Sedum sarmentosum cannot address these underlying causes. It may even impair the spleen's yang qi, affect the production of qi and blood, and worsen the gray hair condition. Additionally, relying solely on Sedum sarmentosum without comprehensive regulation based on syndrome differentiation makes it difficult to address the root causes of gray hair.
Treating gray hair should not blindly depend on Sedum sarmentosum. When gray hair appears, it is important to first identify the underlying cause. It is recommended to visit a qualified medical institution for TCM syndrome differentiation and typing, and to develop a personalized regulation plan to avoid self-medication that may delay optimal intervention timing.
