Angaraka (Angaraka (Keshraja, Bhringara, Kesharnjana))
Angaraka, botanically known as Eclipta alba, is an important herb in Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is well-regarded for its beneficial effects on hair, liver, and skin health.
Botanical name: Eclipta alba. Also known as: Bhringaraja, Tekarajah, Markava, Kesharanjana, Ravipriya, Bharnagaraha, Angaraka, Mahaneela, Pitrupriya, Bringa, Suryavarta, False Daisy, Trailing Eclipta, Bhangra, Bhangaraiya, Babri, Garagada soppu, Garga, Kayanthakara, Kaikeshi, Galgara, Guntagal Agaraku, Maka, Bhangaro, Kesuriya, Bhangra, Jala bhangara, Tekaraja, Kannunni, Kayanthakarra, Karisalankani, Kadimulabit, Yerba de Tago.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Hair growth promotion
Dosage
Powder: 3-6 grams per day, or 1-3 grams twice a day with warm water. Juice: 10-15 ml once a day, or 20-30 ml per day. For liver disorders, 10-15 ml of fresh juice can be taken early morning on an empty stomach. Decoction: 20-40 ml twice daily for chronic skin diseases. A general method is to add 1 tablespoon (10 grams) of coarse powder to 2 cups of water, boil until reduced to 1 cup, then filter and use. Oil: For external use, massage into the scalp 2-3 times a week.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Keshya (hair tonic)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Yakrituttejaka (liver stimulant)
- Kushtahara (skin disease relieving)
Traditional uses
- Hair fall
- Premature graying of hair
- Skin diseases
- Liver disorders
- Splenomegaly
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fresh Juice: The whole plant can be crushed to extract fresh juice.
- Powder: The plant can be dried and ground into a powder.
- Decoction (Kwath): Boil the dry plant or coarse powder in water until reduced to one cup, then filter.
- Oil: Traditional Bhringaraj oil is prepared with 25 grams of Bhringaraj paste (Kalka), 100 ml of sesame or coconut oil, and 400 ml of Bhringaraj decoction or 200 ml of fresh juice. These ingredients are then cooked together.
- Extraction Methods: Modern extraction techniques like supercritical fluid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction are used to enhance the yield and purity of bioactive compounds. Other methods include maceration, soxhlet extraction, reflux extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressure-assisted extraction.
Contraindications
- Pregnant mothers should seek a doctor's advice before taking this herb.
- A reader reported a side effect of feet swelling after taking 300mg capsules twice a day for a week.
Side effects
- No known side effects have been reported with regular doses.
- Pregnant women should seek a doctor's advice before using this herb.
- In theory, any plant could cause an allergic reaction. Perform a skin patch test before extensive use.
- One reader reported swelling of the feet after taking 2x2 capsules a day of 300mg Bhringaraj.
Interactions
- Due to its potential diuretic effect, it may worsen urinary problems. Avoid combining with diuretic medications.
- Combining it with drugs that reduce cholesterol could potentially worsen the side effects of these medications.
Clinical evidence
Clinical studies and trials indicate that Eclipta alba (Bhringraj) shows promising results in managing skin conditions like psoriasis and promoting hair growth. Meta-analyses and databases show supportive evidence for these uses, however, global regulatory bodies are still reviewing the plant's safety profile for broader use in pharmaceutical products.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Keshya (hair tonic)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Yakrituttejaka (liver stimulant)
- Kushtahara (skin disease relieving)
Classical clinical indications
- Hair fall
- Premature graying of hair
- Skin diseases
- Liver disorders
- Splenomegaly