Useful parts: Roots, leaves

Chemical constituent:

It contains saponin, alkaloids, ecliptine, wedelic acid, luteolin, triterpine, glycosides, flavanoids and isoflavanoids. It contains wedelolactone and dimethyl wedelolactone, whcih  possess potent antihepatotoxic properties.The herb is a rich source of ascorbic acid.  The plant is a good source of thiophene derivatives which are active against nematodes.  The roots are very rich in thiophene acetylenes.

Medicinal Properties:

The root is alternative, aphrodisiac, refrigerant, diuretic, and tonic. It overcomes vitiated Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is a hepatic deobstruent and tonic. An  alternative, emetic, purgative, antiseptic, antiviral, rejuvenative, febrifuge, antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, and haemostatic.

Medicinal uses:

    1. Internal uses:

• Skin: It is an excellent herb for skin problems including urticaria, eczema and psoriasis. It is also helpful in vitiligo. It reduces itching and inflammation. It is said to promote lustrous complexion.

• Urinary system: Urinary infections with dark red, cloudy, painful urination; cystitis, urethritis, kidney infections, prostatitis are well treated through this herb.

• Nerves: Its alterative and purificatory nature extends to the mind, hence its use in disturbed, angry or irritated emotions from high Pitta aggravating the equilibrium of the mind. It reduces Vata indirectly by calming the flames of Pitta.

• Respiratory: The juice is given with honey to treat upper respiratory congestion in children.

• Circulatory system: It posesses myocardial depressant and hypotensive effects.

• Ageing: It maintains and rejuvenates hair, teeth, bones, memory, sight and hearing.

• Anti venom: It is used as anti-venom against snakebite.

• Liver tonic: As it is a  liver tonic, it is used in derangement  of the liver and gall bladder

    2. External uses:

• Hair tonic: Bhringraj oil prevents greying and  balding of hair.It  makes the hair darker.

• Skin problems : It is also useful in athlete foot, eczema and dermatitis.

Dose: Powder 1-3 gms.

Important formulations:

Bhringaraja taila, Shadbindu taila, Bhringarajadi churna. Bhringaraja ghrita

Home remedies:

• The Eclipta alba (bhringraj) leaf juice boiled with sesame or coconut oil for anointing the head to render the hair black

• The leaf juice is also effective when applied externally to treat minor cuts, abrasions, and burns.

•  Take 1 table spoon juice  of Bhringraj thrice daily for 3 days. The symptoms of Snake bites are improved in 3 days

• It is good for glandular swellings, elephantiasis and other skin diseases. A paste of the herb mixed with sesame (til) oil applied externally over the affected parts helps in  reducing  inflammation.

• The extract obtained from the leaves is mixed with honey and given to infants for expulsion of worms.