- Research shows that the Chinese herbal medicine “Xue Yu Tan” (carbonized hair) is mainly used to stop bleeding. It’s especially helpful for different kinds of bleeding problems, like vomiting blood, nosebleeds, coughing up blood, bloody urine, and irregular uterine bleeding.
- It also seems to be used for treating boils and abscesses, but there’s not much evidence to back this up.
- So far, there aren’t any clear reports of side effects, but its safety might depend on proper preparation and correct use.
- In the Western world, Carbonized hair isn’t commonly used. Western medicine tends to prefer standardized options to stop bleeding, like fibrin glue or oxidized cellulose.
Carbonized Hair, known as 血余炭 (Xue Yu Tan) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a fascinating remedy made from human hair. Used for centuries to stop bleeding and promote healing, this charred substance might sound unusual, but it holds a special place in TCM. Imagine turning something as simple as hair into a powerful tool for health—that’s the magic of Carbonized Hair!
In this article, we’ll explore its benefits, how it’s used, how it’s made, and what modern science says about it. Whether you’re curious about natural remedies or TCM, you’re in the right place.
What is Carbonized Hair?
Carbonized Hair, or Carbonisatus Crinis, is human hair that’s been cleaned, dried, and charred into a black, sponge-like powder. In TCM, it’s called 血余炭, meaning “charred remainder of blood.” Why the connection to blood? TCM teaches that hair is an extension of blood and vitality1. There’s an old saying: “Hair is the surplus of blood” (发为血之余). Healthy, shiny hair reflects strong blood and kidney energy, while dry, brittle hair might signal weakness. That’s why this remedy, made from hair, is used to treat blood-related issues like bleeding2.
Historically, TCM practitioners collected hair from healthy people, turned it into charcoal, and used it as medicine. Today, it’s still valued for its ability to stop bleeding and clear blood stasis—think of it as a natural bandage that works from the inside3.
How is Carbonized Hair Prepared?
Making Carbonized Hair is a careful process that ensures it’s safe and effective. Here’s how it’s done4:
- Collection: Hair is gathered from healthy individuals—cleanliness is key!
- Cleaning: It’s washed with an alkaline solution to remove oils and dirt, then rinsed with water and dried.
- Carbonization: The hair is placed in a sealed iron pot and heated until it turns into charcoal. A wet paper strip on top signals when the process is complete—when it turns 焦黄 (焦黄 means “scorched yellow” in Chinese), the heating stops.
- Grinding: Once cooled, the charred hair is ground into a fine powder or small pieces.
The result? A lightweight, shiny black substance that’s crisp and easy to crush. Quality matters—top-grade Carbonized Hair is dark, glossy, and light. This traditional method isn’t just about tradition; it also removes contaminants, making it safe to use.
Benefits and Uses of Carbonized Hair in TCM
Carbonized Hair shines in TCM for two main reasons: it stops bleeding and clears blood stasis. Here’s what it’s used for:
Stopping Bleeding
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this herb can treat the following types of bleeding5:
- Nosebleeds (衄血): A sudden gush from the nose? Carbonized Hair can help.
- Coughing Up Blood (咯血): Often linked to lung issues, this remedy steps in.
- Vomiting Blood (吐血): A serious sign that needs attention.
- Uterine Bleeding (崩漏): Heavy or irregular bleeding finds relief here.
- Blood in Urine (尿血) or Bloody Stools (便血): It tackles these too.
Healing and Beyond
- Skin Conditions: It’s used for boils or carbuncles, helping the skin heal6.
- Urinary Issues: It can ease painful urination or blockages by clearing stasis7.
What sets Carbonized Hair apart from other remedies, like palm charcoal, is its ability to stop bleeding without leaving clotted blood behind. It’s like a cleanup crew that stops the leak and tidies up afterward.
How It Works
In TCM, it’s described as bitter, astringent, and neutral, affecting the liver, stomach, and bladder channels. The astringent nature pulls tissues together to stop bleeding, while its stasis-clearing action keeps blood flowing smoothly8. Modern science backs this up—more on that later!
Summary: Carbonized Hair is valued in TCM for stopping bleeding (like nosebleeds, coughing up blood, etc.) and clearing blood stasis. It also aids skin and urinary issues. It works uniquely and is backed by both TCM theory and modern science.
How to Use Carbonized Hair
In TCM, Carbonized Hair is taken in two main ways9:
- Decoction: Boil 6–10 grams in water and drink it like tea.
- Powder: Take 1.5–3 grams directly or mix it with other herbs.
It’s often paired with other ingredients:
- For nosebleeds or upper body bleeding, mix it with lotus root juice.
- For uterine bleeding or urinary issues, combine it with talc, as seen in the ancient formula Talc and Carp Powder from the Jin Gui Yao Lue.
A Tip: Always consult a TCM practitioner for the right dose, especially for kids or long-term use.
What Does Science Say?
Modern research is starting to catch up with TCM wisdom. Here’s what we know:
Hemostatic Power
A study in the Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology tested Carbonized Hair in nanofabrics. In pig models, it cut bleeding time and blood loss from artery and vein injuries. Compared to Yunnan Baiyao (a famous TCM hemostatic), it worked even better for liver and spleen trauma. This suggests Carbonized Hair could inspire new medical tools.
What’s Inside?
Carbonized Hair contains10:
- Carbon: Acts like a physical stopper for bleeding.
- Cystine: An amino acid that might aid tissue repair.
- Trace Elements: Calcium, zinc, iron, and more, which support clotting.
These elements shorten clotting time and boost platelet activity, explaining its effectiveness.
Is Carbonized Hair Safe?
When made properly, Carbonized Hair is safe. But there are a few things to watch11:
- Preparation: Skipping steps could leave impurities—stick to the traditional method.
- Side Effects: Too much might cause constipation due to its astringent nature.
- Allergies: If you’re sensitive to hair products, steer clear.
No major side effects are reported, but always use it under a professional’s guidance.
Carbonized Hair vs. Western Medicine
In the West, you won’t find Carbonized Hair in pharmacies. Instead, doctors use synthetic hemostats like fibrin glue or oxidized cellulose for surgery and trauma12. These are heavily tested and standardized. But with studies showing Carbonized Hair’s promise, could it bridge TCM and modern medicine? It’s an exciting possibility!
Q&A
Q: What’s Carbonized Hair used for?
A: It stops bleeding—like nosebleeds, uterine bleeding, or blood in urine—and helps heal skin issues.
Q: How do you take it?
A: Boil 6–10 grams for a decoction or take 1.5–3 grams as powder13, ideally with a TCM expert’s advice.
Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: Generally, yes, if prepared right. But check with a practitioner, especially if you have allergies.
Q: Can I make it at home?
A: It’s tricky and needs precise steps—best left to professionals or TCM pharmacies.
The Bottom Line
Carbonized Hair (血余炭) is more than a quirky remedy—it’s a testament to TCM’s ingenuity. From stopping nosebleeds to aiding healing, its benefits are rooted in tradition and backed by early science. While it’s not a household name in the West, its potential is hard to ignore. If you’re exploring natural health options, talk to a TCM expert about Carbonized Hair. It’s a small piece of hair with a big story—and maybe a big future.
Trusted Source
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- 赵志富.一种治疗良性肿瘤和痈疮疖肿的药物及其制备方法:CN201610045517.1[P].CN105640999A[2025-03-15]. ↩︎
- 胡庆寅.血尿型隐匿性肾炎中医治疗的探讨[J].黑龙江中医药, 1985. ↩︎
- 覃元.血余炭的研究简况[J].中国中药杂志, 1989, 14(001):24-25. ↩︎
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%A1%80%E4%BD%99%E7%82%AD/668901 ↩︎
- https://www.med126.com/mingzu/2009/20090512120644_153237.shtml ↩︎
- https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_4257513337221264668(Chen Zhuo Deputy Chief Physician Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6116382/ ↩︎
- http://www.a-hospital.com/w/%E8%A1%80%E4%BD%99%E7%82%AD ↩︎
