Eclipta alba, also known as bhringraj, is a plant of the Asteraceae family spread all over the world. The Ayurveda recognizes this plant as a powerful and beneficial remedy for hair beauty. But science has also been interested in the action of the eclipta alba. So let's see what resulted from the studies that have been carried out about this plant and also its uses and applications.
Eclipta alba, properties
Elipta alba is an important source of beneficial substances such as triterpenes, flavonoids and saponins. Thanks to these substances, the plant has anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti hyperglycemic and antimicrobial properties, capable of modulating the immune system and protecting the liver from hepatitis C (Sidra et al, Pak J Pharm Sci, 2013). But eclipta alba is mainly used for its ability to protect the beauty of hair. As has been observed by scientific studies, topical applications of eclipta alba extracts have proven capable of effectively counteracting hair loss (Begum et al, Biomed Res Int, 2014). In fact, it has been observed that the eclipta alba is able to promote the anagen phase that, in the life cycle of the hair, corresponds to the first growth phase, thus stimulating the growth of the hair follicle and that of the hair (Lee et al, Pharm Biol, 2019). Not only that, thanks to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, eclipta alba can help soothe itchy scalp and reduce dandruff. Tradition also considers the eclipta alba a plant able to counteract the onset of gray and white hair. In fact, treatments with this plant can darken the hair, by contributing to a general result in which the hair appears less white and more colored (Patkar et al, Indian J Plast Surg, 2008).
Eclipta alba or bhringraj, how to use it
You can find eclipta alba both in the form of powder and oil, obtained by macerating the plant in a carrier oil. If you have the oil you can distribute it on the dampened scalp and on the lengths of hair, leave on for 30 minutes then rinse. Alternatively, if you have the powder, you can prepare a mask by mixing the plant with a little hot water, as much as it is needed to obtain a creamy mixture, apply on the scalp and on the hair lengths after having washed the hair, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse with the shampoo. Be careful though, in case of light hair. The plant tends to darken it.
