Lily Bulb and Ginger Peel External Wash (Bai He Jiang Pi Shui)

Why people use this rinse

Seborrheic dermatitis — a condition that causes flaking, oiliness, and sometimes thinning at the scalp — is one of those problems where people try many products without finding lasting relief. A friend approached Nourilo with exactly this situation: her husband had developed seborrheic dermatitis that was causing his hair to thin, and she was looking for something to try alongside whatever the doctor prescribed.

Nourilo was initially candid: he didn’t have deep expertise in dermatology and recommended seeing a specialist, particularly because male hair thinning often has hormonal roots that are unrelated to scalp condition. But he offered some supportive suggestions, and later, while browsing a food-therapy reference, came across an interesting note on dried lily bulb: in addition to its well-known use as a soothing respiratory herb, lily bulb has a traditional application in treating skin swellings and sores when used externally. Combined with ginger peel — which in Chinese medicine is considered specifically adept at dispelling wind and surface dampness — the combination became this simple rinse.

It is worth emphasising: this is an external rinse, not a treatment for the underlying hormonal or immune causes of hair thinning. But for an oily scalp or dandruff, it may provide a gentle, natural alternative to chemical-heavy commercial shampoos.

Method

1. Rinse the dried lily bulb and ginger peel briefly under running water.
2. Place in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Strain out the solids and let the liquid cool.
5. Add sufficient cool water to bring the temperature to a comfortable level for rinsing the scalp and hair.
6. After washing your hair as normal (you may omit shampoo or use a minimal amount), pour the cooled herbal liquid over your scalp and hair, massaging gently into the scalp.
7. Rinse clean with plain water. Use every other day.

Nourilo’s Tips

The key detail with this recipe: use dried medicinal lily bulb (bai he), not fresh lily bulb sold for eating in dishes. Fresh culinary lily bulb is for cooking — the dried medicinal form is what has the relevant properties for external skin use.

Ginger peel is the most wind-dispelling part of ginger. Some Chinese herbal shops carry it dried; if yours does not, simply peel fresh ginger and use the skin directly.

In parallel with this rinse, Nourilo also suggests paying attention to diet: reducing fried, oily, and sugary foods, and eating more fresh vegetables and fruit. These changes can meaningfully reduce seborrheic activity over time.