Hairfall and stress are two phenomena that have always been closely linked. And with the recent news of disease and unrest, you might be worried about the hair you find in your sink. Today’s article will bring to you several recipes making use of the Ayurvedic ingredient Bhringraj. The recipes will mostly be easy-to-follow, simple and be ready in less than half an hour.
Bhringraj aka Eclipta prostrate is one of the most discussed herbs in terms of hair health. The effects of the herb are both widespread and potent. Not only does it help in preventing hair fall, it actively promotes the growth of new hair, prevents the graying of hair and scalp itching. Additionally, Bhringraj helps in the treatment of various skin and liver-related medical conditions. The herb grows well in warm and moist conditions and is fairly common in several parts of the world.
Bhringraj is described as having a bitter and sharp taste. It is more commonly known to native English speakers as the “False Daisy”. Though it is mostly used for external applications for the skin and hair, it can also be consumed to treat several intestinal and liver conditions. Although the herb is mostly recognized for its ability to treat hair related problems, it has been shown that application of Bhringraj oil on the scalp can help in relieving migraines and headaches.
The Doshas behind it all
In Ayurvedic terms, this is due to its effect on the Vata and Kapha doshas. Bhringraj helps in balancing and keeping the Vata and Kapha doshas in check, which reduces stress and tension. Like anything else in the world, an increase in one of the doshas over the other causes various problems. People that have the Vata dosha out of balance tend to be hyperactive, experience physical problems like backs pains, cracking joints, and poor digestion. Conversely, when the Kapha dosha is out of balance, people tend to become lazy, develop digestive problems, and suffer from fatigue, sleeplessness and depression. Since Bhringraj helps balance out these two doshas, it is very helpful in treating or reducing the intensity of such problems.
For a more comprehensive article on how the doshas work and interact, click here.
Bhringraj Powder or Churna has multiple usages and the Bhringraj Recipes we have curated will list cures for problems ranging from hair fall to stress. And as always, they will not take much effort or time to make, allowing even the most culinarily-handicapped individual to be able to prepare them!!
Recipe 1: Simple Bhringraj Hair Oil
Ever wondered how to make Bhringraj Oil at home? Well, the first recipe is the one for you!
The recipe only calls for the use of two ingredient, Coconut oil and Bhringraj powder. For a single application, take one teaspoon of Bhringraj powder and two tablespoons of Coconut oil and mix the two over a low flame. And that’s it; you have successfully prepared Bhringraj oil.
How to use: Take the prepared mix and apply directly onto the scalp. Massage your head with the oil and let it rest for an hour before washing it out with shampoo. Repeat every two or three days.
Purpose: This five-minute recipe aims to provide multiple benefits to the user simultaneously. The coconut oil acts as an efficient carrier to the Bhringraj powder which helps in restoring hair luster, color and volume. Additionally, repeated application of the oil onto the scalp helps in reducing stress and tension.
Recipe 2: Advanced Bhringraj Hair Oil
This Bhringraj recipe uses the previous one as its base and adds a few additional ingredients to it to make it more efficient. The ingredients needed for this recipe are Coconut Oil, Bhringraj Powder, Fenugreek seeds, Curry leaves and dried Hibiscus flowers (optional). Take equal amounts of Bhringraj powder and ground Curry leaves and mix them together. To this add the ½ teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds and a few Hibiscus flowers and grind well. Heat a cup full of Coconut Oil in a vessel and add the ground mix to the hot oil. Let the entire mix boil for a few minutes. Cool the oil before straining out the solid residues and storing it.
How to Use: The oil can be used similarly to the previous one. Apply it directly to the scalp, let it rest for an hour before washing it out.
Purpose: The “Advanced” recipe contains two additional ingredients, Curry Leaves and Fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek seeds serve a cosmetic role in the recipe by giving it a sweet, maple-syrup like odor. The Curry Leaves or Kadi Patta imparts a few active compounds to the oil that increase its ability to promote hair growth.
Recipe 3: Bhringraj Siddha Triphala Churna
This herbal recipe combines the properties of two important Ayurvedic ingredients to bring you a multi-functional Churna. For this recipe, you will need Triphala Churna and Bhringraj Churna. Take equal amounts of both the powders. Dissolve the Bhringraj Powder in water to make a juice. Add the Triphala Powder to this juice and let it soak in the juice till it naturally evaporates, leaving behind a powder residue. The process can be sped up by placing the mix over a low flame till the water evaporates. Dry and grind the residue to a fine powder form.
How to Use: Take a spoonful of the Churna every day on an empty stomach, before breakfast.
Purpose: This Churna Fusion is especially useful in preventing the whitening of hair. Consistent usage of the Churna also causes a reduction in stress levels. One can expect visible results within a month of use.
Recipe 4: Bhringraj Herbal Tea
This herbal tea mix combines the goodness of Bringhraj along with Brahmi, Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi. Take one teaspoon of each herbal powder and let it soak in a cup of hot water for ten minutes. Strain out the residues and enjoy the hot drink!!
How to Use: This relaxing herbal tea can be consumed at any time of the day. It is also a great way to start your day!!
Purpose: The Bhringraj Herbal Tea is a delicious, warm beverage that provides users with a range of beneficial properties. It helps to calm the mind, reduce stress and tension and boost the memory. Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi powders in the tea serve to bolster the memory boosting properties of the mix.
Recipe 5: Bhringraj-Aloe Vera mix
The final recipe for this article is a Bhringraj-Aloe Vera mix. To make this recipe, mix 1/4th teaspoon of Bhringraj powder with a tablespoon of (well-washed) Aloe Vera gel. You can also add a pinch of Black Pepper powder to spice things up (literally!!).
How to Use: Consume the mix daily, after breakfast.
Purpose: The properties of Bhringraj are not just restricted to preventing hair fall or graying of hair. It is also a potent Rasayana that is capable of improving mental prowess and memory, enhancing the immune system of the body and increase the average life span.
If you were inspired to try out the recipes but don’t have the required ingredients, fear not for we have you covered!! Follow the link to find great offers on Churnas for Bhringraj, Jatamansi, Shankhpushpi, Brahmi and several others. Alternatively, if you were not inspired enough to try out the recipes but still want the benefits of the mentioned Bhringraj recipes, check out some of our other products like the Brainkey Gold Malt or the Bhringraj Hair Therapy for pre-made Ayurvedic goodness in a bottle. Stress seems to have become a way of life in the modern world. Escaping it seems difficult, even impossible at times. But with the right advice, proper workout and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible.
Reference: Medicinal plants for skin and hair care
