We all crave a gorgeous mane of thick lustrous hair. And if you’re wondering how to get it, the ancient science of Ayurveda may hold the answer. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba or Eclipta prostrata) is a creeping herb that is valued for its medicinal properties in the ancient sciences of Unani, Ayurveda, and Siddha. While it is used for a wide range of conditions such as – respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, spleen enlargement, fever, liver disorders, skin disorders, spleen enlargement, snake bites, and wounds and cuts – it is considered to be particularly beneficial for hair. It is traditionally used to combat graying of hair and treat hair loss.

Also known as “false daisy”, this plant contains many phytoconstituents such as wedelolactone, luteolin, ursolic acid, apigenin, eclalbasaponins, and oleanolic acid which are thought to be responsible for its many medicinal properties. It contains nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, carotenoids, magnesium, and calcium. The whole plant, as well as leaf and root extracts are used therapeutically.^[1]Jahan, Rownak, Abdullah Al-Nahain, Snehali Majumder, and Mohammed Rahmatullah. “Ethnopharmacological significance of Eclipta alba (L.) hassk.(Asteraceae).” International Scholarly … Continue reading ^[2]Rangineni, Vasavi, D. Sharada, and Saileshnath Saxena. “Diuretic, hypotensive, and hypocholesterolemic effects of Eclipta alba in mild hypertensive subjects: a pilot study.” Journal of … Continue reading

Benefits Of Bhringraj For Hair Problems

Let’s take a closer look at how Bhringraj can benefit your crowning glory.

1. May Tackle Premature Graying

Bhringraj is valued for its kesha ranjana property in Ayurveda. That is, it is thought to restore hair color and graying of hair. It is also considered to have rasayana properties. That is, it is thought to have an anti-aging and rejuvenating effect.^[3][Bhringraj Eclipta Alba:Benefits, Usage, Dose, Side Effects] (“Bhringraj Eclipta Alba:Benefits, Usage, Dose, Side Effects”). EasyAyurveda.

Though there is no research that confirms that bhringraj can reverse graying there does appear to be some scientific basis for this claim. Your hair color is determined by the quantity of a pigment known as melanin. Studies have found that bhringraj extracts can promote the production of melanin.^[4]Cha, Su Bin, In Hae Park, Seok Hun Hong, Yeun Ja Mun, and Won Hong Woo. “Melanogenic Effect of Eclipta Prostrata (L.) L.” Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine 30, no. … Continue reading Besides, a long history of usage as a herb that can tackle graying makes it worth a shot!

2. Stimulates Hair Growth

Many of us tend to experience some hair loss as we age. Factors such as physical stress caused by major illnesses, childbirth, restrictive diets etc. can also lead to hair loss. As can significant emotional stress or excessive blow drying and shampooing.^[5][Hair loss](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003246.htm“ Hair loss”). U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Ayurveda attributes hair loss and balding to excess pitta, which is associated with the element of fire. Bhringraj with its bitter taste and cooling properties is considered to be ideal for treating this condition.^[6]Anne McIntyre. Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives. Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann. 2005. Scientific research has also found it to be effective in this regard. During the course of a study bhringraj extracts were incorporated into a cream and applied to shaved rats. It was found that the application of Bhringraj reduced the time taken to initiate hair growth by half when compared to a medication used to treat hair loss. There was also a significant reduction in the time taken for complete hair growth. A compound known as β-sitosterol present in bhringraj is considered to be responsible for its hair growth promoting capacity.^[7]Roy, R. K., Mayank Thakur, and V. K. Dixit. “Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats.” Archives of dermatological research 300, no. 7 (2008): 357-364.

3. Helps Fight Dandruff

Dandruff is a very common condition – around 50% of us have to contend with it at some point or the other!^[8][Dandruff and itching scalp](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp#why-dandruff-occurs “Dandruff and itching scalp”). Better Health Channel. A fungus similar to yeast called Malassezia which feeds on the oils present on your scalp is often implicated in this condition.^[9][Dandruff](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850 “Dandruff”).Mayo Clinic. But if you’ve had enough of dandruff flakes and an itchy scalp, bhringraj can bring some relief! Research indicates that it has an antifungal effect and acts against Malassezia.^[10]Kumar, RSA Sorna, G. Sivalakshmi, KA Suba Eshwari, R. Mahalakshmi, D. M. Nivedha, and S. Nivethitha. “Formulation of shampoo from Eclipta alba based on their antioxidant and antimicrobial … Continue reading

4. May Strengthen Hair

While Bhringraj hair oils are traditionally used for strengthening hair, there isn’t scientific research to support this. Its hair strengthening properties likely come from the base oil rather than the herb itself. For instance, coconut oil, which is often used as a base for preparing bhringraj hair oils, has proven hair strengthening properties. It penetrates deeply into hair and can bring down the loss of protein from hair.^[11]India, MumbaL. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.” j, Cosmet. Sci 54 (2003): 175-192.

How To Prepare And Use Bhringraj Oil

• Prepare bhringraj oil by drying ground leaves of this herb in the sun for 2 to 3 days.
• Soak the dried leaves in sesame or coconut oil and leave it in a sunlit place for 2 or 3 days till it turns light green in color.
• You can also add powdered bhringraj leaves to coconut oil and apply heat to make hair oil. This oil can be applied directly to your scalp.

Topical Use Of Bhringraj Oil

• Bhringraj oil is best massaged into your scalp when it’s slightly warm.
• Use indirect heat to warm the oil so the efficacy of its active constituents is maintained. Place the container of bhringraj oil in a bowl of hot water so that it warms up gradually.
• For dandruff, massage in bhringraj oil and leave it overnight. Apply a little lime on your scalp the next day and wash it off.
• For treating hair loss and promoting hair growth, use a circulatory motion for massaging in the oil for at least 10 minutes, and leave it in for about an hour before you wash it off.
• Herbal practitioners recommend combining bhringraj oil with amla oil to tackle grays. Leave it overnight and wash off in the morning for best results.

Internal Use Of Bhringraj Oil

• Leaf extracts of bhringraj are typically taken twice a day for about three months to treat hair loss. Your ayurvedic doctor may also recommend taking bhringraj extracts with cow’s milk.^[12]Jahan, Rownak, Abdullah Al-Nahain, Snehali Majumder, and Mohammed Rahmatullah. “Ethnopharmacological significance of Eclipta alba (L.) hassk.(Asteraceae).” International Scholarly … Continue reading

Precautions While Using Bhringraj Oil

• Topical application of bhringraj can cause a burning or tingling sensation in some people. Apply to a small patch of skin to rule out any reaction or allergic response to this oil before using it on your scalp.
• Bhringraj has a diuretic effect. Check with your doctor before taking it if you use water pills as it may lead to excessive urination and low blood pressure.
• Bhringraj is not recommended for people with bleeding disorders. It can also weaken the effect of blood thinners.
• Topical and oral use of bhringraj needs to be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery to lessen the risk of excessive bleeding.
• There is not sufficient data to confirm that bhringraj is safe for children, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.^[13][The Health Benefits of Bhringraj Oil](https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-bhringaraj-oil-88825 “The Health Benefits of Bhringraj Oil”). Verywell Health.