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Bhringraj भृङ्गराज
Eclipta prostrata · Asteraceae
Also known as: Bhangra, Eclipta alba, False Daisy, Pure active herb powder
Part used: Whole plant
Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is a small creeping herb of damp Indian ground, known as the king of hair. Ayurveda uses the whole plant for hair loss and premature greying, and equally as a Rasayana for the liver. It is the lead ingredient of Bhringraj Taila, the classical hair oil.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Eclipta prostrata
- Part used: Whole plant
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Powder 1–3 g or fresh juice internally; Bhringraj oil applied to the scalp.
Bhringraj in other languages
Introduction
Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is the "king of hair" (Keshraja) in Ayurveda — the foremost herb for hair growth, colour and scalp health, and a supporter of the liver. Its dark juice is a classic ingredient of hair oils.
Classification
Of the Asteraceae family, Bhringraj is grouped among the Keshya (hair-beneficial) and liver-supporting dravyas. Its pungent-bitter taste and heating potency stimulate the scalp and support the Rakta and Majja dhatus.
Uses & benefits
Bhringraj is the foremost Keshya drug, used for falling hair and premature greying, applied as an oil and taken internally. Classical texts equally value it as a liver drug — Yakrit-uttejaka — and it appears in formulations for jaundice and sluggish liver alongside its better-known cosmetic use.
Bhringraj for hair fall
Its best-known use and the reason the plant is called Keshraj, king of hair. Applied as an oil to the scalp over months rather than days.
Bhringraj for premature greying
Traditionally used to darken hair and slow greying, usually combined with Amalaki in the classical oils.
Bhringraj for the liver
An equally important but less-known use. Classical texts name it in Kamala (jaundice) and it remains a standard liver drug in Indian practice.
Bhringraj for dandruff
Applied to the scalp for flaking and itching, where its cooling character suits an irritated scalp.
Bhringraj as a Rasayana
Classified as a rejuvenative, taken internally over long periods rather than for an acute complaint.
Bhringraj for sleep
Scalp massage with Bhringraj oil is a traditional remedy for restless sleep and an overactive mind at night.
Bhringraj for skin
Used in chronic skin disease and applied to minor wounds, on the same cooling, blood-settling principle.
Bhringraj for eye health
A secondary classical indication, described as Chakshushya — beneficial to the eyes.
Bhringraj for headache
The fresh juice applied to the forehead is a household remedy for heat headaches in several parts of India.
Bhringraj in Mahabhringraj Tel
The lead drug of the best-known classical hair oil, and a component of most traditional hair and liver formulations.
Dosage — how much to take
Powder 1–3 g or fresh juice internally; Bhringraj oil applied to the scalp. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Bhringraj?
The citations held for Bhringraj in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Bhringraj?
Described as Keshya, beneficial to hair. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Bhringraj traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Bhringraj is the foremost Keshya drug, used for falling hair and premature greying, applied as an oil and taken internally. Classical texts equally value it as a liver drug — Yakrit-uttejaka — and it appears in formulations for jaundice and sluggish liver alongside its better-known cosmetic use.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Bhringraj?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Bhringraj classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Bhringraj carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Bhringraj is used medicinally?
The part used is Whole plant.
How much Bhringraj is taken, and how?
Powder 1–3 g or fresh juice internally; Bhringraj oil applied to the scalp. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Bhringraj be avoided?
Generally safe; may be cooling-drying in excess. Use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Bhringraj grow?
Bhringraj is a small herb of moist ground, common along field margins, ditches and wetlands across India.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Keshya, beneficial to hair. - Classical Kesha & Yakrit context — —
Cited for hair and liver in later texts.
Modern research
-
Eclipta prostrata promotes the induction of anagen, sustains the anagen phase through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5
(see source). (2019)
A study reporting Eclipta prostrata induced and sustained the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles via regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5.
View study doi:10.1080/13880209.2018.1561729 -
Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats
Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK. Archives of Dermatological Research (2008)
A controlled animal study reporting Eclipta alba (Bhringraj) extract significantly reduced hair-growth initiation time and produced more anagen-phase follicles than the minoxidil control.
View study doi:10.1007/s00403-008-0860-3
Safety & precautions
Generally safe; may be cooling-drying in excess. Use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Bhringraj is a small herb of moist ground, common along field margins, ditches and wetlands across India.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bhringraj oil really stop hair fall?
It is the classical Ayurvedic hair drug with a long traditional record and some supporting modern work, applied as a scalp oil over months. It works best where hair fall follows stress, heat or scalp irritation. Hormonal or genetic hair loss needs different treatment.
How do I use Bhringraj oil?
Warm the oil slightly, massage it into the scalp with the fingertips, and leave it for at least an hour or overnight before washing. Two or three times a week is typical. Consistency over three months matters more than quantity.
Can Bhringraj be taken internally?
Yes. Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day or fresh juice 10–20 ml, chiefly for liver complaints and as a Rasayana. Its internal use for the liver is as well established in the classical texts as its external use for hair.
Does Bhringraj reverse grey hair?
It is traditionally used to slow greying and darken hair, usually with Amalaki. It will not reverse greying that is already established — treat the claim with realism. Its effect is best described as maintaining pigment rather than restoring it.
What is Bhringraj called in Hindi?
Bhringraj or Bhangra. In Sanskrit it is also Keshraj, meaning king of hair. The botanical name is Eclipta prostrata, revised from the older Eclipta alba which many sources still use.
Are there side effects of Bhringraj?
Very well tolerated. It is cooling, so heavy internal use may not suit someone who feels the cold. Applied externally it occasionally causes a mild scalp reaction — patch test first. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Is Bhringraj good for the liver?
It is one of the standard Ayurvedic liver herbs, named in the classical texts for jaundice and used in Indian practice for sluggish liver function. Any persistent liver complaint needs proper medical investigation alongside.
