Bringraj ~ Eclipta erecta, E. alba

Bringraj

Latin name: Eclipta erecta, E. alba  (Ayurvedic name means “king of the bumblebees”, also called kesharaj, “king of the hair”)

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: herb, roots, leaves

Habitat: found throughout India and the S.W. U.S.

Main constituents:  alkaloids

Energetics: cooling (some say mildly warming)

Main herbal actions: rejuvenative tonic, alterative, antipyretic, hemostatic, laxative, nervine, vulnerary

Minor herbal actions: cholagogue (roots and leaves); root is tonic, alterative, emetic, purgative; leaf juice is a hepatic tonic and deobstruent

Main medicinal uses: aging, cirrhosis, graying and balding (main Ayurvedic herb for hair)

Minor medicinal uses: ear aches, skin disorders, poor sleep, spleen enlargement

Preparations: 1:4 tincture: 1-3 ml tid; infusion: 1 tsp/cup water, decoction: 1 tsp/cup water, powder: 5 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: may cause severe chills

Toxicity: none known

Sources: http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h130.htm