Bhringraj

Properties

Promotes hair growth, Strengthens hair follicles, Prevents premature graying, Reduces hair fall, Treats dandruff, Hepatoprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Calms the mind, Boosts immunity, Regulates blood sugar levels, Blood purifier, Antioxidant

Dosage

Powder: 3-5 grams, Fresh juice: 10-15 ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
• Virya: Cooling
• Vipaka: Pungent

Benefits

• Bhringraj (Eclipta alba L.), a plant well known in Ayurveda, has been reviewed for its medicinal uses
• These uses include anti-hepatotoxic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hair rejuvenation properties (Review)
• Keshya (hair growth promoter)
• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)

Traditional uses

• Hair fall
• Premature graying
• Dandruff
• Scalp infections
• Liver disorders

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Swarasa (fresh juice): Standard preparation as per API.
• Churna (powder): Standard preparation as per API.
• Taila (oil): Standard preparation as per API.
• Kwatha (decoction): Standard preparation as per API.
• Ghrita (medicated ghee): Standard preparation as per API.
• Asava/Arishta (fermented liquids): Standard preparation as per API.
• Leha (linctus): Standard preparation as per API.

Contraindications

• Severe allergic reaction to Bhringraj or its components
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to potential liver problems and toxic substances in some Ayurvedic products)
• Children (high doses may cause liver toxicity)
• People with liver problems (may worsen liver conditions)
• People with urinary conditions (may worsen symptoms like frequent urination)

Side effects

• Bhringraj may cause liver toxicity at high doses. Some Ayurvedic products may contain toxic levels of heavy metals like lead and mercury. Use with caution if you have other medical conditions. Discontinue use if you develop a rash, hives, or other skin reactions.

Interactions

• Blood pressure medications (may lower blood pressure excessively)
• Cholesterol medications (may alter effects and side effects)
• Blood thinners, anticoagulants, and drugs metabolized by the liver

Clinical evidence

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba L.), a plant well known in Ayurveda, has been reviewed for its medicinal uses. These uses include anti-hepatotoxic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hair rejuvenation properties (Review). Clinical investigations have been done on pharmacological activities like hepatotoxicity, proliferative, diabetic, hypolipidemic effects, and the potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus (Review). It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver ailments and exhibits antimytotoxic, analgesic, antibacterial, antihepatotoxic, antihaemorrhagic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties (Review).

Ayurvedic karmas

• Keshya (hair growth promoter)
• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
• Vedna Sthapana (analgesic)
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Yakrut Uttejaka (liver stimulant)
• Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
• Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
• Kapha-nashak (reduces Kapha)
• Pittahara (reduces Pitta)

Classical clinical indications

• Hair fall
• Premature graying
• Dandruff
• Scalp infections
• Liver disorders
• Skin diseases
• Digestive problems
• Headache
• Eye disorders
• Anemia
• Hypertension
• Urinary complications
• Cough
• Asthma
• Wound healing
• Inflammation
• Stress
• Insomnia

Frequently asked questions