I am in relatively good health, but I have been getting white hairs, which started since I was in my mid-20s. I have to colour my roots every month to prevent them from showing. Are there TCM remedies for this problem?

MS NG BEE LIN, 36

Ms Duan: The problem might stem from hereditary reasons, but white hair at such a young age is an early sign of weakness in your kidney. Do see a TCM physician as medicine can be prescribed to bolster your kidneys and liver.

It is not possible to turn your white hairs black, but TCM treatment can help fortify your hair and will also reduce the incidence of white-hair growth, making sure that your black hairs stay black.

There are certain herbs that can help darken white hair, such as privet seeds (nu zhen zi) and eclipta (mo han lian), but you should consult an expert before consuming any herb.

joyfang@sph.com.sg

This series is brought to you by the Speak Mandarin Campaign. Ms Duan Qian Mei's talk, "Health And Beauty With TCM", will be held at the National Library Building on Feb 27 at 3pm.