Health Guide

Eclipta

Meet Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata), often affectionately called Bhringraj in Ayurveda or the 'False Daisy.' Far from being just a weed, this humble plant with white flowers is a nutritional powerhouse packed into a leaf. Think of it as nature’s multivitamin for your hair and liver. It is loaded with wedelolactone and eclalbasaponins, compounds that act like bodyguards for your cells. While you won't find it in the salad aisle of your local grocery store, it is a staple in traditional medicine for reversing greys, detoxifying the liver, and boosting memory. It is the 'green gold' of herbal supplements.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Eclipta: Traditional Uses vs Modern Validation

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Evidence Strength (Tier)

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Hair Growth & Pigmentation: Stimulates follicles and darkens hair naturally.
Liver Detoxification: Acts as a shield for your liver against toxins.
Memory Booster: Traditionally used to sharpen focus and calm the mind.

Deep Dive

Eclipta works primarily as an adaptogen and a potent antioxidant. For your hair, the rich content of wedelolactone mimics the activity of DHT blockers, helping to prevent hair fall and premature greying. For your body, it stimulates the production of endogenous antioxidants like glutathione, which is your liver's primary cleaning agent. This helps your body process waste more efficiently, reducing that sluggish, heavy feeling after a rich meal. It is essentially a system reset for your hair and internal filtration.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike Vitamin C or Magnesium, Eclipta is not found in standard fruits or vegetables. It is a specific herb. However, you can consume it in whole forms rather than just isolated extracts.

Food Source	Amount (Fresh Herb)	Best Way to Consume
Eclipta Leaves	1-2 grams	Blended into green juices or smoothies.
Bhringraj Powder	500mg - 1g	Mixed with warm water or honey.
Bhringraj Oil	Topical	Massaged directly into the scalp.

Supplementation

Dosage: Standard extracts (50:1) range from 300mg to 600mg daily. Who should take it: Individuals experiencing early hair thinning, dull skin, or those looking for natural liver support. It is excellent for vegetarians seeking plant-based wellness.

Top Food Sources

Eclipta Alba Leaf

Fresh or dried leaf

Bhringraj Powder

Standardized extract

Bhringraj Oil

For scalp massage

Eclipta Capsules

Standardized extract

Bhringraj Tea

Steeped leaves

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, consistent use (topical or oral) is traditionally believed to help restore natural pigmentation by increasing melanin production in the follicles.

For hair growth, give it at least 3 months. For liver support, you might feel increased energy within a few weeks.

Yes, it is safe for cycles of use (e.g., 3 months on, 1 month off) for most healthy adults.

The raw herb is quite bitter (bitter tonic), which is good for digestion. Capsules bypass the taste.

Safety & Side Effects

Eclipta is generally considered safe when used at recommended dosages. However, because it can stimulate blood flow and lower blood pressure, pregnant women should strictly avoid it as it may stimulate uterine contractions. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, monitor your levels closely, as the herb may enhance the effect of those drugs.

Scientific References

[1]Singh et al., 'Eclipta alba: A Review on its Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Actions', Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
[2]Pandey et al., 'Hepatoprotective activity of Eclipta alba', Indian Journal of Pharmacology.
[3]Datta et al., 'Effect of Eclipta alba on Hair Growth', Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.