How This Helps
Bhringraj oil is derived from the False Daisy plant, which is part of the sunflower family and grows abundantly in moist places such as India, Brazil, and Thailand. The leaves of the bhringraj plant are mixed and heated with a carrier oil for producing bhringraj oil.[ 1] In Ayurveda, a lot of significance is placed on herbal oils with medicinal properties. Bhringraj is commonly referred to as the king of herbs. Iron, calcium, and magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E are the critical nutrients found in the Bhingraj oil. This effective Ayurvedic herbal oil is used in many treatments to offer relaxation and for various therapeutic advantages as it is a superb anti-aging herb.
What is Bhringraj oil?
Bhringraj oil has a special significance in medical science and Ayurveda, as it has many benefits for our health. Bhringraj oil is rich in many nutrients, including vitamin E, iron, magnesium, vitamin D, polypeptides, and calcium. This oil is also rich in proteins that make Bhringraj oil highly beneficial for the hair.
Bhringraj oil benefits for hair
Benefits of Bhringraj Oil for healthy hair:
There is ample research that shows that bhringraj oil is highly beneficial for our health, especially nourishing the hair. Bhringraj oil is well known for promoting hair growth and getting rid of dandruff. However, most of this research has been carried out on animals such as mice. More human studies are required to confirm these benefits. Nevertheless, here are some of the benefits Bhringraj oil has for hair.
1. Hair Growth
A study done in 2008 on male albino rats found that using bhringraj oil helped increase the number of hair follicles in these subjects.[2] The study also found that bhringraj oil was more effective than minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) at preventing hair loss. Minoxidil is one of the commonly used products for enhancing hair growth.[3]
Since bhringraj oil is rich in vitamin E, it is known to fight against free radicals that is one of the biggest dangers to hair growth.
2. Reduce Dandruff
Research published in the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science in 2011 showed that bhringraj oil has very potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties that reduce and prevent dandruff.[ 4] The oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Application of bhringraj oil can even help psoriasis or other types of skin conditions on the scalp. The use of bhringraj oil on the scalp also helps boost blood circulation to the scalp and the brain.
3. Slow down Graying
The age when your hair starts turning gray is mostly dependent on your genes.[5] However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that claims that bhringraj oil helps slow down or prevent the graying process of the hair. Gray hair is usually linked to the loss of the pigment melanin. It is believed that the darkening properties of the bhringraj herb help hair appear less gray.[6] Human studies are needed to prove this claim.
Bhringraj oil health benefits
Other Health Benefits of Bhringraj Oil
As mentioned above, bhringraj oil is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. While there is not much research around to support many of these claims, anecdotal and Ayurvedic evidence suggests that this oil can have many other benefits for the body that goes beyond hair as well. Some of these benefits include:
● Promote sleep and deep relaxation: Bhringraj oil is rich in magnesium, which is known for its relaxing properties. Magnesium helps promote sleep, relaxes muscles, and also improves mood.[ 7]
● Helps detoxify the liver: Not just bhringraj oil, but even the juice extracted from the leaves of the bhringraj plant can help in detoxification of the liver. This juice is frequently used as a liver tonic in many Ayurvedic medicines. There are also some studies that have found that bhringraj may help in the regeneration of liver cells.[ 8]
● Helps prevent urinary tract infections: The potent antimicrobial properties of the herb bhringraj may help in the treatment of urinary tract infections, which are usually caused by bacterial infections. [9]
● Treat headaches & migraines: Bhingraj oil offers immediate relief from migraines and aggravation. According to Ayurveda, headache is usually caused as a result of excess VATA. Nasal administration of this oil can heal surplus VATA and cures the headache. The presence of magnesium in bhringraj oil may help prevent migraines and headaches. [10]
● Helps treat skin conditions: Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, bhringraj oil may help in treating many skin conditions. This oil is also hydrating and can help provide the much-needed moisture to dry skin. Since it is an anti-inflammatory oil, when it is applied topically to the skin, it helps treat conditions that are caused by inflammation of the skin, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and many forms of acne as well. [11]
● Helps neutralize snake venom: The University of Development Alternative in Bangladesh in 2014, carried out a study that determined that bhringraj is an effective herb for neutralizing the poisonous effects of rattlesnake venom. This works only when the juice of the bhringraj plant is ingested.[ 12]
● Help improve memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease: In 2014, the SPP School of Pharmacy &Technology Management in India found that when bhringraj is combined with another herb ashwagandha, it helps boost the mitochondrial activity in the brains of rats who were suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. [13] However, human studies are still needed to see the impact on humans.
Bhringraj oil precautions & side effects
While bhringraj oil is mostly considered to be safe for everyone to use, there has been some anecdotal evidence that suggests that the herb may cause chills, especially when it is taken orally. It is, therefore, better not to ingest bhringraj in any form (be it oil or juice) without consulting a doctor for the correct dosage.
If you are using bhringraj oil for the first time, then it is recommended to always do a skin patch test. You can apply a little bit of the oil to your forearm and waiting for 30 minutes to check for any signs of an allergic reaction. This may include redness, stinging, swelling, or itching.
Allergies of Bhringraj Oil
Little is known concerning the long-term security of bhringraj oil. This is particularly true given the vast array of bhringraj petroleum products. When applied topically, some formulations are proven to cause a tingling or burning feeling. This may be brought about by the carrier oil, such as heat-extracted vegetable oils or any of the other ingredients in the final product.
The oil shouldn’t be left overnight on the scalp as it can cause cold and cough. People shouldn’t do nasal treatment with the Bhingraj oil when they have pulsating pain or burning sensation on the scalp. The use of Bhingraj oil is generally considered safe, but its treatment through nasal administration can cause adverse side effects. Some of those side-effects include coughing, headache, sore throat, nasal irritation, and burning.
The active ingredient in bhringraj oil is Eclipta alba. If taken orally, it has a diuretic effect and might cause increased urination. Bhringraj oil ought to be used with caution when taking diuretics, as this may result in excessive urination along with a drop in blood pressure.
Eclipta alba can promote blood clotting and endanger the effects of anticoagulants or blood thinners such as warfarin. Individuals with bleeding disorders should utilize bhringraj oil with extreme care. You also need to stop using bhringraj oil, either orally or topically, two weeks before scheduled surgery to decrease the risk o excessive bleeding.
The safety of bhringraj oil in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers hasn’t been researched. It’s best to avoid using bhringraj oil in one of these groups unless approved by an Ayurvedic practitioner and your doctor.
Selection & storage
Available for purchase online, bhringraj oil may also be found in some natural foods stores and Indian grocery stores that carry Ayurvedic herbal products and remedies. Bhringraj oil is typically sold in bottles or oral capsules. Never take bhringraj oil meant for hair application by mouth as it might contain ingredients that are toxic. One such instance is neem oil, a carrier oil that has been known to cause brain inflammation and Reye’s-like syndrome in children.
Summary
Bhringraj oil is known to have many benefits for your hair, scalp, and skin. You can massage bhringraj oil into your head and leave it on for an hour before washing it off. Bhringraj oil is today commonly available at all chemist stores or even grocery stores. It is an active and critical ingredient in many other over-the-counter herbal oils. You can even buy it online, and it also comes in capsule and powder form. Bhringraj may help prevent hair loss, reduce dandruff, and even help with gray hair. However, more human studies are required to substantially prove the benefits of bhringraj oil.
