Eclipta Prostrata commonly known as False Daisy or bhringraj is actually a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae (sunflower family). The plant is commonly found growing in tropical areas as well as warm temperate areas throughout the world. Yet it is widely distributed throughout India, Thailand, China, Nepal and Brazil. It is also known with the name of Eclipta Alba and other popular common names of the plant are Eclipta, tattoo plant, White Eclipta, White twin heads, swamp daisy, white heads, Bhringaraj, Congo lana, Thistles, Trailing Eclipta, yerba de tago and yerba de tajo.

1. Soothe the Stomach

When consumed orally, Eclipta prostrata has been found to calm any disturbances in the stomach, namely indigestion or constipation. It works great for normal functionality to these areas of the body due to its rich variety of chemicals and organic compounds found in the plant’s extract.

2. Cancer Prevention

Research has shown that Eclipta prostrata helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the liver. Research has been limited, it appears that the organic molecules found in Eclipta prostrata disrupt the DNA molecules for the proliferation of cancer cells, thus having a cytotoxic effect and killing those dangerous, mutated cells.

3. Liver Health

Jaundice is considered as one of the dangerous health issues many people in the world are suffering from that severely affects the liver and its functionality, leading to the discoloration of the skin. Eclipta prostrata has been used for thousands of years to effectively balance the liver and ensure its normal function.

4. Urinary Infections

Eclipta prostrata consists of good amount of antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it highly effective at preventing and treating infections. When taken for a urinary tract infection, it can effectively reduce discomfort and neutralize the bacteria to restore normal function to your bladder.

5. Respiratory Issues

Eclipta prostrata is quite beneficial for people suffering from chronic respiratory infections and coughs. Antibacterial nature of the extract can clear up the infection, while the expectorant qualities can force out any remaining phlegm or mucus where additional pathogens may be developing.

6. Bowel Inflammation

If you suffer from the uncomfortable and embarrassing condition of hemorrhoids, finding relief can often be difficult. Eclipta prostrata has shown outstanding results in reducing the inflammation in that sensitive area and providing soothing, analgesic relief.

7. Hair Health

Premature hair loss or thinning, dandruff is main hair problems, the whole world are facing in this recent time. Bit of Eclipta prostrata to your hair care routine is a very good idea for curing such problems. You can mix it with shampoos to moisturize the scalp, preventing dry skin and consequent dandruff. Additionally, it can strengthen follices and follicle beds, preventing hair loss and slowing down conditions like male pattern baldness, while also providing a rich luster to your locks.

8. Eye Health

High carotene content is found in the leaves of bhringraj, which is considered as a crucial antioxidant substance for the health of your eyes. Carotene helps to eliminate the free radicals that cause macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts, so including some Eclipta prostrata to your herbal diet regiment can keep your vision clear for years!

9. Get Rid of Anaemia

As bhringraj consists of high amount of iron, simple homemade soup made with its leaves helps to treat anaemia. Regular use of it is considered one of the best remedy for anaemia, thus use it regularly.

10. Good for Diabetic Patients

Bhringraj has also showed outstanding results when it comes to sugar problems like diabetes. Active molecules present in Bhringraj help in controlling and lowering the glucose in your body, which is quite important for the people suffering from diabetes, or having high sugar levels.

11. Asthma

Bhringraj juice along with equal amount of honey is given 3 to 4 times a day or until child gets relief from breathing difficulties. It is also beneficial for relieving cough, high-pitched wheezing, as well as chest congestion.

13. Tooth ache

Bhringraj is considered as a good cure for toothache. Simply rub the powder on the gums and you can notice the difference in just few minutes. Ethanolic extract and alkaloids present in bhringraj help in this pain relief.

14. Used For Soft Skin

Bhringraj has the healing property for almost all skin problems that occurs due to the skin impurities. It helps to purify the blood naturally, which directly affects helps in reducing the skin diseases. It can be taken orally or applied on the skin to improve the look of the skin. Apart from giving you a young and healthy skin, it also helps in healing various wounds with a good speed.

15. Treat Baldness

Hair pack made with bhringraj leaves can help to prevent baldness. Simply take few fresh leaves and grind it to a paste along with a little yogurt and apply it to the scalp. Wait for 15 minutes before washing it off. The fresh leaves can be replaced with dried powder too. Bhringraj extracts have been proven effective in promoting hair growth. This hair pack is supposed to be used at least once in a week for best results.

16. Sinus Infection

Sinus is a serious problem that must be cured effectively. Take a handful of bhringraj leaves in a pan. Add some coarsely grounded peppercorns to it along with 3 pinches of organic turmeric powder. Add water and boil till it reduces in quantity and then strain. This home remedy works very well in treating sinus-related problems. Make sure that pepper corns are coarsely and not finely ground, else the mixture will be very spicy. This remedy can be used for young children too, but make sure you reduce the quantity of peppercorns before serving them.

한련초는 논둑이나 습지에서 자라는 국화과의 한해살이풀로 키가 10-60cm 정도이며, 온몸에 짧은 털이 나 있고, 잎겨드랑이마다 가지를 치는 습성이 있습니다.

높이 15~30cm로 자라는 잎은 마디마다 2장이 마주 자리하며, 잎의 생김새는 피침 꼴로 양 끝이 뾰족하며 가장자리에는 톱니가 있고, 가지 끝마다 2~3송이의 작은 꽃이 피어나는데 꽃의 지름은 6mm 안팎입니다. 꽃이 지고 난 뒤 납작하고 둥근 열매를 맺으며, 꽃을 포함한 모든 부분을 약재로 쓰지요.

꽃이 필 때에 채취하여 햇볕이나 그늘에서 말려 사용하며 질병에 따라서는 생풀을 쓰기도 합니다.
성분으로는 사포닌, 니코틴, 탄닌, 발기부전 쿠마린 화합물인 웨텔로락틴, 비타민 A 등이 포함되어 있습니다.
한련초를 꺾으면 까만 즙액이 나오고, 또 줄기나 잎을 물에 담갔다가 손으로 비비면 까맣게 바뀌므로, 우리 선조들은 한련초를 머리를 까맣게 물들이는 염색약이나 머리칼을 나게 하는 약으로 썼지요.
실제로 한련초 즙이나 진하게 달인 물을 먹거나 머리칼이나 수염, 눈썹 등에 바르면 빨리 자랄 뿐만 아니라 빛깔도 검어지며 숱도 많아진답니다.

한련초는 각종 피부질환 특히 아토피, 여드름, 지루성피부염, 두피 지루성피부염, 건선 등에 효능이 좋고, 지혈효과가 뛰어나 대변출혈, 각혈, 토혈, 코피, 소변출혈, 이질, 외상출혈 등에 사용하고 신장 기능이 허약해서 오는 요통, 변비, 소변이 잘 안 나올 때, 여성의 생리통, 생리불순, 자궁염, 냉증, 불감증 등에 뛰어난 효능이 있다고 알려져 있으며, 한련초의 즙이 천에 닿으면 처음에는 아무 색깔이 없다가 차츰 검게 바뀌는데 이는 웨텔로락틴이라는 성분 때문인데 이 성분은 암세포의 성장을 억제하는 효능이 있답니다.
<동의학사전>에서는 뛰어난 항암작용의 약초로 기록하고, 중국에서는 자궁암, 식도암, 피부암 등에 한련초를 써서 효과를 보았다는 기록이 있다고 합니다.

한련초는 남성의 양기부족, 음위(陰), 조루, 발기부전 등 온갖 남성 질환을 고치는 약초로도 이름높으며, 보음(補陰), 보정(補精) 작용이 뛰어나서 오래 먹으면 뼈와 근육이 튼튼해지고 병 없이 오래 살 수 있게 된다네요. 또한 신장 기능이 허약해서 생긴 요통, 오줌이 뜨물처럼 허옇고 걸쭉하게 나오는 증상, 음부가 습하고 가려운 데 등에 효과가 좋다고 합니다.