The herb has many uses mentioned in ayurveda that help in various health ailments but some of the indications are preferred for the herb as Eclipta shows excellent results reducing those conditions –

• Helps to reduce hair fall
• Helps to promote hair growth
• Helps to improve the quality and quantity of the hair
• Acts as an antifungal agent; beneficial for fighting fungal infections of the scalp and skin
• Helps to maintain healthy skin by improving liver function

Eclipta alba is commonly known as bhringraj or false daisy. It grows in the moist topical regions in India, Thailand, China and Brazil. The bitter principles of the herb make it an effective hepatoprotective agent. The hepatoprotective function of Eclipta alba is comparable to that of dandelion. The herb is widely used for addressing hair and scalp problems. In Ayruveda, bhringraj is recommended for treating hair loss, premature hair graying, itchy scalp and dandruff. In traditional medicines, it is recommended for healing skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema. It is also noted for its anti-fungal properties. Bhringraj is believed to be safe for long-term use. Studies have not revealed any adverse side effect of oral doses of Eclipta alba supplements.

Improves liver function: Liver malfunction affects the health of the skin. Hence, to maintain the health of your skin, you should keep your liver in good health. Intake of Eclipta alba or bhringraja could reduce the risk of liver ailments. The hepatoprotective effect of the herb has been demonstrated in several experimental studies. (Saxena AK, Singh B, Anand KK. “Hepatoprotective effects of Eclipta alba on subcellular levels in rats.” J Ethnopharmacol. 1993 Dec;40(3):155-61; Ma-Ma K, Nyunt N, Tin KM. “The protective effect of Eclipta alba on carbon-tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage.” Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1978 Sep;45(3):723-8 ).

Promotes hair growth: Eclipta alba is traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent for promoting hair growth. The positive effect of the Eclipta alba leaves on hair has been proved in experimental studies. Studies have revealed that the herbal extract could significantly reduce the time needed for initiating and completing hair growth. In the anagenic phase of the hair growth cycle, it stimulates growth of more hair follicles, subsequently improving the quantity and the quality of the hair strands. (Roy RK, Thankur M, Dixit VK. “Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats.” Arch Dermatol Res. 2008 Aug;300(7):357-64).

Helps to heal fungal infections: Alkaloids present in Eclipta alba could resist fungal infections. Candida yeast infection, a common skin problem, might be reduced with the help of Eclipta alba extract. (Abdel-Kader MS, Bahler BD, Malone S, Werkhoven MC, van Troon F, David, Wisse JH, Bursuker I, Neddermann KM, Mamber SW, Kingston DG. “DNA-damaging steroidal alkaloids from Eclipta alba from the Suriname rainforest.” J Nat Prod. 1998 Oct;61(10):1202-8).

Beneficial for diabetes induced skin problems: Prolonged exposure to excess sugar circulating in the blood makes the skin vulnerable to certain disorders. Studies have shown that intake of Eclipta alba significantly reduces the blood sugar level. (Ananthi J, Prakasam A, Pugalendi KV. “Antihyperglycemic activity of Eclipta alba leaf on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.” Yale J Biol Med. 2003;76(3):97-102). The antihyperglycemic effect of the herb might be effective in prevent skin problems induced by untreated diabetes.

In Ayurveda, the herb has been considered as the rasayana (the herb for longevity and rejuvenation). Recent studies have revealed that it has a profound anti-hepatotoxic activity. A cardio-depressant activity was also evaluated in it when used for hepatic congestion. The herb has also shown a complete symptomatic help in epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting in people suffering from ulcer (Puri, 2003)

In Taiwan, the entire plant is used as a remedy to get aid in the problem of bleeding, heamoptysis, haematuria and itching. The herb is also used to help in some health ailments such as hepatitis, diphtheria and diarrhea. In China, Bhringraja has been used as a cooling and restorative herb that supports the mind, nerves, liver and eyes. The leaf extract of the herb is traditionally known to be potent liver tonic, rejuvenation agent, and especially good for the hair. A black dye made out of Eclipta alba is also for good for dyeing hair and tattooing. Eclipta alba also has traditional external uses such as onto athlete foot, eczema and dermatitis. On the scalp, the Bhringraja is applied to address hair loss and its leaves have been used in scorpion stings. The bhringraja has also been used as anti-venom against snakebite in China and Brazil (Mors, 1991).

In Hepatic Diseases: The alcoholic extract of fresh leaves of the plant Eclipta alba (Ea), previously reported for is hepato-protective activity was fractionated into three parts to chemically identify the most potent bioactive fraction. The hepato-protective potential of the fraction prepared from extract was studied in vivo in rats and mice against carbon tetrachloride induced hepato-toxicity. The hepato-protective activity was determined on the basis of their effects on parameters like hexobarbitone sleep time, zoxazolamine paralysis time, bromosulphaline clearance, serum transaminases and serum bilirubin. Fraction EaII (10-80 mg/kg, p.o.) containing coumestan wedelolactone and desmethylwedelolactone as major components with apigenin, luteolin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and protocateuic acid as minor constituents exhibited maximum hepato-protective activity and is the active fraction for hepato-protective activity of Eclipta alba leave. The acute toxicity studies have shown that like Ea, Fraction EaII also high safety margin (Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2001 Oct;45(4):435-41 for In vivo hepato-protective activity of active fraction from ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba leaves by Singh B, Saxena AK, Chandan BK, Agarwal SG, Anand KK at Division of Pharmacology, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu Tawi-180 001).

In Diabetes: Eclipta alba, an indigenous medicinal plant, has a folk (Siddha and Ayurvedha) reputation in rural southern India as a hypoglycemic agent. In order to confirm this claim, the present study was carried out to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of E. alba and to study the activities of liver hexokinase and gluconeogenic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase in the liver of control and alloxan-diabetic rats. Oral administration of leaf suspension of E. alba (2 and 4 g/kg body weight) for 60 days resulted in significant reduction in blood glucose (from 372.0 +/- 33.2 to 117.0 +/- 22.8), glycosylated hemoglobin HbA(1)c, a decrease in the activities of glucose-6 phosphatase and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, and an increase in the activity of liver hexokinase. E. alba at dose of 2 g/kg body weight exhibited better sugar reduction than 4 g/kg body weight. Thus, the present study clearly shows that the oral administration of E. alba possess potent antihyperglycemic activity (Yale J Biol Med. 2003 May 1;76(3):97-102 for Antihyperglycemic activity of Eclipta alba leaf on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. by Ananthi J, Prakasam A, Pugalendi KV. At Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamilnadu, India).

This tropical annual drug is a creeping and moisture-loving herb. Bhringraja has a short, flat or round, brown stem and has small white flowers on a long stalk. It grows three inches in height. Bhringraja’s leaves are opposite and lance-shaped.
Eclipta grows abundantly in the tropics and has been used with great success rates in various health ailments as described in Ayurvedic medicines.

Eclipta alba is mainly found to contain various oleanane triterpene glycosides and its major active constituents include Wedelolactone and Nor-wedelolactone.
In India the juice of the leaves is used to help in liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and infective hepatitis.

1) Hair and skin problems could be minimized with proper care. Excessive use of hair styling products tends to dry the hair shafts. Hair styling products containing alcohol are especially harmful for the hair. Alcohol makes the hair excessively dry. Do not apply the hair styling products on the scalp. Thoroughly wash your hair after using a hair styling product or after dying the hair. Even traces of dyes and chemicals on the scalp are enough for damaging the hair follicles. While blow-drying your hair, keep the blow dryer at a safe distance away from the scalp. To minimize risk of hair damage, use the blow dryer at the cool setting. Swimming in chlorinated water is harmful for the hair. To protect your hair from chlorine, wear a cap before plunging into a swimming pool.

2) Use combs or brushes with smooth and soft tips and widely spaced bristles. Do not comb or brush your hair when it is wet. Combing wet hair increases hair breakage. Try to untangle the knots in your hair with your fingers. Removing the tangles before combing the hair helps to reduce hair breakage.

3) Choose a mild shampoo for washing the hair. Avoid hot water for washing your hair. Hot water tends to irritate the scalp and it makes the hair excessively dry. Oily hair attracts too much dirt. Daily shampooing is recommended for people whose hair is excessively oily. Shampooing twice or thrice a week is usually sufficient for people with normal to dry hair.

4) Regardless of the skin type, daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing helps to improve the tone and complexion of the skin. Proper cleansing removes the dirt and grime from the skin. People plagued with problems of dry skin should avoid soap bars. They should select a liquid cleanser than cleans the skin without drying it. People with sensitive skin should select a mild odorless cleanser. Skin cleansing should be complemented with skin exfoliation. It helps to unclog the pores by removing the dead skin debris, oil and dirt. A skin toner helps to tighten the skin pores. They are especially suitable for people with oily skin. They also help to sooth the skin. Use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin. People with oily skin should use oil-free moisturizing lotions, whereas oil-based moisturizers help to hydrate the dry skin. Before going out in the sun, always apply a sunscreen crème or lotion with at least SPF15. Instead of applying a separate sun block product, you can opt for a moisturizer with sunscreen. Once or twice a week, you can use an herbal pack with fresh fruit pulps or juices and herbs.

5) A healthy lifestyle will improve the health of your skin and hair naturally. Quit smoking. Eat a balanced meal. Learn stress management techniques to overcome stress and anxiety. Lead an active life and enjoy a sound sleep. Healthy skin and hair is a sign of a healthy body.