Cosmetic experts have tested and proven a lot of variations of beauty oils to have nourishing effects on both the skin and hair. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and argan oil are popular trends in the beauty industry. However, bhringraj oil is stealing the spotlight.
If you want something to nourish your hair and promote hair growth, bhringraj oil may be your favorite. Let’s get to know more about this oil and the many hair benefits it brings to the table.
What is the bhringraj plant?
The bhringraj plant, or the “false daisy,” is a traditional, creeping herb commonly growing in moist, tropical, and subtropical locations such as India, Thailand, and Brazil. This herb belongs to the sunflower family and has the scientific name Eclipta alba or Eclipta prostrata.
Despite being a “common weed,” the bhringraj herb has been utilized for many years for cosmetic use and Indian ayurvedic medicine. It is rich in phytonutrients and minerals such as vitamins E and D, magnesium, calcium, and iron, so it is also taken as an oral supplement.
What is bhringraj oil?
Apart from holistic medicine, the bhringraj herb is also popularly used as a topical oil. The nourishing nutrients and minerals in the plant are great for the body’s hair and scalp health. When it comes to hair care, you can rely on bhringraj oil for the following benefits:
Promotes hair growth
If you are looking for a hair oil that encourages hair growth, bhringraj oil has the potential to compete with commercial hair rejuvenation solutions like minoxidil. Based on a 2008 study (note that this study was conducted on males), the bhringraj herb successfully demonstrated boosting hair growth.
Of course, to be 100 percent conclusive, a study should be done on humans. However, this study portrays the potential and positive effect of bhringraj oil on hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.
Reduces dandruff
The antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties found in the bhringraj herb help keep your scalp healthy and effectively combat and reduce dandruff.
It can also help with other skin irritations on the scalp, such as psoriasis. Overall, the oil promotes a healthy scalp with good circulation.
Additional hair protection
Being a rich source of Vitamin E, bhringraj oil offers antioxidant protection. The nutrient helps protect your scalp and hair strands from free radical damage, which can cause illness and accelerate aging.
Examples of this damage can be found in environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays, which both can slow down hair growth or cause graying strands.
How to use bhringraj oil?
The many benefits of bhringraj oil can be beneficial for those with scalp irritations, excessive dandruff, and hair loss. Many products and brands of bhringraj oil are available, some including applicators for your convenience.
If you want to add bhringraj oil to your hair regimen, applying it after washing your hair is best. Use half a teaspoon of oil and run it through your hair, spreading it through the strands. Make your way to your scalp and massage it in.
Potential side effects of bhringraj oil
While bhringraj oil might be the new trending beauty oil, there is a chance that it might not be for everyone. Like all skin and hair products, the results can differ from person to person, which also means there are potential side risks and side effects of using bhringraj oil.
Allergic sensitivity to bhringraj oil is possible and may cause sensitive users to experience allergic reactions such as a burning sensation, nasal irritation, sneezing, and the like. Meanwhile, skin sensitivity may present as itching, rashes, redness, and skin irritation.
Using low-quality bhringraj oil also brings risks, as the low potency can promote microbe growth and increase dandruff. Use high-quality bhringraj oil and avoid over or too-frequent oil application.
Similar to using new creams and lotions, it is strongly advised to conduct a patch test to see how your body reacts before the complete application of the product.
