BRINGARAJ

Latin Name: Eclipta alba

Alternate Names: False Daisy, Bringaraja (Sanskrit), Kesharaja (Sanskrit), Han Lian Cao (Chinese), Bhangra (Hindi)

Family: ASTERACEAE

Parts Used: Entire plant.

Properties: Alterative, Astringent, Febrifuge, Hemostatic, Laxative, Nervine, Rejuvenative, Vulnerary, Yin Tonic.

Internal Uses: Alopecia, Anemia, Balding, Cirrhosis, Dysentery, Gray Hair, Hepatitis, Insomnia, Jaundice, Liver Stagnation, Loose Teeth, Restlessness, Spleen Enlargement, Tinnitus

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

In India, Bringaraj is taken with honey to prevent senility, and it is also used in massage oils as a rejuvenative.

Topical Uses: Inflammation

Topical Applications: Made into an oil that is used on the scalp to benefit hair. Compress to reduce inflammation.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Sweet, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Saponins, nicotine, tannin, beta carotene, ecliptine.

Contraindications: Avoid in cases of severe chills.

Comments: Using this herb helps one have beautiful skin.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), April 19, 2002