Bhringraj Eclipta Alba: Benefits, Usage, Dose, Side Effects
Bhringraj is an important Ayurveda herb, widely used in hair fall treatment, liver disorders, skin diseases etc. Its botanical name is – Eclipta alba. Its whole plant is used for various medicinal purposes.
Botanical Name– Eclipta Alba (L.)Hassk [EcliptaEclipta prostrata (L) L; Verbesina prostrate L;]
Family– Asteraceae (Bhringaraja Kula)
Table of Contents
Home remedies
Few simple and effective home remedies of Bhringaraja re explained here below-
Throat infection
1. Bhringaraja fine powder with honey for throat irritation:
Dried bhringaraja is taken and fine powder is made and stored. 2-3 gram of this powder is mixed with honey and licked. This is effective in the treatment of cold, cough, throat irritation, anaemia, asthma etc.
Liver disorders
2. Fresh juice of leaves for liver disorders:
Whole plant is crushed to obtain fresh juice. This is taken early in the morning preferably in the empty stomach, in a dose of 10 – 15 ml. As per the need Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus indica) or Jeeraka (Cumin seeds) can be added to this remedy.
Regular practice for 7-12 days helps significantly in the treatment of liver disorders and obstructive jaundice.
Sexual virility
3. Seeds soaked in water for sexual virility:
The seeds are collected and stored immediately after the flowering, when it dries up, 2-3 pinches of this seed are soaked in sugar water and taken daily in the morning and evening. This helps to improve sexual vigor and promotes sperm count.
Chronic skin diseases
4. Bhringaraja (dry) decoction in chronic skin diseases:
The dry plant or coarse powder is taken and decoction is made. Daily this decoction is consumed in the dose of 20-40 ml twice daily. This has good benefits over the steroid resistant skin diseases and in psoriasis.
General method of decoction preparation is –
1 tablespoon (10 grams) of coarse powder of the herb is added with 2 cups of water. Boiled in open air till the total content is reduced to 1 cup. This is filtered and used.
Read related: How To Make Bhringraj Oil For Hair Growth [Video]
Hair care
5. Bhringaraja traditional oil for hair care:
25 grams of Bhringaraja Kalka(paste), 100 ml of sesame or coconut oil and 400 ml Bhringaraja decoction or 200 ml of fresh juice are taken and oil is cooked. This is effective in dandruff, hair fall, premature graying of hair, split hair etc.
Vernacular names
Hindi name– Bhangra, Bhangaraiya, Maka
English name – False Daisy
Kannada name – Garagada Soppu, Garga
Telugu Name– Guntagal Agaraku, Galgara
Tamil Name– Kayanthakarra, Kaikeshi
Marathi Name– Maka
Gujarati Name– Bhangaro
Punjabi Name– Bhangra
Bengali Name– Kesuriya
Malayalam Name- Jala Bhangara, Tekaraja
Arabic Name – Kadimulambit
Sanskrit Synonyms
Markava – Prevent premature graying of hair
Kesharanjana – helps to relieve gray hairs
Kesaraja – Good for hair
Bhringaraja – Helps to make the hair silky and shiny like that of a peacock.
Bharnagaraha,
Bringahva – Plant attracts honey bee
Mahaneela,
Ravipriya, angaraka, Suryavarta, Pitrupriya.
Classification
Bh. Pr. Ni – Guduchyadi varga
Different varieties
In Raja nighantu three varieties are mentioned; White, yellow and blue.
- Shweta Bhringaraja (E..Alba) – white variety
- Bhringaraja (Wedelia calendulacea Less) – yellow variety.
- Bhringaraja( E. Alba?)
Yellow variety is more commonly grown as a decorative herb. The white and blue flowered varieties are used as Bhringaraj, for medicinal use.
Distribution
This herb is found throughout India, especially in marshy places. It grows rapidly in the rainy season.
Morphology
Root – Branched
Stem – Herbaceous, aerial, erect, cylindrical, branched, hairy
Leaf – Ramal, and cauline, simple, opposite elliptical reticulate venation
Inflorescence -Capitulum
Fruits – Cypsela
Useful parts – Panchanga ( leaves, stem, flower, root, fruits
Major chemical constituents
Ecliptic, Wedelolactone, Des-me thyl wedelolactone, stigmasterol; Heptacosanol, Hentriacontanol, sixteen polyacetylenic thiophenes etc.
Ecliptin is the master constituent which makes the drug unique to apply in hair care as well in liver disorders and skin diseases.
The main chemical constituents of the plant are wedololactone, demethylwedelolactone; the other constituents are ecliptal, ß-amyrin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, hentriacontanol, heptacosanol, and stigmasterol.
Medicinal qualities
- Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Guna (qualities) – Rooksha (dryness), Laghu (light to digest)
- Veerya- Ushna – Hot potency
- Vipaka- Katu – undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
- Action – Kesya, Twachya, Krimighna, Swasahara, Netrya
Pharmacological Action
Hepatoprotective
Purgative
Analgesic
Hypotensive
Antiviral
Effect on Tridosha
Because of its pungent, bitter taste, dryness and lightness, it balances Kapha Dosha. Because of its hot potency, it balances Vata. Hence, it balances Kapha and Vata Doshas.
Part used
Whole Plant
Sanskrit verse
Bhringaraja benefits
(Correction – 7th line of verse, 4th word – Kushtanetra)
Akshirogahrut – useful in eye diseases
Dantya – improves strength of teeth
Tvachya – improves skin quality, useful in skin diseases
Keshya – improves the quality of hair. Hence it is one of the prime herbs used in many hair oils, like Bhringamalakadi Tailam
Rasayana – rejuvenating, anti aging
Kasahara – relieves cough, cold. Hence Bhringarajasavam, a very famous medicine with Bhringaraja as main ingredient is quite commonly prescribed in respiratory infections, cold, cough etc.
Krumihara – useful in intestinal worm infestation and infected wounds
Shwasahara – useful in asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases
Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases
Shophahara – good anti-inflammatory herb, relieves pain, swelling and redness.
Pandunut – useful in anemia, an early stage of liver diseases. It stimulates the liver.
Amanut – useful in indigestion, relieves Ama.
Shiro artinut – useful in headache
Chakshushya – useful in improving eye sight
Kesharanjana – useful in gray hairs
Vishaghna – anti-poisonous, anti-toxic
It detoxifies blood. Hence it is used as an ingredient in Maha Manjsihtadi Kwath.
The seeds are used for aphrodisiac therapy
Its paste is applied over the swollen areas of elephantiasis, abscess etc.
Its paste is also applied over wounds to reduce pain and to induce quick wound healing.
Its juice extract is used as eye and ear drops to relieve infection and pain.
It is used for Nasya (nasal drops), after mixing with goat milk, in gray hairs and headaches.
Bhringaraja juice extract is administered along with castor oil to relieve intestinal worm infestation.
Learn how to make Bhringaraj hair oil
Bhringaraja juice extract – is administered for the purpose of rejuvenation, for a long period of time. During its administration, the patient is made to eat only cooked rice with milk. This helps to improve strength, immunity, fertility and life expectancy.
Dosage
Fresh Juice 5-10 ml
Powder – 250 mg – 2 grams in divided dose per day, or as advised by Ayurveda doctor.
Research
Hepato-protective activity of Eclipta alba (liver protective action)
Phyto-chemical standardization
Hair growth promotion activity
Side effects
Eclipta alba side effects:
There are no known side effects with this medicine in its regular dose.
It is used in medicines of pediatric conditions and in lactating mothers.
Pregnant mothers should seek doctor’s advice before taking this herb.
A side effect reported by reader:
About 3 weeks ago I bought this herb in 300mg per capsule and started taking 2×2 capsules a day. After one week I noticed swelling of my feet first in the morning which then changed to swelling of my feet, particularly my right one. I continued taking the capsules for another week before making the connection to the capsules. It was so bad that I had difficulties walking as my feet were so swollen. I’m a healthy and slim woman, so this was very unusual. As soon as I stopped taking the capsules the swelling subsided and now two days later my feet are almost back to normal.
Note by Dr Hebbar:
Eclipta alba capsule dose of 2 X 2 per day is slightly higher than the usual prescribed dose of 1 capsule (or tablet) once or twice a day. So the above side effect can be noted as a side effect on higher dose. However, it is worthwhile to know about its side effects on higher doses.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic Medicines
Bhringaraja taila, Bhringarajasava,
Bhringavaleha, Markava taila,
Shadbindu taila,
Bhringarajadi choorna,
Bhringaraja ghrita, Bhringamalaka taila,
Neelibhringaraja taila etc. are the few important formulations of this herb. Even though the leaves and stem are rich in medicinal principles whole plant can be used for medicinal purpose.
Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)
External Application – External application of its paste is indicated in Elephantiasis, Hard Swellings etc. Promote wound healing and prevent scarring. Its juice can be administered on the ear and eyes. Juice can be applied on the head in case of headache. Juice mixed with goat milk can be used as nasya in Headache (Suryavarta) (Helps to reduce swelling, pain. good for eyes, promote hair growth).
Internal administration –
Nervous System – Pacify vata dosha and reduce pain. Indicated headache, giddiness etc.
Eyes – Good for Eyesight
Digestive System – It is carminative, digestant and stimulates the liver. Its action is mainly in Liver. Help for the proper release of pancreatic juice, and promote digestion. Indicated in worm infestation, Helps to reduce colic pain (Sulaprasamana). Indicated in loss of appetite, low digestive fire, indigestion, enlargement of Liver, Spleen, Hemorrhoids, Jaundice, Abdominal cramp etc. Its juice along with castor oil can be given for worm infestation.
Circulatory System – it helps for blood purification. Indicated in Hypertension, Anemia, generalized swelling etc..
Respiratory System – Katu and bitter taste helps to pacify Kapha dosha.
Excretory System – it has diuretic action and is indicated in burning micturition.
Reproductive System – Its seeds are Aphrodisiac.
Satmikarana – Promote strength, and health of the body.
Tvak (Skin) – Indicated in skin diseases like Kushta, Kilasa (Leucoderma), Sitapitta (Seasonal allergy) and other minor diseases.
Tapakrama – Indicated in fever as it helps for sweat production and Ama pachana.
81 comments
Archana
Which variety should be used in order to get rid of grey hair?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
White variety – Eclipta alba
Archana
Is Shweta Bhrngaraja oil available on Ayurvedic stores?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi Archana, any Bhringaraja hair oil that is available in the market is made using white variety only.
Archana
Many Thanks for the information. 🙂
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Neelibhringadi tailam / Bhringamalakadi tailam are good oils. AVN, AVP, Kottakkal etc manufacture these and they are good brands.
Haseena
Thumbs up !! Very useful article
Alexandr
Hello, doctor. Whether bringaraj in tablets as a liver toner will approach? The matter is that I took a lot of medicine during treatment after a car accident. Now complaints fast fatigue, often bad mood. Thanks a lot, Sir.
Alexandr
Thank you, doctor! I am the doctor too (ophthalmologist), but unfortunately while I understand in an Ayurveda a little. The western medicine can treat (to supervise) chronic diseases, but not to cure. In an Ayurveda, as far as I know a situation with chronic diseases more favorable.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Welcome, Dr Alexandr. Nice to be in touch with you.
Alexandr
🙂 Nice to meet you too, colleague.
Alexandr
While I in search of the competent ayurvedic doctor to get to him on reception. I very much like approaches to diagnostics and treatment of diseases in the Ayurveda. While I am not able to afford to go to study to India, I have a family, small children. But everything is very interesting, as for traditional Indian medicine. I thank you, the sir.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hello Sravani,
If your doctor has advised Bhringarajasav, then you can take it as per his advice.
Baidyanath and Sandu company product is good.
manojkumar
which variety should be used for hair fall
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
White variety of Bhringaraja.
satish
hello sir i am 20 i am loosing my hair from around 1 year and with in a span of one year i have lost my front hair so does i gain my hair by using bhringaraja
Karam
is it safe to eat one teaspoon daily to counter hairfall?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
For a long term use, half a teaspoon of powder per day should be good, for hair care.
devi
Can have the pic of bhringamalakadi tailam
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Please do a Google search
vijay
sir , i have hair loss problem. do the tablet form is available in ayurvedic medical shop ??? if ,so much quantity have to be taken per day?
Srinath
Can you add the Kannada name too for local readers.. I think it is called Garagada Soppu
sol
Hi,
Thanks for your help.
Is this bhringaraja powder good to use it for Vitiligo?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, if your hair fall cause is genetic, then bhringaraj powder or oil might not help to a great extent. However, it might help in reducing hair loss.
Raj
Hi Dr JV,I’m 47 male started loosing my hair vigorously for the last one year.
I’m thinking of using Banyan healthy hair tablets.Will it stop my hair loss and gain my hair back to normal.
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/shop/health-topic/hair-health/healthy-hair-tablets-10
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, it is useful to some extent.
LeV.
Hi Doc,
very nice and informative website!
I am looking for Wedelia Calendulacea (which I believe it’s name was changed and is currently called Sphagneticola Calendulacea), the YELLOW variety of Bhangra?
I am looking to find a source of the whole plant powder, for this plant. Can you advise what this yellow variety is called commercially in stores, and can you recomment an online store for it?
Manny thanks,
LeeV.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, sorry that I do not know the source for this herb. I am posting this comment so that other readers who might know the source of this plant could help.
monica
Is it better to take eclipta alba capsules with food or on empty stomach? thanks for your help.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Depends on the purpose. Either ways is fine.
affrin.m
bringaraj oil make at home.but the oil fully black why?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
You might have over-burnt it. Watch for the ending symptoms that I have explained in the video very carefully.
amit
how to use baidyanath’s mahabhringraj oil for nasya? is goat milk in necessary, and how much goat milk is needed?>
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, goat milk is not needed along with Mahabhringaraj oil.
As a general measure for wellness, you can put 2 drops of Mahabhringraj oil to both nostrils, at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
Read more about Mahabhringaraj oil – http://ayurmedinfo.com/2012/05/26/mahabhringaraj-oil-benefits-how-to-use-ingredients-side-effects/
Read the rules of nasya -treatment – easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/
amit
thank you very much
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
It is safe to use for long term, similar to anu taila – in a daily dose of – 2 drops to each nostril.
Read related – Mahabhringaraj oil benefits – http://ayurmedinfo.com/2012/05/26/mahabhringaraj-oil-benefits-how-to-use-ingredients-side-effects/
Nasya rules and correct method – easyayurveda.com/2013/08/12/how-to-do-ayurvedic-nasya-treatment-at-home-nasal-drops-for-long-life/
saikumar
hello sir this is saikumar ..is there is chance to eat the bhringaraj powder …please let me know
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear sir,
You can eat the leaves of the plant instead. You can incoporate the leaves of Bhringaraj in salads and eat them.
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear Madam,
You can take the Powder of Bhringaraj 1 teaspoon daily with water. But it would be effective if applied externally on the hair.
You can apply this mixture and try:
> Make a powder of these and apply a paste of this adding luke warm water and apply on to the head and leave it for 20 minutes and wash off: Bhringaraj powder + Amalaki powder + Methi powder.
Note: As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways. Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician
Leigh
Hello! I am considering taking bhringraj powder internally for hair fall. I read one comment somewhere that it can impact hormone balance in women (increase estrogen, I believe). But the info was not written by a doctor so I wasn’t sure if it was correct. Can you let me know if it does have any effect on hormones?
Thank you!
Sam
Hi Dr.Hebbar,
There are some companies which say that Bhringaraj calms Pitta as well, please can you put some light on it?
Just want to be sure if a pitta person is able to take it for hair fall.
Thank you
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
I have mentioned references from 4 traditional text books. None have mentioned it as Pittahara.
But in case of hair fall, even a Pitta person can take it. It is not as hot as ginger or pepper, for example.
Haseena
Hello dr shall i use yellow flowered bhringraj to make hair oil? Which veriety is good yellow flowered or white?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
White is the preferred one.
Read how to make Bhringaraj hair oil – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2013/03/25/how-to-make-bhringraj-oil-for-hair-growth-video/
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, white one, Eclipta alba is the one used in Ayurveda.
Prithpal
Hello Sir, Can you tell me from where i can get black flowered bhringraj
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
No idea.
Caroline Rose
Just found your post. I have the oil for my hair and just used it . Is it normal to have tingling or a cool sensation from my head to chest and under arms?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, it is normal to have cool sensation if the base oil is coconut oil.
scott
if it is of hot potency, how then it cools scalp. kindly reply. bringaraj cools scalp
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Because coconut oil is a coolant.
9701866028
We have prepared bringaraj oli bt for how much period we can use it..I mean will it expire
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
You can use it for up to 12-18 months time.
NITESH
Sir, I am liver shoories patent , pl let me know about white bhrigraj, and from where I will get it
Sravani
Hi can we whole bringaraj plant juice, I mean along with the can mix the stem n whole content in mixer n extract the juice n can we apply like that. Or do we have to apply level juice to hair please tell me
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, the juice extraction technique is correct.
But this juice does not have shelf life. It needs to be used within one day only.
The juice extract can be prepared and applied 15 minutes before hair wash. 2 – 3 times a week.
Sravani
So you mean to say we can use whole body of bringaraj plant, along with leaves can b used stem and flowers. Hope i am clear
Ben
Hello doctor is it safe to take bhringraj and nettle leaf together ?
shiri
Can we drink bhringraj powder daily at empty stomach. As I head below benefits of this
1. Liver and Kidney disorder
2. Hair scalp skin
3. Milanin stimulation for gray hair
shiri
Thanks for your reply .
Is there any specific variety of bhringraja powder there for drinking or all are same .
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
White variety – Eclipta alba is the right one for all purposes.
deepa
does it work on preventing grey hair??? Please advixe
Mita
Is bhringaraj the same as japapatti? Some herbal hair cleansers have japapatti listed as an ingredient. When I googled the term, only results for bhringaraj showed up.
Manian
Which is the best way to take bhringraj powder, mixing with honey or boiling with water?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Both are good ways.
Delia
Hello, I have for the second time, a patch of alopecia areata – hair completely falls leaving small bald patch. Purchased bhringaraj oil and powder capsules. Should I take capsules while doing oil treatment, if so, how often & for how long? Thank you in advance.
Harinama
Very nice website and information, thank you Namaste.
In regards to patient complication listed under herb information is it not possible that the capsule itself was not a cause of the response. Many gel capsules are not good for the body but the herb itself maybe fine. Powder or tablets are best and always quality and sourcing of herbs is most important.
Sineesh
Sir I am becoming bald, my father have also baldness. If I try brighraj oil, is that work for me to grow new hairs?
Sineesh
Sir,
I am becoming bald i think because of my father also have baldness. So if I use brighraj oil, will it help to regrow my hairs?
harsha Vardhan
Hai sir, Is eclipta prostrata and eclipta alba same?
Lisa
Is BHRINGRAJ safe to use in your hair during pregnancy
sunil
Sir my hair is 60% whait plz asked black hair
Sophie
Is it possible that bhringraj can cause weight gain? I took it for about a week and noticed a gain of a few pounds. I’m also taking amla and got kola so not sure which may be causing the gain.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
No. It does not contribute to weight gain.
Tejaswini
I prepared the oil by boiling all the mentioned ingredients for hairfall control and pre mature white hair almost 70%.. bringraj, henna, amala, hibiscus powder in preparing the hair oil along with these Olive, almond, coconut, castor oils, curry leaves and onion. Suggest me on usage of this oil Sir.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
You can use it as regular hair oil for daily usage.
once or twice a day, apply a large quantity of oil on scalp, 1 hour before bath.
Bela
Thank u for your reply! I have systemic iritis and someone told me to take karisalai karpam which is not available in canada but bhringraj is!
Raji
Dear doctor,
I follow your your tube channel and it is very informative . Thank you ?
I have question – is it safe to mix bringraj and brahmi powder together and taking a tsp everyday? If yes how long we can take without any side effects? I want to take this for my hair loss problem . Will it be helpful?
Thanks in advance
Raji
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
1. Yes.
2. For 2 months time.
3. Yes, useful.