If you have heard of Bhringaraj before, you probably have heard of its use as a hair tonic or its unique ability to restore the hair. This incredible Ayurvedic herb quite possibly is the best option for preventing and treating premature greying and baldness, making it a main ingredient in any Ayurvedic Hair Oil. However, Bhringaraj possesses many other health benefits, including being a powerful liver tonic, alleviating inflammation, healing skin issues, calming the mind, treating insomnia and strengthening the bones and teeth.
Bhringaraj is translated as “the king of eyebrows” showing its ability to awaken intelligence and memory. It also has been called Kesha-raja, which translates maybe more appropriately as “the king of hair”. This herb can be taken either internally or applied externally (typically infused in an oil), depending on your healthcare needs. For many issues that Bhringaraj may treat, it may be even more effective to do both simultaneously. For instance, if you are suffering from insomnia, it would be recommended to not only take Bhringaraj internally as part of a balanced herbal formula, but also apply Bhringaraj Oil to the scalp and feet each night to calm the mind and ground the energy.
Bhringaraj is best for Kapha and Vata disorders, however it can be extremely useful in Pitta disorders as long as it is balanced out with some cooling herbs. In fact many issues with hair loss and greying of the hair stem from excessive Pitta in the head, making this herb a necessity, as long as it is used in a balanced and intelligent manner.
Health Benefits of Bhringaraj
- Treats and prevents baldness, hair thinning and premature hair loss
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Useful in Alopecia
- Treats and prevents premature greying
- Promotes a healthy complexion
- Treats skin disorders
- Liver tonic and rejuvenative
- Treats liver disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice
- Treats spleen and liver enlargement
- Promotes bile flow
- Increases memory and intellect
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-aging rejuvenative
- Calms a restless mind
- Promotes sound sleep
- Increases libido
- Increases healthy semen/sperm production
- Increases digestion
- Burns toxins, cleanses the blood
- Strengthens the teeth and bones
- Strengthens the eyes and treats eye disorders
- Beneficial in cough, congestion, asthma and bronchitis
- Removes anemia
- Heals wounds and ulcers
- Lowers blood pressure
- Alleviates migraines
- Reduces edema (diuretic)
- Prevents abortion and miscarriage (use under direct care only)
- Alleviates uterine pains post-natal
How to Use Bhringaraj
1. For hair thinning, baldness, greying or alopecia:
Massage Bhringaraj Oil or an Ayurvedic Hair Oil with Bhringaraj onto the scalp each night before bed. Ideally the oil should contain coconut oil or another cooling oil as the base in order to control the Pitta that tends to cause these issues. Massage deep and slow to increase the blood flow to the scalp, reduce tension and allow the oil to penetrate into the follicles. **For an added bonus, end by massaging the soles of the feet with the same oil, as this indirectly helps to alleviate these issues.
2. For liver and skin disorders:
Take 1/2 tsp of the mixture Bhringaraj, Kutki and Neem (equal parts) three times daily, after meals. Mix this in 1/2 cup of warm water, let steep for a few minutes, stir well and drink without straining. Follow with a couple sips of warm water.
**For skin issues, simultaneously apply a cooling medicated oil containing Neem and Bhringaraj to the effected area before bed each night.
3. For promoting intellect and memory:
Take 1/2 tsp of the mixture Bhringaraj, Jatamansi and Brahmi (in equal parts) three times daily, after meals. Mix this in 1/2 cup of warm water, let steep for a few minutes, stir well and drink without straining. Follow with a couple sips of warm water.
4. For insomnia:
Take 1/2 tsp of the mixture Bhringaraj, Ashwagandha and Shankapushpi (in equal parts) 30 minutes before the desired bedtime. Mix this in 1/2 cup of warm water, let steep for a few minutes, stir well and drink without straining. Follow with a couple sips of warm water.
5. For asthma, cough, bronchitis and congestion:
Take 1/2 tsp of Bhringaraj mixed with 1/4 tsp of Trikatu in a spoonful of honey. Wash down with warm water. Take as needed of three times daily (before meals) for chronic issues.
6. For anemia:
Take 1 tsp of Bhringaraj powder mixed in 1/2 cup of homemade yogurt. Add a pinch of black pepper and turmeric. Take this daily until the anemia has healed. **Kapha types can reduce the amount of fresh yogurt to 1/4 cup and add a small amount of water (similar to a lassi).
7. For headache or migraine:
Make a paste out of Bhringaraj and Ginger (3 parts to 1 part), and massage onto the forehead. Alternatively, one can massage a warm medicated oil containing Bhringaraj and Ginger. For severe headaches and migraines, one can soak this warm oil into an old washcloth. Then apply it to the forehead while lying down in a dark room. Keep this on for at least 15 minutes.
