Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba)
Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
Bhringaraja, commonly known as Trailing eclipta is one of the commonly used herb in Ayurveda which is known for its antiinflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial actions. The name Bhringaraja means it’s flowers shine like honey bees. The genus name Eclipta means to be deficient and species name alba means white. It widely grows throughout India and used even in skin diseases like vitiligo.
Dr.Gupta’s IAFA have been studying on different available herbs for the purpose of alleviating allergic condition. Our experts studied on Bhringaraja and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Hepatoprotective, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Purgative, Hypotensive, Analgesic, Antileprotic, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Antiinflammatory, Antiproliferative and Antiallergic actions etc. Bhringaraja can be used in diseases like vitiligo, headache, hair fall, anaemia, skin diseases etc. The ethanolic extract of Bhringaraja possess antidiabetic effects. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Bhringaraja have antiproliferative and antimetastasis properties and thereby possess anticancer potential. The Bhringaraja extract also possess potent antiinflammatory effect and it is also used as an antiallergic agent.
Action of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba in Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Bhringaraja. The plant contains phytoconstituents like alkaloid ecliptine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenybalmine, methionine, glycine, glutamine, glutamic acid, cystone etc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property of Bhringaraja. Bhringaraja is used both internally and externally in allergic conditions and skin diseases.
Vernacular names and Classification
| Botanical Name | Eclipta alba |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | भृंगराज, भृंगराज, मार्कव, भृङ्ग, अङ्गारक, के केशराज, भृङ्गार और केशराज |
| Hindi Name | Bhangra |
| English Name | Trailing eclipta |
| Malayalam Name | Kayyunni |
| Kannada Name | Garuga |
| Marathi Name | Maka |
Ayurveda reference of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
Morphology of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
- Stem – erect or prostate, often branching.
- Stem and branches strigose with appressed white hairs.
- Leaves sessile.
- Flowers white.
Geographical distribution of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
It is found throughout India ascending to 1700 meters altitude from sea level specially near by marshy places as a weed.
Phytoconstituents of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
The plant contains phytoconstituents like alkaloid ecliptine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenybalmine, methionine, glycine, glutamine, glutamic acid, cystone etc.
Parts used of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
- Leaves
- Stem
- Flowers
- Root
- Fruits
Dosage of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
- Powder(churna)- 3-6 g
- Juice(swarasa)- 5-10 ml
Medicinal Properties of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
- Kasa hara – relieves cough
- Sulahara-relieves pain
- Sothahara – relieves swelling
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Rasayana – rejuvenative
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Pandunut- cures anaemia
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
- Vranahara – useful in wounds
- Netrya – promotes vision
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine popular in India. It uses plans and plant products that are easily and commonly available in nature as medicine. Bhringaraja is one of the commonly seen herb and it have different medicinal uses like,
- In Hair fall (Khalitya) – Oil is prepared from Bhringaraja and Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and applied over scalp.
- In Vitiligo (Switra) – Bhringaraja is fried in an iron pan with oil and given to eat along with milk processed with Bijaka(Pterocarpus marsupium).
- In premature greying of hair (Palitya) – An oil is prepared from Bhringaraja and is applied over scalp.
- To improve vision (Drsti prasadana) – Oil of Tila(Sesamum indicum), Aksa(Terminalia belerica) is processed with juice of Bhringaraja and decoction of Asana(Pterocarpus marsupium) and taken.
- In Headache (Suryavarta) – Juice of Bhringaraja is mixed with equal quantity of goat’s milk kept in sunlight is used as nasal instillation.
- In Skin diseases (Kushta) – Bhringaraja is processed with oil and used in skin diseases.
- In Cough (Kasa) – Powder of Bhringaraja is mixed with honey and taken.
- In Anaemia (Pandu) – It is processed with oil in an iron pan and taken.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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