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
Vernacular names
Hindi name– Bhangra, Bhangaraiya
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, Kesharanjana – helps to relieve grey hairs
Bhringaraja – Helps to make the hair silky and shiny like that of peacock.
Bharnagaraha, Bringa, Mahaneela, Ravipriya, angaraka, Suryavarta, Pitrupriya.
Different varieties
In Raja nighantu three varieties are mentioned;
- Shweta Bhringaraja (E..Alba) – white variety
- Bhringaraja (Wedelia calendulacea Less) – yellow variety.
- Bhringaraja(E. Alba?)
Distribution
This herb is found throughout India, especially in marshy places.
Major chemical constituents
Ecliptic, Wedelolactone, Des-me thyl wedelolactone, stigmasterol; Heptacosanol, Hentriacontanol, sixteen polyacetylenic thiophenes etc.
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.
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 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, early stage of liver diseases. It stimulates liver.
Amanut – useful in indigestion, relieves Ama.
Shiro artinut – useful in headache
Chakshushya – useful in improving eye sight
Kesharanjana – useful in grey 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 grey hairs and headache.
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. While 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 capsules and started taking 2×2 capsules a day. After one week I noticed swelling of first my first in the morning which then changed to swelling of my feet, particular 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 women, so this was very unusual. As soon as I stopped taking the capsules the swelling subsided and now two days later my feet 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 side effect on higher dose. However, it is worthwhile to know about its side effect on higher dose.
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
of the 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.
and then
Which variety should be used in order to get rid of grey hair?
White variety – Eclipta alba
Is Shweta Bhrngaraja oil available on Ayurvedic stores?
Hi Archana, any Bhringaraja hair oil that is available in the market is made using white variety only.
Many Thanks for the information. 🙂
Neelibhringadi tailam / Bhringamalakadi tailam are good oils. AVN, AVP, Kottakkal etc manufacture these and they are good brands.
Thumbs up !! Very useful article
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.
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.
Welcome, Dr Alexandr. Nice to be in touch with you.
🙂 Nice to meet you too, colleague.
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.
Hello Sravani,
If your doctor has advised Bhringarajasav, then you can take it as per his advice.
Baidyanath and Sandu company product is good.
which variety should be used for hair fall
White variety of Bhringaraja.
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
is it safe to eat one teaspoon daily to counter hairfall?
For a long term use, half a teaspoon of powder per day should be good, for hair care.
Can have the pic of bhringamalakadi tailam
Please do a Google search
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?
Can you add the Kannada name too for local readers.. I think it is called Garagada Soppu
Hi,
Thanks for your help.
Is this bhringaraja powder good to use it for Vitiligo?
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.
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
Hi, it is useful to some extent.
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.
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.
Is it better to take eclipta alba capsules with food or on empty stomach? thanks for your help.
Depends on the purpose. Either ways is fine.
bringaraj oil make at home.but the oil fully black why?
You might have over-burnt it. Watch for the ending symptoms that I have explained in the video very carefully.
how to use baidyanath’s mahabhringraj oil for nasya? is goat milk in necessary, and how much goat milk is needed?>
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/
thank you very much
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/
hello sir this is saikumar ..is there is chance to eat the bhringaraj powder …please let me know
Dear sir,
You can eat the leaves of the plant instead. You can incoporate the leaves of Bhringaraj in salads and eat them.
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
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!
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
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.
Hello dr shall i use yellow flowered bhringraj to make hair oil? Which veriety is good yellow flowered or white?
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/
Hi, white one, Eclipta alba is the one used in Ayurveda.
Hello Sir, Can you tell me from where i can get black flowered bhringraj
No idea.
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?
Hi, it is normal to have cool sensation if the base oil is coconut oil.
if it is of hot potency, how then it cools scalp. kindly reply. bringaraj cools scalp
Because coconut oil is a coolant.
We have prepared bringaraj oli bt for how much period we can use it..I mean will it expire
You can use it for up to 12-18 months time.
Sir, I am liver shoories patent , pl let me know about white bhrigraj, and from where I will get it
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
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.
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
Hello doctor is it safe to take bhringraj and nettle leaf together ?
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
Thanks for your reply .
Is there any specific variety of bhringraja powder there for drinking or all are same .
White variety – Eclipta alba is the right one for all purposes.
does it work on preventing grey hair??? Please advixe
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.
Which is the best way to take bhringraj powder, mixing with honey or boiling with water?
Both are good ways.
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.
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.
Sir I am becoming bald, my father have also baldness. If I try brighraj oil, is that work for me to grow new hairs?
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?
Hai sir, Is eclipta prostrata and eclipta alba same?
Is BHRINGRAJ safe to use in your hair during pregnancy
Sir my hair is 60% whait plz asked black hair
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.
No. It does not contribute to weight gain.
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.
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.
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!