Significance of Bhringaraja
Bhringaraja, a multifaceted herb, is utilized across various traditional practices. In Shilpashastra, it denotes a directional reference. Purana associates it with a flower used in worship and its application in hair care. Ayurveda highlights its medicinal properties, including use in oils and its effects on blood pressure. Rasashastra lists Bhringaraja as a key ingredient in numerous medicinal preparations, particularly involving mercury and the bhavana process. Health Sciences identifies Bhringaraja as a medicinal herb, often referring to Eclipta alba, used in Ayurvedic treatments for liver ailments, hair problems, and other conditions.
Synonyms: Eclipta prostrata, False daisy, Bhringraj, Kesharaja, Hair of the dog, Eclipta alba
In Dutch: Bhringaraja; In German: Bhringaraja; In Finnish: Bhringaraja; In Spanish: Bhringaraja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Bhringaraja'
In Hinduism, Bhringaraja is a versatile medicinal herb. It's used in various Ayurvedic formulations, including juices, oils, and pills, for diverse health benefits. It is often included in the bhavana process and is known for properties like reducing blood pressure, alleviating cough, and purifying substances.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The juice of bhringaraja is used both to purify the sulphur and later as one of the successive juices with which the purified mercury and sulphur are rubbed together to create the pills.[1] (2) This is one of the plants whose juice is taken in a specified quantity and rubbed with an iron rod, then dried in the sun.[2] (3) A substance whose juices are utilized in the rubbing process of a medicinal mixture, contributing to the formulation and the preparation of pills, as indicated.[3] (4) This is a component within the medicinal preparation, included in a one-tola measurement, and contributing to the formulation designed to address various health concerns.[4] (5) Another plant whose roots are included in the bhavana process to elevate the compound's efficacy.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Bhringaraja is a juice that is used to rub with sauvira-anjana, and this mixture is then used to smear gold leaves, which are subsequently reduced to ashes when subjected to Gaja-puta.[6] (2) An herb mentioned as part of the juices to be used for the bhavana process.[7] (3) A juice used in the cleansing process of earthworms, although the specific properties or origin are not detailed in the provided text.[8]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) Its juice is used with sulphur in a process to rejuvenate an old man to youth and promote health.[9] (2) An herb used in the preparation of essence of mica for its medicinal qualities.[10] (3) A plant whose juices are used in conjunction with other substances to purify Manas-shila.[11]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) An herb used in the restraint processes of mercury to enhance stability.[12]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This is an ingredient of Tekaraja Churna, which is described to have Katu, Tikta Rasa, and Ushna Guna properties, as described in the provided text.[13] (2) This is an Ayurvedic drug, which is a Panchang seeds, and has the ability to decrease blood pressure.[14] (3) This is considered Akshirogahara and is also described as Chakshushya, as mentioned in the provided context. It acts on Rasa and Rakta Dhatu, suggesting a specific effect.[15] (4) Oil cooked with ten times the juice of this plant, when used judiciously, alleviates dyspnoea and cough, as stated in the text.[16]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A drug name; green leaves used as an ingredient of Gandhakadi Yoga with Pippali for Gandhaka Shodhana.[17] (2) This single drug Rasayana Aushadi is known for Kesya properties, according to the provided text.[18]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A medicinal herb whose expressed juice is used in cooking oil and fat for the treatment of possession.[19]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A medicinal plant noted for its use in treatment preparations in the text.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Bhringaraja is used in hair dye and also used in the oil to help with hair growth and make grey hair black.[21]
The concept of Bhringaraja in scientific sources
Bhringaraja, primarily referring to the herb *Eclipta alba*, is a clinically proven Ayurvedic herb. It's used in ancient formulations for hair, liver issues, and Amlapitta. Bhringaraja is known for its hepatoprotective qualities and is included in treatments for conditions like Suryavarta.