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Alternative Names: False Daisy, Yerba de Tago. In India, the plant is known as bhangra, "bhringaraj" or bhringraja. An other plant Widelia calendulacea is also known by the same name, but Eclipta has white flowers so called white bhangra and Widelia has yellow flower so it is called yellow Bhangra.
Eclipta Alba contains many helpful nutrients and oils that promote good health.
The plant is bitter, hot, sharp, dry in taste.
History; Source
Eclipta Alba has been traditionally used in folk medicine, both Ayurvedhaand Siddha.
Eclipta alba is a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It grows commonly in moist places as a weed all over the world. It is widely distributed throughout India, China, Thailand, and Brazil.
Function; Reasons For Use
The herb Eclipta alba contains mainly coumestans i.e. wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, polypeptides, polyacetylenes, thiophene-derivatives, steroids, triterpenes and flavonoids. Coumestans are known to possess estrogenic activity; Wedelolactone possesses a wide range of biological activities and is used for the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis, as an antibacterial, anti-hemorrhagic.
The roots of Eclipta alba are emetic and purgative.
In ayurvedic medicine, the leaf extract is considered a powerful liver tonic, rejuvenative, and especially good for the hair. It is also used in ayurveda for the treatment of Kapha and Vata imbalances. In Ayurveda the plant is considered a rasayana for longevity and rejuvenation.
Eclipta alba also has traditional external uses, such as athlete foot, eczema and dermatitis, on the scalp to address hair loss and the leaves have been used in the treatment of scorpion stings. It is used as anti-venom against snakebite in China and Brazil; it has been reported to improve hair growth and color. The fresh juice leaves is applied on the scalp for promoting hair growth. The herb is commonly used in hair oils as well as in the form of alcoholic extract.
The expressed leaf juice is applied along with honey is a popular remedy for catarrh in infants. A preparation obtained from the leaf juice boiled with sesame or coconut oil is used for anointing the head to render the hair black and luxuriant. An oil prepared with amla, bhringraj and sometimes with brahmi is well known in India as Amla Bhringraj oil, which is said to blacken the hair. Plant is rubbed on the gums in toothache and applied with a little oil for relieving headache and with sesame oil in elephantiasis.
Recent studies have shown that it has a profound antihepatotoxic activity. A cardiodepressant activity was also observed in it when used for hepatic congestion. A complete symptomatic relief in epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting in ulcer patients has also been observed.
In Taiwan, entire plant is used as a remedy for the treatment of bleeding, heamoptysis, haematuria and itching, hepatitis, diphtheria and diarrhoea. In China, as a cooling and restorative herb, which supports the mind, nerves, liver and eyes. The leaf extract is considered to be powerful liver tonic, rejuvenative, and especially good for the hair.
The plant juice is administered in combination with aromatics for catarrhal jaundice.
Directions
Usually used with Phyllanthus.
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Eclipta Alba can help with the following: | | | | | Organ Health |  Hepatitis | Usually used with Phyllanthus. |
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KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Ayurvedic (Ayurveda)
Type of alternative medicine in which diet and therapies, such as herbal inhalation and massage, are dictated by individual's body type; 4,000 year-old traditional Indian system believed to be helpful to those suffering insomnia, hypertension and digestive problems.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Catarrh
Inflamed mucous membranes, an older term that usually implied excess secretions, particularly with congestion.
Cirrhosis (Liver Cirrhosis)
A long-term disease in which the liver becomes covered with fiber-like tissue. This causes the liver tissue to break down and become filled with fat. All functions of the liver then decrease, including the production of glucose, processing drugs and alcohol, and vitamin absorption. Stomach and bowel function, and the making of hormones are also affected.
Dermatitis
A general term used to refer to eruptions or rashes on the skin.
Dosha (Doshas, Kapha, Pitta, Vata)
Ayurveda describes three humours or motivating principles called doshas, which are necessary for all living beings whether plant, animal or human. They are vata, pitta and kapha, represented in the body by wind, bile and mucus respectively. Vata is responsible for the movement of the organism, without and within. Pitta is responsible for metabolism and the processes of transformation, and kapha is responsible for form and structure. Disease is said to be the result of an imbalance in one or more of the three doshas.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Emetic
Substance causing vomiting.
Epigastric
Relating to the area immediately above the stomach.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, abnormal liver function, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Jaundice
Yellow discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes and excreta as a result of an excess of the pigment bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Last updated: Aug 16, 2008
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