From excessive hair fall to less hair growth, myriad concerns about hair bother women of all ages. While thinning hair is a much-discussed matter, we do not get to know much about how to grow hair naturally. Well, no magic potion exists for experiencing incredible hair growth overnight. But just like other beauty solutions, nature has always been a source of improvement in hair length. Bhringraj oil is one such natural herbal remedy that promotes hair growth to a great extent without causing any adverse effects. In this article, let us see the benefits of the oil in detail, its DIY recipe, and the use of bhringraj oil for hair growth.
What is Bhringraj?
Bhringraj, also called ‘Karisalankanni,’ ‘Kehraj,’ or ‘False Daisy,’ is a medicinal herb belonging to the sunflower family (Eclipta alba). Widely distributed in moist areas across India, China, Thailand, and Brazil, Bhringraj has been a cornerstone in ancient Indian Ayurveda. Recognized for its potent dosha-balancing properties, it serves as a natural ‘rasayana,’ slowing down the aging process of hair and promoting rejuvenation and health. Beyond that, Bhringraj is known to stimulate hair growth, reduce dandruff, strengthen hair, prevent hair loss, and deter premature graying. (1)
Read Also – 10 Herbs and Spices for Hair Growth That You Should Try at Home
What is Bhringraj Oil?
Bhringraj oil is usually prepared by blending and heating the extract of bhringraj leaves with an inactive carrier oil, such as coconut or sesame. The oil, with a greenish color and a strong fragrance, can be massaged into the scalp regularly to improve blood circulation. This helps revitalize the hair follicles, reduce hair fall, accelerate hair growth, and enhance sleep. Apart from hair care, bhringraj oil is also consumed orally in Ayurvedic practices to treat ailments of the heart, liver, respiratory system, nerves, and so on.
Different formulations of bhringraj oil, combining the goodness of other beneficial herbs (amla, brahmi, gotu kola, licorice, costus, etc.), are easily available in the market. These are mostly based on recipes taken from old-world texts like the ‘Bhaishajya Ratnavali’. (2) You can also find the herb in the forms of capsule and powder.
Benefits of Bhringraj Oil for Hair
Being a vital herb, bhringraj is considered excellent for our hair. As mentioned earlier, it may improve hair’s length, strength, and luster to a great extent. Here is a detailed overview of the hair benefits offered by bhringraj oil:
1. Prevents Graying
Though graying is a genetic trait, regular application of bhringraj oil may significantly slow down or prevent the process of premature graying. The darkening properties of the herb may even help reverse hair aging by restoring and maintaining its natural pigment (melanin). (3)
2. Nourishes hair
Bhringraj is primarily used in hair tonics for its unique rejuvenating properties (4). Moreover, the oil comes as a blend of multiple natural ingredients like amla, shikakai, and coconut or sesame oil, which are highly beneficial to hair health. All these help nourish hair to make it look thick and lustrous.
3. Eradicates Dandruff
Being a dense oil with high specific gravity, bhringraj oil penetrates the scalp fast and effortlessly. Deeper absorption of the oil helps treat dry scalps. On the other hand, its anti-inflammatory qualities keep scalp irritation away. The oil also has potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which may help treat minor bacterial and fungal infections in the scalp (5) (6). As a result, you may eliminate issues like dandruff, itchy scalp, etc. Bhringraj may even neutralize Malassezia furfur (a dandruff-causing skin fungus) when used along with frog fruit (Lippia nodiflora) (7).
4. Soothes Headaches
Bhringraj oil has excellent cooling and soothing properties, efficiently calming the nervous system. This gives relief from issues such as headaches, migraines, etc. All you need to do is massage the scalp with the oil regularly.
5. Adds Strength And Shine
Regular use of bhringraj oil makes the hair stronger and shinier. Being a concoction of multiple hair-friendly herbs and oils, it improves the overall health and quality of the locks while adding strength and shine to them.
6. Reduces Hair Fall
While the oil’s cooling properties help reduce stress-related hair fall, they also help foster hair follicles by fulfilling the deficiency of minerals and decreasing excessive hair fall caused by poor scalp or hair health.
7. No Side Effects
It is a natural oil with no dangerous side effects. However, if you use it in the winter and tend to catch a cold easily, you should not leave it overnight. Since the oil naturally cools, keeping it overnight may induce a cold.
How Does Bhringraj Oil Help Hair Growth?
Bhringraj oil increases vasodilation, improving circulation throughout the scalp and providing more blood to the hair roots. Hence, the hair follicles are activated, and hair starts growing significantly. When applied topically, the extract of bhringraj also works as a hair growth promoter by stimulating the hair follicles and lengthening the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle for a more extended period (8) (9). In fact, according to a 2018 study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research, bhringraj is more effective than the topical medication minoxidil (which treats male pattern baldness) in promoting hair growth (10).
DIY Homemade Bhringraj Oil for Hair Growth
Bhringraj oil can be found in its pure form or blended with other hair-friendly herbs. It is sold by several popular herbal skin and hair care brands, such as Khadi, Aloe Veda, Biotique, and Neev. You can also prepare it at home to naturally grow long and strong hair. It is super easy and highly effective, too. Here is the DIY recipe for you:
Ingredients Required:
- Bhringraj leaves – a handful, or bhringraj powder – 3 teaspoons
- Pure coconut oil (or sesame oil) – 1 cup (200 ml.)
- Fenugreek seeds – 1 teaspoon
Steps to Prepare:
- Clean and wash a handful of bhringraj leaves and roughly chop them up.
- Now, heat the coconut oil or sesame oil in a pan.
- After 2-3 minutes, add chopped bhringraj leaves or pure bhringraj powder to it and boil the mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Also, throw the fenugreek seeds into the pan and cook the whole thing for five more minutes.
- Then, turn off the heat and allow the concoction to cool down.
- Finally, strain the mixture, discard the residue, and use the greenish oil to get lovely and healthy hair.
If you want to avoid the application of heat, use sun-dried bhringraj leaves. Dry a handful of fresh leaves under the sun for 2-3 days and leave them immersed in a jar of coconut or sesame oil until the infusion develops a light green hue. You can also grind the sun-dried leaves into a fine powder and add it to the oil.
Read Also – Herbal Oils to Prevent Hair Loss
How to Use Bhringraj Oil for Hair Growth?
- The key to growing long, strong, and healthy hair is improved blood flow to the hair roots, which needs a thorough scalp massage. So, take about 4-5 teaspoons of bhringraj oil (adjust the quantity according to your hair length), warm it up for half a minute, and apply the lukewarm oil all over your scalp, followed by the length of the hair. Then, massage the scalp with your fingertips in a small circular motion. It is best to get someone to do it while relaxing completely.
- Next, take your hair in small sections and tug at the roots gently to stimulate the follicles. Massage the scalp this way for around 10 minutes and leave at least for an hour.
- It is always good to keep the oil overnight for maximum absorption. Use a towel on your pillow to prevent it from staining.
- Wash the oil off with a natural hair wash or a mild herbal shampoo for the best results.
- Massage your scalp and hair with bhringraj oil at least twice or thrice weekly to notice dramatic changes within a month.
Health and Skin Benefits of Bhringraj
The effects of bhringraj on our body are just beyond hair health. In Ayurveda, it is considered an excellent natural remedy for several medical conditions. We have mentioned below how it may help you with your health and skin:
- With its potent antibacterial properties, Bhringraj may prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- It helps detoxify the liver while promoting cell generation (11).
- Using the herb with ashwagandha may reduce memory loss related to Alzheimer’s disease (12).
- Bhringraj is rich in magnesium, which enhances mood, relaxes muscles, and improves sleep quality.
- The abundance of magnesium in the herb is also helpful in treating headaches and migraines.
- It also hydrates and soothes dry and inflamed skin, thus treating various skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.
Read Also – DIY- How to Make Henna Hair Oil for Hair Growth
Side Effects of Bhringraj Oil
The topical use of bhringraj oil is generally safe, although some individuals may experience a temporary burning or tingling sensation. Conducting a patch test before incorporating the oil into your regular hair care routine is advisable. When ingested, bhringraj may lead to side effects such as chills, increased urination, and hypotension. Additionally, it can interfere with the effectiveness of blood thinners, so consultation with a doctor is crucial before oral consumption. As a precaution, children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should refrain from taking bhringraj orally, as its safety in these groups has not been definitively established.
Summary:
Bhringraj is a medicinal herb that has been used in ancient Indian Ayurveda for ages as a powerful ingredient for balancing doshas. The extract of bhringraj leaves is mixed with an inactive carrier oil (coconut oil or sesame oil) to prepare the greenish-colored bhringraj oil. It may also combine the goodness of other beneficial herbs like amla, brahmi, gotu kola, licorice, etc. Massaging bhringraj oil regularly may improve blood circulation in the scalp and revitalize the hair follicles to accelerate hair growth. It also helps in reducing dandruff, stopping hair fall, preventing premature graying, soothing headaches, and adding luster to the hair. It can be prepared at home easily with fresh or sun-dried bhringraj leaves. Make sure that you massage your scalp thoroughly with lukewarm bhringraj oil for at least 10 minutes twice-thrice every week. Apart from hair care, it is also consumed orally in Ayurvedic practices to detoxify the liver, avert UTIs, treat Alzheimer’s-related memory loss, improving sleep quality, and soothing inflamed skin. However, you must do a patch test before applying bhringraj oil topically and consult your doctor before consuming it orally to avoid adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Bhringraj Oil Regrow Hair?
If used religiously for 3-4 months, bhringraj oil may help in hair regrowth.
How Long Does Bhringraj Take to Work?
Bhringraj takes at least 1-2 months to work and shows no noticeable difference.
Can I Use Bhringraj Oil Daily?
Limit bhringraj oil twice to thrice a week so that its cooling properties do not negatively impact you.
Can We Mix Castor Oil with Bhringraj Oil?
A mixture of bhringraj and castor oil reduces dandruff, conditions the hair, and stimulates its growth considerably.
Can We Eat Bhringraj Leaves?
After consulting with a doctor, powdered bhringraj leaves can be eaten for better health and appearance.
References:
- “What You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of Bhringraj Oil,” Healthline.com
- “The Health Benefits of Bhringaraj Oil,” VeryWellHealth.com
- “Herbal Cosmetics in Ancient India,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae)“, Hindawi.com
- “Antibacterial Activity of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk“, JAPSOnline.com
- “Eclipta alba (L.): An Overview,” ResearchGate.net
- “Antidandruff Activity of Eclipta alba (l.) Hassk. and Lippia nodiflora Linn”, PharmaScope.org
- “Eclipta alba Extract with Potential for Hair Growth Promoting Activity,” PubMed.NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Exogenous Stimulation with Eclipta alba Promotes Hair Matrix Keratinocyte Proliferation and Downregulates TGF-β1 Expression in Nude Mice“, Spandidos-Publications.com”
- “Hair Growth-Promoting Activity of Eclipta alba in Male Albino Rats,” Link.Springer.com
- “Pharmacological Activity and Chemical Constituents of Eclipta Alba,” SemanticScholar.org
- “Withania somnifera and Eclipta alba Ameliorate Oxidative Stress-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Citeseerx.ist.psu.edu
