Er Zhi Tonic

Overview:

The Er Zhi Tonic is a simple two-herb formula, meaning "two solstices", in classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The primary aim of the formula is to tonify Kidney Yin and replenish Essence, like the Kidney Yin Tonic. However, it does so through both a natural energetic and cooling effect, rather than by building yin fluids. Yin fluids cannot be build indefinitely without causing digestive or stagnation-related problems, which the Kidney Yin Tonic will eventually do. Therefore, the Er Zhi Tonic is well-suited for long-term maintenance for Yin Deficiency symptoms, once adequate amounts of fluids have been restored. Furthermore, both herbs are known to have direct positive effects on promoting robust and dark hair growth.

Hair Benefit:

Eclipta is an herb used which is used specifically for its effects on hair growth in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Homeopathy. In TCM, the black liquid that seeps out of the broken twigs is indicative of both its potency as a Kidney tonic, which is the organ responsible for hair growth, and its ability to darken the hair. For a detailed explanation on how tonifying Kidney Yin supports hair growth, read the hair benefit section on the Kidney Yin Tonic decoction instructions.

Pairing Eclipta with Ligustrum complements the Kidney Yin tonifying effects, as well as enhances the hair benefits. Ligustrum is a small dark tree fruit that is used on it's own to prevent premature greying of the hair, as well improve overall hair health, in addition to its yin tonifying properties. The leaves of this tree are green throughout the winter, which symbolizes its ability to sustain yin, making it a potent yin tonic by its own nature.

The Er Zhi formula has the potential to deliver the greatest hair and yin benefits in the long-term, due to its more mild effect in conjunction with the inclusion of herbs that are directly associated with promoting hair growth. Furthermore, this formula can be augmented to include other hair growth promoting herbs, such as He Shou Wu and Mulberry Fruit, as well as Kidney Yang tonifying herbs, such as Psoralea and Cuscuta, to increase its potency specifically with respect to hair growth. Therefore, this formula should be relied on and augmented increasingly over time, after Kidney Yin function has been adequately resumed.

Herbs:

Ligustrum Fruit- Nu Zhen Zi:

Ligustrum directly nourishes both Liver and Kidney Yin. It has an affinity for both organ channels, and the energetic properties of the fruit itself is yin enriching, as it is a fruit tree whose leaves remain green through the winter, symbolizing its ability to sustain yin.

Eclipta - Mo Han Lian:

Eclipta is a hair growth herb that has an affinity for the Liver and Kidney channels. It nourishes yin through its cooling properties, which also cools the Blood. Its dark juice specifically targets the Kidneys, entering that organ network and supplementing Kidney Essence.

Additional Preparation Instructions:

In classical Er Zhi formulations, Ligustrum is prepared by steaming in "honey wine" over night before being dried and combined with mashed Eclipta into a honey pill. Thus, the herbal formula requires additional processing, and may be time consuming or impractical. Otherwise, it may not be as effective as we would like. For that reason, if you would prefer a pill, a modern version can be purchased here. But, I cannot vouch for this vendor. I do not use their products. As fledgling alchemist, I prefer to make my own decoctions.

You may decoct the herbs, unprocessed, for a less potent formula. For the more adventurous, though, ferment a mead out of a mixture of a little honey and a jar of water for about a week, and use that to steam the ligustrum overnight. Then, follow the decoction instructions below:

How to Decoct:

1. Gather the following amounts of herbs in a glass or ceramic jar or bowl:

• Ligustrum: 9 - 15 g

• Eclipta: 9 - 15 g

2. Soak herbs overnight in 3-4 cups of water. Ideally, use spring water.

3. Bring herbs to a boil in a stainless steel pot (or best ceramic). Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until 1 cup of liquid remains (30-60 mins).

4. Strain liquid from herbs, and set aside.

5. Using the same herbs, refill the pot with 2-3 cups of water (or 1 cup less) and boil again (30-60 minutes) until 1 cup of liquid remains. The pot may be covered this time to prolong boiling.

6. Strain liquid, and combine with the liquid from the first boil for a total of 2 cups of decoction.

• Drink two servings daily (1 serving = 1 cup).

Additional Preparation Instructions:

In classical Er Zhi formulations, Ligustrum is prepared by steaming in "honey wine" over night before being dried and combined with mashed Eclipta into a honey pill. Thus, the herbal formula requires additional processing, and may be time consuming or impractical. Otherwise, it may not be as effective as we would like. For that reason, if you would prefer a pill, a modern version can be purchased here. But, I cannot vouch for this vendor. I do not use their products. As fledgling alchemist, I prefer to make my own decoctions.

You may decoct the herbs, unprocessed, for a less potent formula. For the more adventurous, though, ferment a mead out of a mixture of a little honey and a jar of water for about a week, and use that to steam the ligustrum overnight. Then, follow the decoction instructions below:

Optional Modifications:

• Add 15-30 g (or a handful) of crushed Oyster Shell, in order to help subdue Liver Yang Rising. (Boil for 20-30 mins before adding the other herbs. Oyster shells require more extraction time.)

• Add 6-12 g of He Shou Wu and Mulberry Fruit to enhance the hair and yin benefit.

• Add 6-12 g of Schisandra Berry and/or Rehmannia (prepared) to supplement Essence and yin.

• Add 6-9 g of Black Sesame Seeds to help tonify Blood and darken the hair.

Additional Instructions:

• Wait at least ½ hour before eating, or 1 ½ hours after eating when taking a dose.

• Use spring water, or a combination of structured-filtered (*) water and spring water to decoct.

• Decoctions last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Scale up proportionally to make several day's worth.

• Always reheat before drinking.