Biota Leaf and Vodka Scalp Tonic

Why people make this tonic

Years ago, Nourilo came across a classic formula for a hair-growth tincture during his Chinese herbal medicine studies. The original recipe used biota (bian bai) alongside several other herbs and was steeped in baijiu spirit — the result was effective in theory but rather pungent, and the oily components of some herbs left hair greasy and unpleasant. Over time, Nourilo refined and simplified the approach. He first tried steeping biota alone in whisky for friends and family, and found the results genuinely encouraging. Today he recommends vodka as the base: its high, clean alcohol content (typically 40% or above) means it evaporates quickly from the scalp without leaving any odour, while also providing an antiseptic effect. The botanical compounds in biota are drawn into the alcohol and, when massaged into the scalp, are traditionally said to penetrate the hair follicles and stimulate growth.