Bhringraj benefits for hair care are well known, but do you know that this herb can be used for many other health problems. In this article we will dive deep into unlocking the numerous benefits that bhringraj gives.
Latin Name: Eclipta Alba
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Bhangra, Bhangaraiya
- Bengali: Kesuriya
- Tamil: Kayanthakarra, Kaikeshi
- Telugu: Gungagal, Agaraju, Galgara
- Kannada: Garagada, Soppu, Garga
- Malayalam: Jal Bhangara, Tekaraja
- Marathi: Maka
- Gujarati: Bhangaro
- Punjabi: Bhangra
Sanskrit Name:
Markava : Prevents premature greying of hairs
Keshranjana : Helps to relieve grey hairs
Bhringraja : helps to make hair silky & shiny like a peacock
Bhringahva : Plant that attracts honey bee.
Bhringraj Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Bhringraj is a important herb in Ayurveda as a rasayana (antiageing property), twachya ( improves skin tone). The herb of Bhringraj benefits in balancing kapha dosha because of its bitter and pungent taste . Along with this it also helps in balancing Vata dosha because of its hot potency. Therefore it is Kapha- Vata dosha balancing herb.
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Benefits of Bhringraj
As an Anti inflammatory
Bhringraj is an excellent anti inflammatory and helps is reducing swelling, redness and hotness associated with inflammation. This property of bhringraj benefits in relieving pain and swelling in joints.
Helpful in liver disorder
Bhringraj is an excellent herb which can be used as a liver tonic to manage liver disorders like enlargement of the liver, fatty liver, and jaundice. It works by balancing Pitta and promoting bile flow. The liver is the main site of metabolism of the body and Bhringraj is used to improve metabolism due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Delays the ageing process
Bhringraj posses rasayana property which helps in delaying the ageing process. This rasayana is especially mentioned for for the preventing the hair fall and improving the quality of hairs.
To reduce 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 Pitta – 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.
Helps to reduce cholesterol
Results from a clinical trail also suggest that bhringraj benefits in reducing the high cholesterol level, LDL low density lippo protien ( bad cholesterol), and triglyceride levels in the blood. This helps in ensuring proper blood flow to the heart and improves the function of heart.
Medicinal Qualities of Bhringraj
Keshya : Improves quality of hair and reduces hairfall
Amahar: Helps to digest indigested food and Ama.
Twachya : Useful in skin problems, improve skin tone
Pandu har : helps to relieve anemia .
Kasahar : Relives cold and cough.
Krumihar : Useful in worm infestation, infected wound .
Sh0thara : Reduces swelling and inflammation.
Dantya : Useful in strengthening the teeth and gums
Balya : it improves strength
Rasayana : Bhringraj benefits in delaying the ageing process.
Chakshushya : Useful in improving eyesight
Keshranjan : Useful to relieve greying of hair
Varieties of Bhringraj
There are 3 types of Bhringraj that are found based on the colour
- White colour 2. Yellow colour 3. Blue
1. Shvet ( white) bhrinraj : Eclipta alba
2. Peet (yellow) bhrinraj : Wedelia calendulacea
3. Neel ( blue) bhringraj : Eclipta
How to use Bhringraj
Bhringraj can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Bhringraj Powder (Churna): Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of bhringraj powder mixed with honey two times after meals.
- Decoction: Prepared by boiling the Bhringraj in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues.
- Bhringraj fresh juice : take 1-2 teaspoon of bhringraj juice add some water to it and drink before meals, once a day.
- Part Used : Panchanga means all parts of these herbs can be used that is leaves, stem, flower, roots as well as fruits.
Home Remedies of Bhringraj
In Juandice : Take fresh leaves of Bhringraj and make juice. Now take 10 ml of juice and add one pinch of black pepper and 2 teaspoon of curd in it . Consume this 2 times a day for 7 days help to recover from jaundice.
For Indigestion and Anemia : Take powder of Bhringraj powder and triphala powder 2 grams each add sugar 2 grams to this mixture . Consume this mixture 2 grams twice a day with honey or water will help to improve digestion and to manage Anemia.
Helpful cough : Make fresh juice from leaves of Bhringraj. Take 5 ml of this juice and add 4 teaspoon of honey to it. Consume this 2 to 3 times daily will help to reduce cough.
For Wound healing : Make juice from leaves of Bhringraj and jasmine. Wash the wound with this juice helps in faster healing of wound.
Cautions And Contraindications
While Bhringraj( Eclipta elba) has many benefits and is generally safe, however it may cause
- Allergic reactions in rare cases. So first test it in small dose or if you are using it externally then first do the skin patch first.
- To do a patch test, apply a small amount to your forearm and wait for 30 minutes for symptoms of a reaction such as itching, stinging or skin discoloration.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Bhringraj take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly Bhringraj work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Bhringraj
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba ) is main ingreidients in following medicines
Bhringrajasav : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to gain weight and in case of fatigue. It is also useful in cough.
Bhringraj oil : It is one of very popular ayurvedic oil useful in preventing hairloss, premature greying of hair and regrowth of hair.
Shadbindu oil : This is very useful oil in migraine and sinusitis problem. It is used as nasal drop
Conclusion
Widely advocated as a potent ‘hair nourishing’ herb, Bhringaraj effectively treats and cures a wide range of ailments including hair and skin problems, liver disorders, heart ailments, tummy issues, respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis, pain, and inflammation. As this medicine does not have any reported adverse effects, you can consume this formulation and reap its benefits with a proper doctor’s consultation.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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