Eclipta Alba

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Eclipta Alba

Other names : False Daisy, yerba de tago, bhringraj, Eclipta prostrata, Han Lian Cao, Kheraj, Karisalankanni, Bhringaraja, Field Lotus Herb, Herba Eclptae, 墨旱莲 Mò hàn lián, 旱莲草 Hàn lián cǎo
is indigenous to India, China, Thailand and Brazil.
See also : Bhringaraj Oil

Special Precautions of Eclipta Alba

  • Contraindicated for those with Kidney and Spleen Deficiency Cold.
  • Contraindicated for those with diarrhea or loose stools due to Cold from Kidney Qi Deficiency.
  • Use caution for Spleen Qi Deficient patients who have Food Stagnation.

Benefits and uses of Eclipta Alba are

The extract prepared from Bhringraj plant is rich in alkaloids and the leaves contain high amount of proteins. The plant is known for its antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antileprotic, antihaemorrhagic, analgesic, antihepatotoxic, hypotensive and ovicidal properties. The plant contains several chemicals like polypeptides, steroids calcium, vitamin D, Iron, Vitamin E, magnesium. The plant is commonly used in Ayurveda for liver disease and treatment of skin disorders, including eczema, dermatitis, hair loss and insect bites.

  • Antimicrobial Effects : Extracts of Eclipta alba has been traditionally used as an alternative treatment for infections. An article appearing in the May 2011 issue of the "Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials" investigated the antimicrobial effects of Eclipta alba on secondary infections of patients undergoing anticancer treatment. The researchers gathered samples from 40 oral cancer patients and identified nine different pathogenic bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, causing Staph infections, Escherichia coli, which causes gastrointestinal problems, and Staphylococcus epidermis, a common cause of boils. The authors found that Eclipta alba was an effective antimicrobial agent against all of the tested organisms, and encouraged future studies to test the efficacy and safety of this herbal remedy.
  • Anticancer Properties : Eclipta alba is also used by herbalists to treat various form of cancer. A study in the June 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" explored the anticancer activities of Eclipta alba on a line of liver cancer cells. The researchers noted that an alcoholic extraction of Eclipta alba inhibited the growth of cancer cells and had cytotoxic effects, meaning that it was efficient in killing the cells. The study concluded that Eclipta alba had anticancer effects by preventing proliferation of cancer cells through the disruption of the DNA molecules; thereby effectively inhibiting the spread of the disease.
  • Insecticide : The development of greener, ecofriendly pest control is highly desirable to limit further pollution of soil and water. To achieve this goal, researches are testing traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic methods with some success. A study published in the July 2011 issue of "Parasitology Research" investigated the effects of Eclipta alba as an insecticide to combat disease transmitted through mosquito populations. The researchers reported that Eclipta alba showed moderate larvicidal activity against third instar larvae after 24 hours of exposure. The study concluded that Eclipta alba was an effective ecofriendly alternative to chemical insecticides and further reported no known adverse implications for the environment.
  • Hair Growth : Eclipta alba is believed to promote hair growth and to maintain hair quality. A methanol extract of Eclipta alba was investigated as a potential promoter of hair growth in the July 2009 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." The researchers topically applied the plant extract to the coats of mice, genetically manipulated for baldness, and found a dose-dependent stimulation of hair growth activity. The study concluded that Eclipta alba has potential to grow hair through the stimulation of hair follicles. The researchers recommended further studies to test the efficacy and safety of this extract.
  • Liver and kidney yin deficiency - dizziness, premature greying of hair, blurred vision.
  • Cools blood, stops bleeding - yin deficiency patterns with bleeding due to heat in the blood, vomiting or coughing up blood, nosebleed, blood in the stool, uterine bleeding, bloody urine.
  • Treats skin and eye problems : Bhringraj leaves are amazing for treating all minor skin related diseases as it has wonderful anti-bacterial properties. Bhringraj juice is very effective for treating cracked heels and minor skin allergies. To get the bhringraj juice, take the fresh leaves of bhringraj plant, wash and pound it in a mortar and pestle as finely as you can. Now take the pounded mixture in a strainer and press with a spoon to extract the juice completely. Apply this juice directly on the affected area continuously for a few days to see results. This juice also helps in faster healing of wounds and it is best applied when it is fresh. We can also use bhringraj while making kajal, we apply the keelanelli juice on the brass plate and place it over a small lamp that is filled unrefined sesame oil. Once the soot is collected, we take it in a plate and mix it with ghee and use as kajal. Kajal made with keelanelli has a cooling effect on the eyes.
  • Relief from migraine pain : Heat equal quantities of its juice and goat’s milk, put few drops of this mixture in nose. Also, mix black pepper powder in its juice and apply on the forehead. It gives relief from migraine.
  • Controls high blood pressure : To normalize the blood pressure, give 2 teaspoon juice of its leaves with 1 teaspoon of honey mixed in it, twice a day.
  • Treats jaundice : Grind fresh and clean leaves of Bhringraj with 7 black peppers in 2ml paste of leaves and give it to the patient every morning, in an empty stomach. One can give it with sour curd or buttermilk.Within 5-6 days, it cures jaundice.
  • Treat ulcers : Apply juice of bhringraj on the infectious ulcers. One can also tie the poultice on the ulcers. In case of ulcers and boils on hand, thumb and fingers apply its thick paste on the ulcer. It helps heal the ulcer fast.
  • Helpful during Diabetes : Take powder of Bhringraj and powder of flowers of babool in equal quantities. Add some sugar candy to it. Give this to the patient with 6 ml of goat’s milk. This is very useful to treat all forms of diabetes.
  • Aids for scorpion bites : Grind the leaves of Bhrinraj and apply the paste on the swollen area. The pain condenses on the bitten area. It also relieves the sting and poison too.
  • Helpful in cholera : 2 teaspoon juice of Bhringraj plant if given with little amount of rock salt in it, to the patient thrice a day, relieves Cholera.

used in Patent Medecines