Botanical Name: Eclipta Alba
Family: Asteraceae
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 dosha.
How Eating This Helps
- Scalp Nourishment: When ingested its active compounds, helps strengthen hair follicles inside out.
- Stress and Heat Reduction: It has natural calming and cooling effects. By soothing the nervous system, it lowers pitta dosha that can trigger premature greying and hair thinning.
- Liver Detoxification: It has liver-protecting properties. A healthy liver processes nutrients more efficiently, which helps hair follicles receive the proteins and vitamins needed for robust growth.
Consumption Method
Powder (Churan): mix 2-4 gm of powder with warm milk or water.
Time: you can take this powder empty stomach in the morning or if you want its digestive benefits then you can have it after meals also.
But it's always good to ask your vaidya before getting started.
Bhringraj as a Powder
It works great as a hair mask, it helps in deep conditioning of hair, improves scalp health, promotes hair growth, reduces hair fall and thinning, prevents premature greying of hair.
Note
Whenever you use a hair mask, try to wash your hair with shampoo properly before applying any mask, if you can take hair steam for 5 minutes it's an add on, it helps in gently lifting hair cuticles, this process allows deep conditioners, hair masks or oils to penetrate the hair shaft.
It gives intense hydration, improves hair elasticity which reduces breakage further and stimulates scalp blood circulation that supports healthier hair growth.
Method of Using It
If you are just a beginner, start with mixing 2 tablespoons of powder with enough water to make a smooth paste. Leave it for 30-40 minutes before rinsing it, let your hair dry naturally.
When applied topically, the extract appeared to promote the transition from resting to an active hair growth phase.
Bhringraj oil has also been found to have some antibacterial and antifungal properties.
People mix oil with other herbal extracts to help hair appear less gray.
While its anti-inflammatory properties may potentially help with psoriasis or other scalp irritations, these hair darkening properties.
Bhringraj in nature is ruksha (dry) in nature. To prevent the herb drying your hair out, you can use a hair pack with yogurt and castor oil.
Bhringraj Oil
Ayurvedic texts suggest that bhringraj oil may have effects on the body beyond just hair and scalp health. These include helping with:
- Relaxation and sleep
- Infections
- Liver detoxification
- Skin issues
Drug Interactions
Because it can act as a diuretic, it may worsen urinary problems. Avoid combining it with diuretic medications.
In addition, combining it with drugs that reduce cholesterol could potentially worsen the side effects of these medications.
Kindly consult your physician before using it.
Side Effects
There are no known side effects, pregnant women and elderly should seek medical advice before starting it.
Conclusion
Bhringraj on the whole is an excellent herb, for hair, whether you eat it, use it as a hair mask or an oil. It will give you immense benefits, it is believed to be called "king of herbs" for hair. However, a good diet and lifestyle plays a major role in hair care. Neglecting these two things can never help you with good hair. Incorporate balanced meals and some sort of physical exercise in your daily routine. And remember if you are a vegetarian always see for your protein intake.
