Bhringraj
Bhringraj
Bhringraj is also known as Kesharaj which means “Ruler of the hair”. It is rich in proteins, vitamins and antioxidants which help protect the body against certain infections.
Bhringraj oil is is effective in promoting hair growth as well as reducing the greying of hair. This is due to the presence of various nutrients in Bhringraj that provide nourishment to the hair scalp. According to Ayurveda, Bhringraj juice rejuvenates the skin and thereby helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and patchy skin due to its anti-aging property. Bhringraj powder along with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) can also be used to manage skin infections and allergies due to its antimicrobial property.
Taking Bhringraj powder along with water helps in the management of cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also protects the liver cells against damage caused by free radicals due to its hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Taking Bhringraj leaves in the powdered form increases the production of urine due to its diuretic property and therefore helps to manage urinary complications. Bhringraj is also beneficial in managing the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders (such as diarrhea and dysentery) like contractions or spasms in the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder due to its antispasmodic property.
It is advisable to use Bhringraj in the recommended dosage as high dosage may cause stomach problems[1-3][4][11].
Bhringraj oil is is effective in promoting hair growth as well as reducing the greying of hair. This is due to the presence of various nutrients in Bhringraj that provide nourishment to the hair scalp. According to Ayurveda, Bhringraj juice rejuvenates the skin and thereby helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and patchy skin due to its anti-aging property. Bhringraj powder along with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) can also be used to manage skin infections and allergies due to its antimicrobial property.
Taking Bhringraj powder along with water helps in the management of cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also protects the liver cells against damage caused by free radicals due to its hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Taking Bhringraj leaves in the powdered form increases the production of urine due to its diuretic property and therefore helps to manage urinary complications. Bhringraj is also beneficial in managing the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders (such as diarrhea and dysentery) like contractions or spasms in the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder due to its antispasmodic property.
It is advisable to use Bhringraj in the recommended dosage as high dosage may cause stomach problems[1-3][4][11].
What are the synonyms of Bhringraj?
Eclipta alba, Bhangra, Thistles, Maka, False Daisy, Markav, Angarak, Bungrah, Kesuti, Babri, Ajagara, Balari, Mockhand, Trailing Eclipta, Eclipta, Prostrata
What is the source of Bhringraj?
Plant Based
Benefits of Bhringraj
1. Hair loss
Bhringraj is one of the most useful Ayurvedic herbs that is used to manage hair fall. According to Ayurveda, the reason for hair fall is an aggravated Vata dosha. Using Bhringraj helps in balancing Vata and remove excessive dryness. It is also good for preventing baldness and thinning of hair due to its unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property.
Tip:
a. Use Bhringraj powder, paste or oil on the scalp 2-3 times a week.
b. For better results, use for at least 4-6 months.
2. Premature hair greying
Bhringraj helps to control premature greying of hair. It has an ability to rejuvenate hair due to its Rasayana property.
3. Wound healing
Bhringraj helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also works on cut and injury due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip:
a. Make a paste of Bhringraj powder or mix it with any oil and apply on the affected area twice a day.
4. Crack heels
Crack heels are a common problem. It is also known as Padadari in Ayurveda and is caused due to vitiation of Vata. It reduces moisture in the skin which makes the skin dry and patchy. Bhringraj helps in case of cracked heels and reduces the pain associated with it. This is due to its Vata balancing and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tip:
a. Apply Bhringraj powder with honey to manage cracked heels.
5. Skin infection
Bhringraj is good for skin infection, minor skin allergies due to its antimicrobial property. This is because of its Ruksha (dry) and Tikta (bitter) nature.
Tip:
a. Make a paste of Bhringraj powder or mix it with any oil and apply on the affected area twice a day.
Bhringraj is one of the most useful Ayurvedic herbs that is used to manage hair fall. According to Ayurveda, the reason for hair fall is an aggravated Vata dosha. Using Bhringraj helps in balancing Vata and remove excessive dryness. It is also good for preventing baldness and thinning of hair due to its unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property.
Tip:
a. Use Bhringraj powder, paste or oil on the scalp 2-3 times a week.
b. For better results, use for at least 4-6 months.
2. Premature hair greying
Bhringraj helps to control premature greying of hair. It has an ability to rejuvenate hair due to its Rasayana property.
3. Wound healing
Bhringraj helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also works on cut and injury due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip:
a. Make a paste of Bhringraj powder or mix it with any oil and apply on the affected area twice a day.
4. Crack heels
Crack heels are a common problem. It is also known as Padadari in Ayurveda and is caused due to vitiation of Vata. It reduces moisture in the skin which makes the skin dry and patchy. Bhringraj helps in case of cracked heels and reduces the pain associated with it. This is due to its Vata balancing and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tip:
a. Apply Bhringraj powder with honey to manage cracked heels.
5. Skin infection
Bhringraj is good for skin infection, minor skin allergies due to its antimicrobial property. This is because of its Ruksha (dry) and Tikta (bitter) nature.
Tip:
a. Make a paste of Bhringraj powder or mix it with any oil and apply on the affected area twice a day.
Precautions when using Bhringraj
Allergy
Modern Science View
1. Apply Bhringraj powder to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction[4].
2. Always use Bhringraj under doctor’s supervision, if you are allergic to Bhringraj or its constituents[4].
2. Always use Bhringraj under doctor’s supervision, if you are allergic to Bhringraj or its constituents[4].
Ayurvedic View
Use Bhringraj powder with rose water if your skin is hypersensitive. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Recommended Dosage of Bhringraj
- Bhringraj Powder - ½-1 teaspoon, two-three times a week.
How to use Bhringraj
1. Bhringraj Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Bhringraj powder.
b. Mix with Coconut oil and massage on the scalp.
c. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash it with any herbal shampoo.
d. Repeat this thrice a week.
2. Bhringraj Leaves Paste
a. Take a bunch of fresh Bhringraj leaves.
b. Make a paste and take ½-1 teaspoon of this paste.
c. Apply it evenly on the scalp and leave for 5-8 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to manage baldness.
3. Bhringraj Oil
a. Take a handful of fresh Bhringraj leaves.
b. Chop it and add these to a cup of Coconut oil.
c. Heat the mixture for five minutes.
d. Cool and strain the oil and store it in a bottle.
e. You can even use Bhringraj powder (3 teaspoons) instead of leaves to prepare this oil at home.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Bhringraj powder.
b. Mix with Coconut oil and massage on the scalp.
c. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash it with any herbal shampoo.
d. Repeat this thrice a week.
2. Bhringraj Leaves Paste
a. Take a bunch of fresh Bhringraj leaves.
b. Make a paste and take ½-1 teaspoon of this paste.
c. Apply it evenly on the scalp and leave for 5-8 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to manage baldness.
3. Bhringraj Oil
a. Take a handful of fresh Bhringraj leaves.
b. Chop it and add these to a cup of Coconut oil.
c. Heat the mixture for five minutes.
d. Cool and strain the oil and store it in a bottle.
e. You can even use Bhringraj powder (3 teaspoons) instead of leaves to prepare this oil at home.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Bhringraj oil is sold under various brands in India. The commonly available ones include Baidyanath, Patanjali, Biotique, Khadi, Dabur, Indulekha and Soulflower Bhringraj oil.
Modern Science View
The common brands of Bhringraj powder in India are Bhringraj powder Patanjali, Herbal hills Bhringraj powder and Banjaras Bhringraj powder.
Modern Science View
1. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Bhringraj powder.
2. Mix with Coconut oil and massage on the scalp.
3. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash it with any herbal shampoo.
4. Repeat this thrice a week to fight hair fall and premature greying of hair.
2. Mix with Coconut oil and massage on the scalp.
3. Leave it for 1-2 hours and wash it with any herbal shampoo.
4. Repeat this thrice a week to fight hair fall and premature greying of hair.
Modern Science View
Mahabhringaraj oil is one of the commonly used formulations of Bhringraj oil for hair growth. This oil contains Bhringraj extract with Sesame oil as the base oil along with a whole lot of various herbs such as Manjishth, Mulethi and Anantamul.
Modern Science View
The cost of Bhringraj oil can range anywhere between Rs 135 - Rs 150 online for a 120 ml bottle.
References
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- Joshi S.Indigenous drugs.Practical Pharmacognosy (1st ed.).Frank Brothers;2009.
- Jahan R, Al-Nahain A, Majumder S, et al.Ethnopharmacological significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.(Asteraceae).Int Sch Res Notices.2014;385969.
- Puri HS.\"Bhringraj\".Rasayana: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation(1st ed).CRC Press; 2003.
- Kumar V, Singh PK.Ethnomedicinal plants used as antidote for snake-bite and scorpion-sting in Bundelkhand (U.P.), India.IOSR J Environ Sci Toxicol Food Technol.2014;8(1):52–55.
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- Banerjee A, Shrivastava N, Kothari A, et al. Antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Eclipta alba.Indian J Pharm Sci.2005;67(2):165–168.
- Jayathirtha MG, Mishra SH.Preliminary immunomodulatory activities of methanol extracts of Eclipta alba and Centella asiatica.Phytomedicine.2004;11(4):361-5.
- Yadav NK, Arya RK, Dev K, et al.Alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba shows in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity without exhibiting toxicological effects.Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.2017:18.
- Samaiya PK, Bhattamisra SK, Rao CV, et.al. Antisecretory and antiulcer activities of eclipta alba Linn.in rats. Anc Sci Life. 2012;32(1):S3.
- Pal RS, Pal Y, Rai AK, et.al. Synthesis and Evaluation of Herbal Based Hair Dye. The Open Dermatology Journal.2018;12(1):90-98.
- Bhalerao S, Verma DR, Teli NC, et.al. Eclipta alba (L.): An Overview. Int. J. Bioassays.2013;2 (11):1443-1447.
- Balakrishnan P, Sekar GK, Srinivasan P, et.al. Distinctive Pharmacological Activities Of Eclipta alba and It’s Coumestan Wedelolactone.IAJPS.2018; 5(4):2996-3002.
- Rajan C, Rawal, Gandhi P, et.al Clinical Evaluation of Hairbac tablet and oil in the management of Diffuse Hair loss: An open clinical study. Int.J.Res.Ayurveda Pharm.2013;4(4):564-569.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.