Can Bhringraj Really Promote Hair Growth Like Minoxidil

While traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine has promoted the health benefits of the Bhringraj plant for many hundreds of years, recent scientific studies have confirmed the hair growth potential offered by Bhringraj (also known as Eclipta alba).

Traditional remedies are rarely tested by scientists but the weight of anecdotal evidence and the popularity of Bhringraj as an effective hair loss treatment prompted two separate studies to investigate the validity of claims that Bhringraj has measurable hair growth benefits. Many thousands of people consider Bhringraj for hair growth but until this scientific study there had been no recorded proof of its effectiveness.

In order to test the Bhringraj herb, control samples of base ointment only and a minoxidil solution were used as a comparison. Most people might not be so familiar with the name minoxidil, but they will probably know it by the commercial products that contain it, such as Rogaine (or Regaine). In science minoxidil is known as a antihypertensive vasodilator capable of slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. For the purposes of the study, the results of three Bhringraj extracts were compared against the known results of minoxidil.

Three different extracts of Eclipta alba were prepared for the experiment. The first extract was petroleum ether, the second was ethanol, and the third extract was made using methanol. For the purposes of testing for hair growth, six groups of rodents were used to record the difference results.

For the first experiment 2%-5% ethanol extract Bhringraj oil was prepared using an extract of powdered Eclipta Alba. This was prepared by using the petroleum ether first, then the ethanol. This required the use of half a kilogram of dried powdered powdered Eclipta Alba.
For the second experiment, double the amount of Eclipta Alba was extracted with methanol before being filtered and concentrated to the same level as the first experiment.

The first experiment using the Ethanol and Petroleum ether extracts ran for thirty days using six groups of shaved rats (G1-G6) which were treated with extracts of differing concentrations, as follows.
G1: Control group treated with base ointment only.
G2: Ethanol Extract - Concentration of 2 %
G3: Ethanol Extract - Concentration of 5 %
G4: Petroleum ether extract - Concentration of 2 %
G5: Petroleum ether extract - Concentration of 5 %
G6: Minoxidil - Concentration of 2 %

The results were quite clear. Test groups G2/3 using the ethanol extract showed no discernible improvement in regrowth time, however the other test groups showed significant improvements.

Test groups 3 and 4 using the Petroleum ether extract grew hair more quickly that the control group G1. Hair regrowth started after only 5 days with groups G4/5 rather than 12 days with the control group G1. Total time for regrowth over the shaved area was reduced from 24 days with the control group to only 20 days for groups G4/5. Group G6 managed a similar reduction in regrowth time with full regrowth noted at 20 days.

The second experiment used mice rather than rats, using the methanol solution from Eclipta Alba extracts for 10 days. Results showed that the Eclipta Alba extract was more successful at hair regrowth than the control minoxidil solution.

In conclusion it was shown that Eclipta Alba was successful in promoting hair growth, to the same degree as minoxidil when using the petroleum ether extract. It was also noted that Eclipta Alba increased the number of hair follicles, again giving an indication of the validity of using Bhringraj for hair re-growth.

Bhringraj oil can be used on its own or combined with Bhringraj powder for a more potent treatment. It can be massaged into the scalp the night before washing the hair, or used a a conditioning hair oil. Bhringraj powder can also be added to hair conditioners and treatments. Because Bhringraj is a natural, herbal treatment, it doesn't have the adverse side effects often associated with minoxidil.

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How to Use Bhringraj to Promote Hair Growth

The Bhringraj plant is well known for its hair growth properties, but it's easy to become confused by the numerous names that it is also known by. If you are looking for natural products that contain extract of the Bhringraj plant, then look out for the following names, as they all refer to the same plant.

bhangra, bhringaraj or bhringrajaEclipta albaEclipta prostrataFalse Daisykehrajkarisalankanniyerba de tagomaca

The Bhringraj plant by any of these names is a member of the large Asteraceae family of plants. It can be found growing in the wild in most countries, where it can be seen growing in damp soil, usually at the side of rivers or plantations. It is recognisable for it's small white flower, and for growing to a height of up to 200mm. The leaves are green but have an unusual red tint around the edges and also on the branches of the plant.

When grown commercially, seeds are planted in a fertilizer rich soil and can be harvested after around 12-13 weeks. Subsequently the Bhringraj plant can be re-harvested around every 8 weeks. Its reputation as a treatment for hair loss originates from India. Indian Ayurvedic medicine attributes many beneficial properties to the Bhringraj plant and its leaves; however it is its effective use as a hair loss remedy that is making it popular more recently in Western culture.

There is a growing selection of hair loss products becoming available that rely on the hair growth properties of the Bhringraj herb. There are many ways of preparing the Bhringraj plant for application or ingestion, but either Bhringraj powder or Bhringraj oil is favoured for hair loss treatment. One method of applying to hair is to boil the leaf juice of the Bhringraj plant and mix with some coconut oil before applying to the hair. This not only adds body to the hair and natural nutrients to the scalp, but also adds a nice black sheen to the hair. The powder too can be used in place of the leaf juice.

Alternatively, sesame oil mixed with Bhringraj powder can also be applied to the scalp and hair, conditioning the hair and leaving it beautiful, dark and lustrous. It is this effect of darkening the hair that makes Bhringraj treatments of particular interest to adults who find their hair starting to grey. By using Bhringraj oil adults can make their hair darker and more beautiful, but also benefit from the Bhringraj plant's hair growth properties. Users of Bhringraj oil usually find that their hair is easier is thicker and healthier.

Unlike some other hair loss treatments, Bhringraj is a herbal product and as such is a truly natural way to grow hair, prevent hair loss and keep your hair looking beautiful without using harmful chemicals. This absence of artificial ingredients in Bhringraj products makes it the preferred choice for many consumers looking to find the best product for hair loss. Some people have even reported that their hair regrowth has continued after they have stopped using Bhringraj oil.

Bhringraj is sold in both powder and oil form. There are also herbal supplements available for people not so keen on making tea out of the Bhringraj powder. The oil and powder are excellent treatments for hair loss and thinning hair and can continue to be used to keep the hair strong and healthy. The oil can be used as a pre shampoo treatment or massaged into the scalp the night before washing the hair. The powder can be added to conditioners and deep hair conditioning treatments.

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