If you've looked into hair supplements, you've probably seen the same handful of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) ingredients show up again and again — Polygonum Multiflorum, black sesame, Cuscuta. But what are they actually doing, and why are they almost always combined rather than taken alone? Here's a closer look at the botanicals behind Aliking Hair Regaining and the traditional reasoning behind each one.
Polygonum Multiflorum (He Shou Wu): the anchor ingredient
Polygonum Multiflorum, commonly called He Shou Wu, is arguably the most recognisable botanical in TCM hair formulas. Traditionally, it's associated with nourishing "Jing" (essence) and blood, which in TCM theory are closely tied to hair health and the slowing of premature greying. It's rarely used on its own — most formulations pair it with blood-nourishing herbs like Rehmannia Glutinosa to round out the effect.
Black sesame: a traditional dietary staple for scalp nourishment
Black sesame shows up constantly in TCM dietary therapy, not just in supplements but in congees and tonics eaten specifically to support hair and skin. It's considered a source of "yin" nourishment, and its role in hair formulas is typically as a nutrient-dense base ingredient that complements the more targeted botanicals around it.
Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi): supporting the kidney-hair connection
In TCM theory, hair health is closely linked to kidney function. Cuscuta, or Tu Si Zi, is traditionally used as a kidney tonic, and it's this kidney-hair relationship that explains why it's included in hair regrowth blends rather than general wellness formulas.
Lycii Cortex and Polygala Tenuifolia: the supporting cast
Rounding out a typical formula, Lycii Cortex (the root bark of the wolfberry plant) and Polygala Tenuifolia contribute additional traditional properties around circulation and calming — relevant given how closely hair shedding is tied to stress, as covered in our earlier piece on why hair loss is so common in Singapore.
Why these ingredients are combined, not taken alone
TCM formulation philosophy rarely relies on a single "hero" ingredient. Instead, botanicals are combined so that their traditional properties — nourishing, tonifying, calming — work across different aspects of the same underlying issue. This is why you'll see Oryzanol and Vitamin B Complex included alongside the herbal blend in most modern formulations: they round out the nutritional support layer that traditional ingredients alone don't cover.
Aliking Hair Regaining
A TCM-rooted botanical formula combining Polygonum Multiflorum, Black Sesame, Cuscuta, Lycii Cortex, Rehmannia Glutinosa and Polygala Tenuifolia with Oryzanol and Vitamin B Complex — for hair growth support and scalp nourishment.
Learn More →Setting realistic expectations
Hair grows in cycles, and existing strands take months to shed and regrow regardless of what you're taking. Most people don't see a noticeable difference in shedding or thickness before the 3 to 6 month mark of consistent use. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by scalp pain or redness, that's a signal to see a dermatologist before starting any supplement — TCM or otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polygonum Multiflorum (He Shou Wu) used for in hair care?
In TCM, it's traditionally used as a tonic associated with nourishing hair and slowing premature greying, typically as part of a broader herbal blend.
Does black sesame actually help with hair growth?
It's a traditional dietary source of nutrients associated with scalp and hair nourishment, usually combined with other botanicals rather than used alone.
How long does it take to see results from TCM hair supplements?
At least 3 to 6 months of consistent use, since hair follicles need to complete their natural growth cycle first.
Can I take TCM hair supplements alongside other hair loss treatments?
Check with a doctor or TCM physician first, especially if you're already using prescription treatments.
This article is for general health information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Please speak with a doctor or dermatologist about persistent or significant hair loss.
Related reads:
Why Hair Loss Is So Common in Singapore, and What You Can Do
Does Stress Really Cause Hair Loss? What Telogen Effluvium Actually Is