Botanical Name: Eclipta Alba
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eclipta L.
Species: Eclipta prostrata (L.)
Popular Names: Babri, Galagara, Gunta-kalagara, Kaikeshi, Karisha-langanni, Karisirang-kanni, Kesharaji, Kesuri, Kesuria, Kesutti, Maka, Mochkand
Parts Used: Herb, roots, leaves
Habitat: Throughout India and Southwestern America
Description
Bhringaraj is a creeping and moisture-loving herb. It has a short, flat or round stem and small white flowers on a long stalk. It grows 3″ tall; the leaves are opposite and lance-shaped. The roots of the plant are well developed, cylindrical and greyish in colour. Floral heads are solitary, white in colour, achene compressed, narrowly winged and 6-8 mm in diameter. The plant grows commonly in moist places all over the world, as a weed.
Plant Chemicals
The extract obtained from Bhringaraj plant contains an alkaloid called ecliptine. This extract is resinous in nature. The leaves of the plant contain a rich amount of protein. The chief constituents of Bhringaraj are coumestan derivatives like wedololactone[1.6%], demethylwedelolactone, desmethyl-wedelolactone-7glucoside and other constituents are ecliptal, ß-amyrin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, hentriacontanol, heptacosanol, stigmasterol. It is known for its anti-cancer, anti-leprotic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti-myotoxic, anti-haemorrhagic, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, spasmogenic, hypotensive and ovicidal properties.
Uses and Benefits of Bhringaraj
- Bhringaraj is the main herb for the hair care and cirrhosis in Ayurveda. It is believed to maintain and rejuvenate hair, teeth, bones, memory, sight, and hearing.
- It works to rejuvenate kidneys and liver. As oil, it treats greying and balding, makes the hair darker, and promotes deep sleep. It also improves complexion.
- In Ayurveda, the root powder is used for treating hepatitis, enlarged spleen and skin disorders. Mixed with salt, it relieves burning urine sensation. Mixed with a little oil and applied to the head, the herb relieves headache.
- Bhringraj is also used to prevent repeated miscarriage and abortion. It is also used to relieve post-delivery uterine pain. The leaves of this herb are used to reduce uterine bleeding.
- The extract taken out of its leaves is mixed with honey and given to infants, for the expulsion of worms. Bhringaraj is also given to children in case of urinary tract infections.
- Fumigation with Bhringaraj is considered to bring about relief in piles.
- Bhringaraj oil has anti-aging properties, as it has a rejuvenating effect on the body. It is also given as a general tonic in cases of debility.
- Bhringaraj is used extensively by Ayurvedic practitioners, for treating skin diseases and eye infections.
- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the herb is also used for treating hyperacidity.
