Bhringraj is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic herbs. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. According to Ayurveda, this plant helps to balance vata and kapha, two of the three doshas (substances that are present in person’s body). Bhringraj is also valued for its ability to stimulate hair growth. What are the main hair and skin benefits of bhringraj?
The Latin name of bhringraj is Eclipta prostrata or Eclipta alba. Its other names include false daisy, karisilanganni and yerba de tago. The plant belongs to the sunflower family, it is native to Japan, China, Nepal, Australia and the Americas but can be found in warm temperate or tropical climates across the world.
Bhringraj has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. Its Sanskrit name is literally translated as “The King of Hair”, referring to the plant’s traditional reputation as an herb stimulating hair growth. All parts of the plant are used in Ayurveda. The most common bhringhraj-based products include bhringraj powder, bhringraj leaf juice, bhringraj extract, and bhringraj oil.
Active substances contained in bhringraj include coumestans, polypeptides, polyacetylenes, thiophene derivatives, steroids, triterpenes and flavonoids. According to Ayurveda, this plant has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-haemorrhagic, analgesic, hypotensive, antihepatotoxic, and anti-myotoxic properties. It has also been claimed to prevent cancer, but this has yet to be proven.
In cosmetology, false daisy is valued for its rejuvenating, antioxidant, toning, antibacterial, soothing, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effect. As we’ve already mentioned above, bhringraj is primarily valued as a hair care product that stimulates hair growth, reduces hair loss, prevents premature grey hair, and improves hair elasticity and flexibility. However, bhringraj can also be used for skincare. It is suitable for all skin and hair types.
Dry bhringraj powder is a perfect ingredient for DIY face masks for oily, problem and mature skin. Face masks with bhringraj unclog and tighten pores, provide the skin with nutrients, soothe irritated skin, help to eliminate acne, reduce inflammation, and have a rejuvenating effect. Bhringraj masks for mature skin improve skin elasticity, produce a slight lifting effect, and neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals due to false daisy’s antioxidant properties. To enhance the effect of bhringraj powder, you can mix it with other natural ingredients such as carrier and essential oils.
As a hair care product, bhringraj is mostly used to strengthen the hair and stimulate its growth. Hair masks and oils with bhringraj make the hair thicker and shinier, enhance its volume, strengthen hair roots, provide hair follicles with nutrients, reduce hair loss, prevent premature grey hair, help to eliminate dandruff, and prevent hair colour from fading. Note that if you have fair hair, frequent use of hair care products with bhringraj may make it a bit darker.
If you’re not a fan of DIY cosmetics, you can buy one of the many skin and hair care products with bhringraj offered by Ayurvedic and mass-market brands. They include, but are not limited to, shampoos and hair conditioners, hair sprays, hair masks, natural oils infused with bhringraj, and more.
In our online shop Organic Store, you can find bhringraj-based products produced by Ayurvedic brands such as Chandi, Triuga and Aasha Herbals. We offer convenient payment methods and deliver internationally to more than 100 countries and territories.
