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What is bhringraj oil?
Bhringraj oil comes from a plant known in English as “false daisy.” The herb is in the sunflower family and grows best in moist places including Thailand, India, and Brazil.
Leaves from the bhringraj plant are mixed and heated with a carrier oil to produce bhringraj oil. Bhringraj can also be found in capsule or powder form.
In Ayurveda, an Indian tradition that aims to balance and heal the body through nutrition, bhringraj is said to promote hair growth, strengthen hair, and prevent graying and dandruff.
One 2011 study found that Eclipta alba extract (Bhringraj) is effective at fighting bacteria and fungus. This means it could be helpful in treating certain bacterial infections.
Bhringraj oil for hair uses and benefits
There is research to support the claim that bhringraj oil can promote hair growth and improve dandruff, though much of it has been conducted on mice, so more human based studies are needed. Bhringraj oil is thought to have the following benefits for hair:
Hair growth
A 2008 study done on male albino rats showed that using bhringraj oil increased the number of hair follicles, and was actually more effective than minoxidil (Rogaine) at preventing hair loss. This study needs to be repeated in humans for it to be conclusive, though it does show promise.
Bhringraj also contains vitamin E, which is known to fight free radicals that can impede hair growth.
Dandruff reduction
Bhringraj oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff. The oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help psoriasis or other skin irritations on the scalp. It is also said to improve circulation to the scalp.
May slow graying
Though gray hair is largely genetic, anecdotally speaking, some report that bhringraj oil may slow or prevent the graying process. Gray hair is also commonly understood as a loss of pigment (melanin). The darkening properties of Bhringraj of may help hair appear less gray.
Other benefits of bhringraj oil
Bhringraj oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains
- vitamin E
- vitamin D
- magnesium
- calcium
- iron
There is little research supporting these claims, but Ayurvedic teachings and anecdotal evidence suggest that bhringraj can have effects on the body beyond just hair health.
May promote relaxation and sleep
Magnesium is known for its relaxant properties and may promote muscle relaxation, sleep, and it can also improve mood.
May help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
The antimicrobial properties of bhringraj may help treat UTIs, which are most commonly caused by bacterial infections.
Liver detoxification
The juice from the leaves of the bhringraj (false daisy) plant are used as a liver tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. Some studies show that the herb may help with liver cell generation.
Helps soothe inflamed skin
Bhringraj oil is hydrating and can help quench dry skin. Bhringraj is an anti-inflammatory, so when applied topically to skin it may help treat skin inflammation like psoriasis, dermatitis, and some forms of acne.
May treat headaches
Magnesium is also known to prevent headaches and migraines.
Neutralizes rattlesnake venom
A 2014 study showed bhringraj to be effective at neutralizing the lethal effects of rattlesnake venom when the juice of the plant is ingested.
May improve Alzheimer’s related memory loss
A different 2014 study found that when bhringraj (referred to in the study by its scientific name, Eclipta alba) was combined with ashwagandha (also an herb), it increased “mitochondrial activity” in the brains of rats that had Alzheimer’s induced in their brains.
Bhringraj oil side effects and precautions
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that Bhringraj can cause chills, especially when taken orally. Do not orally ingest bhringraj before discussing dosage with a doctor.
If you have not used the oil before on your skin, do a skin patch test by applying a small amount to your forearm and waiting at least 30 minutes for signs of a reaction that may include itching, stinging, swelling, or redness.
How to use bhringraj oil
For scalp health and hair growth, massage bhringraj oil into your head using your fingertips and let the oil sink in for an hour. Shower, and if your hair still feels oily, shampoo twice.
You can also make a hair mask by mixing bhringraj powder with water, oil, or even yogurt, applying it to dry hair for about 30 minutes, then rinsing.
To treat gray hair and perhaps temporarily darken its color, consider this recipe: Mix 1 teaspoon of bhringraj and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over low heat. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp. Wash it out after 1 hour. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week.
Where to get bhringraj oil
Bhringraj oil is available at certain specialty drug or grocery stores, and it’s an ingredient in many over-the-counter hair oils. The oil is also widely available online, and also comes in powder and capsule form.
Shop for bhringraj products online.
Takeaway
The plant bhringraj, also known as “false daisy,” becomes an oil when its botanical extracts are mixed with a carrier oil.
Bhringraj may prevent hair loss, dandruff, and graying, though more human studies are needed. It also may be helpful in reversing liver damage; fighting memory loss, headaches, and snake bite toxicity; and promoting feelings of relaxation.
By Dr Renita D’SouzaKachur is an Ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of fever, cough, asthma, piles, skin diseases, worm infestation etc. Commonly known as white turmeric.
Botanical Name – Curcuma zedoariaFamily – Zingiberaceae
Vernacular names
Names in different languages
Sanskrit Name – Karchura
Hindi Name – Karchur
Kannada Name – Kachora
Tamil Name – Kichilik, Kizangu, Poolangizhangu
Telugu Name – Kachoramu
Bengali Name – Kachura, Shori, Ekangi, Shati
Marathi Name – Kachora
Gujarati Name – Kachuro, Shat kachuro
Malayalam Name – Kachchurikizhanna
Unani Name – Narkachoor, Zaranbad
English Name – Zedoary, White turmeric
Home remedies
Traditional Uses of Kachur
- Hoarseness of voice, bad breath, cough its rhizomes are chewed or it can also be used as tooth powder.
- In wounds and sprains its paste is applied.
- Decoction prepared using kachur rhizomes, cinnamon, long pepper is taken along with honey in conditions like fever, cough and rhinitis.
- In ascites its leaf juice is used.
- In haemorrhoids and diarrhoea its rhizomes are used as vegetable.
- In seizures its paste is applied over head and body.
- Fresh juice of rhizome is used in intestinal worm infestation.
Qualities, indications
Medicinal Qualities of Kachoora
Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent ), Tiktha (bitter)
Vipaka (post digestive effect) – Katu (pungent)
Virya (potency) – Ushna (hot)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Teekshna (penetrating), Sughandhi (odoriferous)
Karma (action) – Deepana – kindles digestive fire
Ruchya – improves taste perception
Indications of Kachura
Kushta – skin diseases
Arshas – haemorrhoids
Vrana – heals wounds
Kasa – cough
Shvasa – asthma
Gulma – abdominal tumours
Krimi – intestinal worm infestation
Pliha – enlargement of spleen
Mukhavaishadya – cleanses mouth, removes bad breath Kapha related diseases like in congestion it reduces phlegm, it clears hoarseness of voice etc
Effect of Kachur on Tridoshas Balances Vata and Kapha Dosha
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Canthis medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets,Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with mostof the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one productper day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With westernmedicines
Seek yourdoctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western(allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modernmedicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it isbest to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take theAyurvedic medicine.
Part used, dose, morphology
Part UsedRhizome
DosageRoot powder – 1 – 3 gramsDecoction – 15 – 30 ml
Morphology of Curcuma zedoaria
Its a perennial aromatic herb bearing yellowish orange flowers. Leaves are long, green growing up to 1 meter in height. Rhizomes are aromatic, pale yellow in colour inside when cut.
Pharmacology, Side effects, Sanskrit verse
Pharmacological properties of Curcuma zedoaria Anti fungal, , Anti-amoebic, Analgesic, Anti-allergic, Anti-ulcer, Anti inflammatory etc
Side Effects of Kachoora
Due to its hot and penetrating quality it is best to avoid during excess burning sensation, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding disorders and other high pitta conditions. Best to avoid its usage in pregnancy and lactation.
Distribution, controversy
DistributionFound in India such as in Eastern Himalaya and Shimla; Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and is cultivated in Japan, Tailand, China and Thailand.
Controversies regarding identification of Kacchura:
Kachur is used as a substitute of shati – Hedychium spicatum hence the synonym shati is used for kachur. In ancient text books only shati was mentioned and kachur was mentioned in later text books because of less availability of shati, it was mentioned as a substitute.
Medicines
Ayurvedic medicines with Kachur as an Ingredient
Kachuadi Churnam – An Ayurvedic medicine used to apply externally to relieve headache, burning sensation, dizziness, etc.
Panchagandha Churnam – It is the herbal powder used externally in conditions like giddiness, headache, insomnia, delusion, insanity etc
Sutshekhar Ras – Ayurvedic tablet or powder form medicine used in dyspepsia, gastritis, vomiting, abdominal colic, cough, cold, diarrhoea, dysentery, bloating and indigestion.
Suvarna sutashekara Rasa – Used in gastritis, urticaria, vomiting, nausea etc
Sri Sri Body Oil – It is used externally to improve complexion and removes skin dryness.
Vilvampachottyadi tailam – Used in head related diseases. Its application over head comforts head and eyes, prevents cold.
Ardraka Khandavaleha – It is a Ayurvedic medicine in herbal jam form used in allergic skin diseases, dermatitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, emaciation, anorexia, bloating, edema, inflammation,itching.
Bangshil Tablet – Used in urinary tract disorders such as burning micturition, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis etc
Cystone Syrup – Used in urinary calculi and urinary tract infections. It also has diuretic action.
Categorization, Chemistry
Scientific Classification of Curcuma zedoaria
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Species: Curcuma zedoaria
Classical categorisation of Kachura
Bhavaprakasha – Karpuradi Varga
Raja Nighantu – Pippalyadi Varga
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Chandanadi Varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Aushadi Varga
Chemical constituents of Curcuma zeodaria:
Curcuma zedoaria contains essential oils:, starch, curcumin, gums,etc.
Research
Research Points
1. Research conducted on chemical, pharmacological and ethnomedicinal properties of Curcuma zedoaria have showed its significant effect in treating diarrhoea, cancer, dyspepsia, ulcer, flatulence etc
2. Anti-diarrhoeal activity of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome – A research done for evaluating the anti diarrhoel activity of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome have showed that Curcuma zedoaria extract dose-dependently reduced the severity and frequency of diarrhoea in mice compared with the standard antimotility drug loperamide. Thus this study justify its traditional use to treat diarrhoea.
3. Anti-cancer activity in metastatic Ovarian Cancer – Research done on cytotoxic activity of various extracts of Curcuma zedoaria have proved its significant cytotoxic activity on metastatic ovarian cancer cells and HUVEC cells.
4. Antimicrobial activity – Research conducted on antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Curcuma zedoaria (Berg.) Rosc reveals its potential antimicrobial activity against some of the Gram- positive and negative pathogenic microorganisms.
5. Anti-inflammatory activity – A research study conducted on anti inflammatory activity of Curcuma zedoaria Rosc root extracts have evaluated the significant anti inflammatory effect of petroleum ether 200 and chloroform 400 mg/kg extracts of Curcuma zedoaria.
6. Analgesic activity – A study done on phytochemical analysis and analgesic activity of Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes have confirmed its significant use in relieving pain.
7. Anti fungal activity – Study of Anti-fungal efficiency of Curcuma zedoaria (christm.) Roscoe against Fusarium oxysporum, the result have showed maximum inhibition by the extract of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe.
8. Anti cancer activity – A study proved that the essential oil of Curcuma zedoaria have efficient cytotoxic effects on non-small cell lung carcinoma cells and causes cell apoptosis.
Sanskrit Synonyms of KachooraKachuraVedamukyaDravidaKalpaka, ShatiGandamula – rhizomes are aromatic
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