Field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Liver-Kidney Yin Tonification and Hair and Skin HealthField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao), also known as "Eclipta" or "False Daisy," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried whole aerial parts of Eclipta alba (syn. Eclipta prostrata), a cool, sweet-sour herb from the daisy family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 2000 years. This cooling, moistening herb is particularly known for its ability to tonify normal Liver and Kidney Yin, support normal hair health, promote normal skin health, resolve normal blood stasis and help control normal bleeding – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal hair loss, normal premature graying, normal dry skin, normal tinnitus and normal Yin-deficiency symptoms.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is described as a cool, sweet-sour herb with a moistening and Yin-tonifying character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Liver and Kidney meridians. According to this traditional description, field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) specializes in normal "Liver and Kidney Yin tonification," helps "support normal hair health," "resolve normal blood stasis" and "control normal bleeding" – crucial TCM concepts for normal premature-graying prevention and normal hair vitality.Field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is seen in TCM as a classical "Yin-tonifying and hair-supporting" herb – one of the most popular herbs for normal hair health and normal premature graying. It is traditionally paired with Nu Zhen Zi (Glossy Privet Fruit) in the classical two-herb formula "Er Zhi Wan" (Two-Substance Pill) for optimal Yin tonification.Special Property: Cool, Moistening and Yin-TonifyingField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) distinguishes itself by its combination of cooling character with moistening and Yin-tonifying properties. This tripartite effect means it not only provides cooling but also restores normal fluid balance and supports normal long-term health.Botanical Composition and ResearchField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) contains over 90 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Coumestans (wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone – characteristic components)Triterpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid)Flavonoids (apigenin, luteoline, quercetin)PolysaccharidesTannins and polyphenolsEssential oilsModern scientific research shows that field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) components can offer diverse benefits:Normal hair health support: Multiple studies show that field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) extract can promote normal hair growth by stimulating normal telogen-phase to normal anagen-phase transition. Research shows that methanol extract of Eclipta alba promotes normal hair follicle growth more efficiently than many other plant extracts.Normal premature-graying prevention: Traditionally used for normal premature graying, likely through normal Liver-Kidney Yin tonification and normal pigmentation support.Hepatoprotective action: Studies show that wedelolactone provides normal hepatocyte protection against toxic damage through normal antioxidant and normal anti-inflammatory action mechanisms.Normal blood stasis resolution: Components can normalize normal blood circulation and help transform normal food stasis.Anti-inflammatory action: Wedelolactone and related coumestans can help maintain normal inflammation balance through normal NF-κB signaling inhibition.Antioxidant activity: Flavonoids, polyphenols possess strong free-radical-fighting action, providing normal cellular protection.Normal bleeding control: When charred (Han Lian Cao Tan) it can help control normal bleeding – a classical hemostasis method in TCM.Normal immune response: Polysaccharides can support normal immune function.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is classically used in situations described as:Normal hair loss or normal thinning hair (alopecia context)Normal premature graying or normal graying hairNormal dry or normal brittle hairNormal dizziness or vertigo with Yin-deficiency characterNormal tinnitus or ringing in ears with Liver-Kidney Yin deficiencyNormal dry mouth or normal dry eyesNormal weak lower back or normal lower-back painNormal hematuria (blood in urine) or normal menstrual abnormalitiesNormal bloody cough or normal epistaxis (nosebleed)Normal skin dryness or normal age-related skin changesThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Cool, Moistening and Yin-Tonifying CharacterField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is traditionally seen as a "cool," "moistening" and "Yin-tonifying" herb – which effectively addresses normal Yin-deficiency symptoms and supports normal hair vitality. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward normal premature graying and normal hair loss.Classical Formula: Er Zhi Wan (Two-Substance Pill)The most famous application is in the classical two-herb formula "Er Zhi Wan," traditionally used for over 500 years for normal Yin tonification and normal hair health. This very famous formula contains field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) and Nu Zhen Zi in equal proportions – the classical "power duo" for normal Liver-Kidney Yin tonification.Other Classical Formulas:Qi Bai Di Huang Wan: contains field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) as secondary ingredient for extra Yin tonificationBa Wei Di Huang Wan: complementary for normal night sweats with Yin deficiencyTwo Forms – Important Distinction:Raw Han Lian Cao: for normal Yin tonification, normal hair supportHan Lian Cao Tan (Charred): for normal bleeding control (hematuria, menstrual bleeding)CHAO version (stir-fried) is sometimes used for slightly increased effectiveness.Preparation and DosageField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is traditionally:Built into formulas (classically with Nu Zhen Zi)Traditional dosage: 9–15g per formulaCan also be used as standalone tea: 6–9g in hot waterAs dried plant very suitable for long-term daily useCAUTION: NOT FOR WEAK DIGESTION OR DIARRHEAField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) must NOT be used by:Individuals with weak digestive function or persistent diarrhea (can cause fluid accumulation)Individuals with extreme Spleen-Yang deficiencyHowever, for most individuals very safe and suitable for long-term daily useSeasonality and Daily UseField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is traditionally NOT seasonally dependent and is perfect for long-term daily use, especially in formulations or as tea. It is one of the safest long-term-use herbs in TCM.Well-being and Daily UseField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is highly valued by modern users as part of daily wellness routines for normal hair health, normal skin health and normal premature-graying prevention. This herb is excellent for independent daily use, especially in tea form or in formulas.Many users see field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) as part of long-term health practices – as a cool, moistening element for normal Liver-Kidney Yin tonification, normal hair vitality and normal skin health, combined with regular rest, meditative practices and adequate nutrition.Highly Recommended for Long-Term Daily UseField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is known as one of the safest and most suitable-for-long-term-use Yin tonifiers in TCM. It can be used daily for years without problems, especially when combined with Nu Zhen Zi in formulas or as standalone tea.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR BEGINNERSField lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) is perfect for people new to TCM because it:Is very safeRequires no preparationTastes mildIs very simple to use independentlyIs very suitable for long-term daily useHas no toxicity risksIs perfect for hair health and premature-graying preventionCAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement and can also be used as food ingredient. TCM terms such as Liver-Kidney Yin Tonification, Hair Vitality, Normal Fluid Balance are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent hair loss, serious premature graying or normal skin problems, you should always consult a doctor or dermatological health expert – field lotus herb (Han-lian-cao) can be used as complementary wellness support alongside professional medical advice.VERY SUITABLE FOR INDEPENDENT LONG-TERM DAILY USE.
