Using Arborvitae Leaves Soaked in Liquor to Treat Hair Loss: How to Use and What to Watch Out For

Soaking arborvitae leaves in liquor to treat hair loss is a fairly widely circulated folk remedy. Arborvitae leaves are the dried branches and leaves of Platycladus orientalis (Chinese arborvitae), a plant in the cypress family. In traditional Chinese medicine they are considered cold in nature with a bitter and astringent taste, and are said to cool the blood and stop bleeding. People often soak them in liquor and apply the liquid to the scalp, hoping to strengthen the hair and promote hair growth.

The preparation method is fairly simple. Take an appropriate amount of fresh or sun-dried arborvitae leaves, wash them and let the surface moisture dry, put them into a clean glass container, pour in baijiu (Chinese white liquor) until they are completely submerged, seal the container and keep it in a cool, dark place. Generally, soak for one to two weeks, then filter out the leaf residue and keep the liquid for later use.

To use it, dip a cotton ball or clean gauze in the medicated liquor, gently apply it to the scalp at the areas of hair loss, then massage for a few minutes to help absorption. This can be done once a day or every other day. When using it for the first time, it is advisable to test it on a small patch of scalp first and continue only after confirming there is no discomfort. For people who cannot tolerate alcohol, they can also switch to washing their hair with water in which arborvitae leaves have been boiled, which is a relatively gentler method.

It should be noted that the effects of such folk remedies vary from person to person and cannot replace proper medical treatment. The causes of hair loss are fairly complex and are related to factors such as genetics, hormone levels, mental stress and nutritional status. If hair loss is heavy or keeps worsening, it is advisable to first go to a proper hospital to find out the cause before treating it accordingly. In addition, people with wounds on the scalp, eczema or an allergy to alcohol should not use it. If stinging, redness, swelling, itching or other reactions appear after application, stop using it immediately and wash the scalp clean.