Do you want thick, lustrous, and healthy hair? You may have probably tried various hair packs, hair oils, serums, shampoos, vitamin supplements, etc. in search of the most suitable product for your hair needs. And, if you are still looking for the perfect product, I will recommend you the Ayurvedic secret to healthy hair, i.e. Bhringraj (or Mahabhringraj) Oil. It is ancient Ayurvedic oil that is very beneficial for boosting hair health.
Here, in this article, I will explain to you the uses, benefits, side effects, and ingredients of Bhringraj oil.
What is Bhringraj oil?
Bhringraj oil, often referred to as Mahabhringraj oil, is an Ayurvedic oil made from the Bhringraj herb’s leaves. Bhringraj is also known as False Daisy and is from the sunflower family. It grows best in moist places like India, China, Brazil, and Thailand
The leaves of the Bhringraj herb should be sun-dried for two to three days before being added to coconut oil or sesame oil. Continue to expose this oil to the sun for a further two to three days until it becomes green. Simply mixing powdered Bhringraj leaves into hot coconut oil and storing them is another easy way to make Bhringraj oil. There are different formulations of Bhringraj oil, but all contain extracts of the Bhringraj (false daisy), and carrier oil (like sesame oil or coconut oil).
This oil promotes hair growth, strengthens hair, and prevents dandruff and hair graying.
Bhringraj oil is also known by other names, like:
- Mahabhringraj oil
- Bhringraj Taila
- Mahabhringraj Taila
- Bhringraj Tailam
- Mahabhringraj Tailam
- Bhringraj Tail
- Mahabhringraj Tail
- Bhringraj Thailam
- Mahabhringraj Thailam
- Bhringraj Hair Oil
- Mahabhringraj Hair Oil
- Bhringraj Tel
What are The Ingredients (Composition) of Bhringraj Oil (Taila)?
According to different Ayurvedic classical texts, Bhringraj Oil has four formulations. Bhringraj Juice is the common ingredient in all these formulations.
Below, here I am describing the ingredients of Bhringraj Oil formulation, as described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Kshudraroga Chikitsa). Many companies prepare this oil by using this formulation (4).
For Herbal juice ingredients required
| Common Name of the Ingredient | Scientific Name of the Ingredient |
| Bhringraj (Whole Plant Juice) | Eclipta Alba |
Ingredient required for Base Oil
| Common Name of the Ingredient | Scientific Name of the Ingredient |
| Sesame oil (Til Tail) | Sesamum indicum |
Ingredients Required for making Paste (Kalka)
| Common Name of the Ingredient | Scientific Name of the Ingredient |
| Bala root | Sida Cordifolia |
| Red Sandalwood (Lal Chandan or Rakt Chandan) | Pterocarpus Santalinus |
| Manjith (Manjistha) | Rubia cordifolia |
| Nagkesar | Mesua Ferrea |
| Swarn Gairik | Red Ochre |
| Sacred lotus (Indian Lotus or Kamal Phool) | Nelumbo Nucifera |
| Haldi (Turmeric) | Curcuma Longa |
| Anantmool | Hemidesmus indicus |
| Mulethi (Yashtimadhu or Licorice) | Glycyrrhiza Glabra |
| Priyangu | Callicarpa Macrophylla |
| Daruhaldi | Berberis Aristata |
| Padmaka | Prunus Cerasoides |
| Lodhra | Symplocos racemosa |
| Ksheera (Cow’s Milk) | — |
What Are The Medicinal Properties Of Bhringraj Oil?
This Oil has the following medicinal properties:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidandruff
- Antipruritic
- Hair growth promoter
- Antifungal
- Improves Eyesight (Nasal Administration)
- Anti-stress (massage induces relaxation)
What Are the Indications of Bhringraj Oil (Taila)?
Bhringraj Oil has the following indications:
- Dandruff
- Hair fall
- Scalp Itching
- Broken Hair
- Premature graying of Hair
- Scalp folliculitis
- Tinea Capitis (a fungal infection of the scalp)
- Scalp pus-filled acne
- Weak Eyesight (Nasal Administration)
What Are The Uses and Benefits Of Bhringraj Oil (or Mahabhringraj Oil)?
This oil has been used for centuries in the Ayurveda system of medicine.
Below here are 15 Uses and benefits of Bhringraj oil that you must know:
1) Bhringraj Oil Benefits for Dry Scalp and Dandruff
This oil helps to reduce dandruff due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Bhringraj oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis or other skin irritations on the scalp.
This oil can quickly hydrate your dry scalp by penetrating the scalp. Thus it also works well on dry scalps to decrease itching.
2) Bhringraj oil May slows down hair Graying
Haritaki and Jatamansi, two of the active constituents of Bhringraj oil, are very helpful in preserving the natural color of hair and may slow or prevent premature graying.
So, you can regularly use this oil along with amla oil to prevent premature graying of hair.
3) Bhringraj oil Benefits for scalp infection
Because of its anti-bacterial properties, Bhringraj oil is a preferred oil to cure various scalp diseases. Psoriasis, bacterial infections, tinea infections, and many sorts of follicular infections can be treated with this oil. Regular application of this oil will promote hair growth while reducing scalp tenderness and inflammation of hair follicles.
4) Bhringraj Oil is Beneficial in Hair Growth
Bhringraj oil, according to studies, increases blood flow to the roots and scalp, which boosts hair growth (1).
For best results, massage this oil for ten minutes in a circular motion.
5) Bhringraj oil Benefits For Baldness and Hair fall
It is a fantastic remedy for hair loss (related to lack of nutrition or stress). Regular massage with Bhringraj oil helps to calm your mind and lessen stress and anxiety.
If you are suffering from hair fall or baldness due to a deficiency of nutrients, then this oil can help provide all those required minerals and vitamins.
It is one of the natural therapies to reduce the breakages of hair and prevent hair loss.
Before going to sleep massage of this oil on your scalp will improve blood flow to the hair roots, which in turn will bring more nutrients to help hair growth.
6) Mahabhringraj oil Provides Better Hair Nourishment
Lack of nutrients can leave your hair looking dull and dry. The blood circulation to your hair roots, which eventually supplies all the nutrition to the hair, can be improved with regular Bhringraj oil massage.
Thus, a massage with Mahabhringraj oil deeply nourishes your hair and helps to prevent dull and dry hair.
7) It Helps in Liver Detoxification
In Ayurveda, the juice from the leaves of the Bhringraj herb (false daisy) is used as a liver tonic. This juice detoxifies the liver and improves its function. Some studies demonstrate that this herb may help with liver cell generation.
8) This Oil May treat headaches
Bhringraj oil may provide immediate relief from headaches, particularly those brought on by stress.
This oil is administered nasally to treat headaches.
The soothing and cooling properties of this oil penetrate right into the scalp. Thus, its massage on the scalp also keeps your headaches and stress at bay.
9) Bhringraj oil Improves Vision
Nasal administration (Nasya) of Bhringraj Oil may improve your eyesight. Instilling 2 drops of this oil in each nostril every morning can improve your vision.
10) It May Decrease stress and improve sleep pattern
Bhringraj oil is well known for its stress-reducing properties. Magnesium, which is present in this oil, is believed to enhance mood and sleep patterns.
11) Bhringraj oil Benefits For Skin
Bhringraj is very beneficial for skin problems and is excellent for skin health. It aids your skin to look more youthful and is helpful in reducing wrinkles and dullness of the skin.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties aid in reducing symptoms of dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne.
A study conducted in 2014 on rats found that when Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) was combined with ashwagandha (a medicinal herb), it increased mitochondrial activity in the brains of rats that had Alzheimer’s induced in their brains (2).
13) This oil May aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bhringraj has antibacterial properties that may aid in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as these are mostly caused by bacterial infections.
14) Bhringraj oil Soothes Inflamed skin
Bhringraj oil has moisturizing properties and helps soothe dry skin. Because the Bhringraj herb has anti-inflammatory properties, this oil can be used topically to treat inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and certain types of acne.
15) It May neutralize the rattlesnake venom
A study conducted in 2014 revealed that the Bhringraj herb can effectively counteract the deadly effects of rattlesnake poison when the plant’s juice is consumed (3).
What are the Side Effects of Bhringraj oil?
People who are suffering from the following conditions shouldn’t do nasal administration (Nasya) of the Bhringraj oil (or Mahabhringraj oil):
- Throbbing pain
- Acute pulsating pain, or
- A burning sensation in their head or scalp
Although using this oil doesn’t cause any adverse effects, its nasal administration can cause some side effects.
Some of the potential side effects of using Bhringraj oil through nasal administration are:
- Nasal irritation
- Sneezing
- Throat irritation
- Burning sensation in the nose
After applying Bhringraj oil on the scalp, it shouldn’t be left overnight, as it can lead to cough and cold.
How to use Bhringraj (Mahabhringraj) Oil?
Bhringraj oil can be used in the following ways:
1) Nasal administration of Bhringraj oil
For nasal administration (Nasya), put 2 drops of this oil in each nostril
2) It can be used as hair oil
For your hair growth and scalp health, this oil can be used as a hair oil. It can be applied on hair one hour before the bath or even after taking the bath as normal hair oil.
For best results, massage Bhringraj oil on your head with the help of your fingertips and let this oil descend in for an hour. After that, wash your head with shampoo.
3) Its Use in some Other Ayurvedic Procedures
This oil can also be used in some other ayurvedic procedures such as Shirobasti, Shirodhara, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should I use Bhringraj oil?
The frequency of its usage is decided on the basis of your condition. For best results, you can massage this oil two to three times every week.
Can I use Mahabhringraj oil for my kid?
Infants and toddlers have very delicate and sensitive skin, so normally hair oils with specialized formulations are used for them.
It is recommended that Bhringraj Oil is to be used for those 12 years of age or older.
Can I use Bhringraj oil (Taila) daily?
Yes, you can safely use this oil daily. It works astonishingly well on hair problems like hair fall, premature graying, dandruff, etc., and helps to increase hair growth and improve hair texture. It can also be used as a liver cleanser.
Can I Apply Mahabhringraj Oil (Taila) Overnight?
Yes, you can apply Mahabhringraj oil on your hair and leave it overnight.
References:
1) Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18478241/
2) Withania Somnifera and Eclipta alba Ameliorate Oxidative Stress Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.678.9559&rep=rep1&type=pdf
3) Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897414/
4) Bhaishajya Ratnavali, chapter 60, Kshudraroga Chikitsa, Verse 130 – 135
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered a substitute for prescriptions suggested by local healthcare professionals.
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