Mahabhringraj oil is a popular herbal oil used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is derived from the leaves of the Bhringraj plant, which is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. In Ayurveda, Bhringraj is considered a potent herb known for its various therapeutic properties. Usually prepared by infusing Bhringraj leaves in a base oil such as sesame oil or coconut oil, it can also include other herbal ingredients for added benefits. These ingredients can vary depending on the specific formulation or brand.
While best known as a hair oil, mahabhringraj oil was traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system for a lot more. It was primarily used to relieve Vata and Kapha imbalances, as well as to relieve conditions that affect the liver. The herb, botanically classified as Eclipta Alba, has been the subject of numerous studies that point to a variety of health benefits.
10 Health Benefits of Mahabhringraj Oil
- Promotes Hair Growth
Primary Benefits: Researchers have been interested in the therapeutic potential of bhringraj as a treatment for hair loss and results so far have been encouraging. They found that the use of Mahabhringraj Hair Oil sped up the hair growth cycle and increased the number of hair follicles, showing even greater efficacy than some conventional treatments such as minoxidil 1.
- Fights Infections
Secondary Benefits: Bhringraj is renowned for its proven antimicrobial effects, which can also help when used in the form of oil. Studies show that it can fight yeast infections caused by candida, which can give rise both scalp and skin problems. It has also demonstrated inhibitory activity against pathogens such as Aspergillus niger – a form of mold, Bacillus cereus – a gastrointestinal bacteria and many other pathogens 2.
- Protects The Liver
Primary Benefits: Studies have suggested that Bhringraj extracts may possess hepatoprotective properties, meaning they can help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins or certain diseases 3. Bhringraj extracts have shown potential in reducing liver injury markers and enhancing liver function, which makes it useful against toxicity, although this benefit is mainly associated with supplementation.
- May Fight Alzheimer’s
Secondary Benefits: Bhringraj has also been found to exhibit cerebroprotective effects, lowering the risk of degenerative brain diseases, often associated with ageing, such as Alzeimer’s disease. One study found that the combination of Bhringraj and Ashwagandha could stimulate mitochondrial activity in the brain 4.
- Reduces Inflammation
Primary Benefits: Some studies have indicated that Bhringraj extracts may possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help alleviate pain and inflammation 5. This is one of the many notable Mahabhringraj hair oil benefits that can help when dealing with inflammatory scalp conditions, but it may also be used to relieve other inflammatory skin diseases.
- Antioxidant Protection
Primary Benefits: Bhringraj extracts have demonstrated antioxidant activity in laboratory studies 6. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This suggests that Bhringraj may have potential as an antioxidant agent, which could protect against aging associated with free radical damage.
- Relieves Dandruff
Primary Benefits: Mahabhringraj Oil is regarded as a potential natural dandruff treatment because of its proven anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal effects. Dandruff is often linked to an overgrowth of the fungus called Malassezia, making Mahabhringraj Oil useful. As inflammation and itching associated with dandruff contribute to hair fall, the oil can also relieve these symptoms.
- Blood Pressure
Secondary Benefits: Among the recognized Mahabhringraj oil benefits is its effect of relaxation when applied on the scalp, which could lower stress and reduce blood pressure. While more research is needed, studies show that Bhringraj supplementation in a dosage of 500 mg capsules twice a day can lower blood pressure within two months 7.
- Cholesterol
Secondary Benefits: Similarly, Bhringraj supplementation was also found to improve cholesterol levels, lowering total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. This can help protect against coronary artery disease and heart disease 7.
- Reduces Greying
Primary Benefits: Greying of the hair is an unavoidable problem associated with aging, but it can affect many younger adults too. The regular use of Mahabhringraj Hair Oil may help to prevent or delay this problem because of its antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
Mahabhringraj Oil is clearly no ordinary hair oil and the herb has a wide range of therapeutic applications. While many of its benefits are associated with use of the oil as a topical application, some of its benefits derive from supplementation. Depending on your health problem, ask an Ayurvedic expert for advice on the best way to use Mahabhringraj Oil.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general information and not meant to substitute any medical advice. Please consult your doctor for appropriate medical consultation.
References:
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-008-0860-3
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8615741/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8145570/
- https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.678.9559&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3331089/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897414/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2006.0000
