If you have heard of Bhringaraj before, you probably have heard of its use as a hair tonic or its unique ability to restore 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 literally translated as “the king of bees,” most likely because it is highly sought out by bees for pollination. It has also been called Kesha-raja, which translates maybe more appropriately as “the king of hair”. Bhringaraj can be taken either internally or applied externally (typically infused in an oil), depending on your healthcare needs. For many issues, 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-based 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, castor oil, or another cooling oil as the base in order to control the Pitta that tends to cause these issues. Massage deep and slowly to increase the blood flow to the scalp, reduce tension, and allow the oil to penetrate into the follicles. **For a bonus, end by massaging the soles of the feet with the same oil, as this indirectly helps to alleviate these issues.
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2. For liver and skin disorders:
Take 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture of Bhringaraj, Kutki, and Neem (equal parts) three times daily, after meals. Mix this in 1/2 cup of warm water, let it steep for a few minutes, stir well, and drink without straining. Follow with a couple of sips of warm water.
Alternatively, take 3 to 5 dropper-fulls of Love Your Liver Tincture in a 1/2 cup of warm water between meals, twice daily.
*For skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and severe dry skin, simultaneously apply a cooling medicated oil such as our Svastha Skin Oil to the affected area before bed each night.
Try our Love Your Liver Tincture!
3. For promoting intellect and memory:
Take 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture of 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 of sips of warm water.
4. For insomnia:
Take 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture of 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 of sips of warm water.
5. For asthma, cough, bronchitis, and congestion:
Take 1/2 teaspoon of Bhringaraj mixed with 1/4 tsp of Trikatu Churna in a spoonful of honey. Wash down with warm water. Take as needed three times daily (before meals) for chronic issues.
6. For anemia:
Take 1 teaspoon 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 it onto the forehead. Alternatively, you can massage a warm medicated oil containing Bhringaraj and Ginger, such as our Kapha Massage Oil. 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.
Try our Revitalizing Hair Oil!
Try our Love Your Liver Tincture!
