Botanical Overview
Eclipta prostrata, commonly known as False Daisy or Bhringraj, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a widely distributed herb found in Asia, Australia, and South America. The whole herb and leaves are primarily used medicinally.
Energetics
The plant is considered cooling and moistening with bitter, astringent, and sweet tastes. It has a tonifying effect primarily on the qi.
Primary Actions
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Nervine tonic
- Antimicrobial
Indications
Western
- Liver disorders
- Skin infections
- Hair loss
- Inflammation
- Oxidative stress
Syndromes
- Hepatitis
- Dermatitis
- Alopecia
TCM
- Hair loss
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Skin itching
Syndromes
- Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency
- Blood deficiency
Ayurveda
- Hair loss
- Skin diseases
- Jaundice
- Fever
Syndromes
- Pitta disorders
- Liver dysfunction
- Kapha imbalance
Unani
- Skin eruptions
- Hepatic complaints
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Containing coumestans, ecliptasaponins, flavonoids, imperatorin, alkaloids, thiophene derivatives, and wedelolactone, this herb exhibits potent hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered herb 2–4 g daily
- Decoction 10–15 g dried herb per day
- Tincture 1:5 40% alcohol 2–5 mL 1–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Eclipta prostrata is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Avoid use in individuals allergic to the Asteraceae family. Monitor liver function during prolonged use. No significant drug interactions are documented, but caution with hepatotoxic medications is recommended.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers are established for Eclipta prostrata in the literature consulted.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future Database: Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy)
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Eclipta prostrata, 2007
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Bensky & Gamble, 1993
- Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species, Chopra et al., 1956
- Phytochemical constituents and hepatoprotective activity of Eclipta prostrata, Verma et al., 2013