Possible natural alternative to minoxidil

[ktani]

Eclipta alba on hair growth. It was shown in this research on rats, to be more effective than minoxidil. This needs watching, for more research, and on humans.

Common Indian Names for Eclipta alba "Hindi: Balari, Bhangra, Bhringraj, Bhengra, Mochkand. Gujerati: Bhangro, Dadhal, Kalobhangro. Canarase: Ajagara, Garagadasoppu, Kadigga-garaga. Marathi: Bhangra, Maka. Sanskrit: Bhringraj, Markara, Pitripriya, Sunilaka, Keshrangana”
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/C...s/eclipta.html

The research was done on male rats - what that will mean on women's hair I think, will be interesting to see. I prefer to take a cautious point of view, but this is worth noting and following up on, as I see it.

2008
"Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats
.... treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts .... better than the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment."
http://www.springerlink.com/content/78w4572411x513w5/



The safety record looks good too, IMO.

".... results .... support to the traditional use of Eclipta prostrata in the treatment of hyperlipidemia."
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...bb1783b7bb2b5a

".... extract did not show any signs of toxicity ....
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=4711053

http://books.google.ca/books?id=aQh2...esult#PPA80,M1

Here is a full length research study, on eclipta alba antibacterial and antioxidant properties, that concludes with the following.

".... present study .... antibacterial and antioxidant properties of E. prostrata indicate that com-pound from this genus could be used against S. typhi pathogen.
However these extracts and active fraction isolated from leaves of E. prostrata must be studied in animal model to determine .... efficacy in-vivo against S. typhi pathogen and positive toxicity ...."
http://www.academicjournals.org/sre/...%20et%20al.pdf



mellie found this - so I am adding it here too.
"Caution: This herb .... cause severe chills.
Do not use without the supervision of .... qualified practitioner."
http://www.holisticonline.com/herbal...Herbs/h130.htm

Here is more on chills, that I found. You have to click on "Pharmacology"
“Can cause chills. Safety …. young children, or pregnant or nursing women … not known.”
http://www.impgc.com/plantinfo_A.php?id=637

[ktani]

Here is some information I posted on its dye use - It can produce a black dye that may or may not but problably is, permanent.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...9&postcount=19

It looks like Eclipta alba black dye might be permanent. It depends on how dark you want you hair colour to be too.

".... leaves contain a black dye .... indelible stain .... either the sap can be used fresh or the leaves can be boiled .... liquor used ..... capacity of blackening scar-tissue .... when the leaves are used as a wound-dressing .... scar heals a bluish-black .... sap is .... also used in tattooing .... in Nigeria .... and in E Africa .... and India .... has been used in Asia .... as a hair-dye, and .... put into preparations to promote hair-growth"
http://www.aluka.org/action/showMeta...WTA.1_921&pgs=


Eclipta prostrata - L. aka Eclipta alba
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants....ipta+prostrata


Constituents

“Resin, Ecliptine, nicotine, glucosides, alkaloids ....
Eclipta …. bio-active steroidal alkaloids …. cytotoxity against certain cells .…”
http://www.tropilab.com/ecliptatincture.html

[ChloeDharma]

Thats fantastic Ktani....thankyou xxx

I'll definately have to start using my Bhringraj oil regularly again. (for those who don't know, Eclipta Alba is called Bhringraj, or if you buy the powdered herb from Hesh they call it Maka).

I wonder if my hair oil has enough in it....because although it's labelled bhringraj oil, it has a long list of herbs in the ingredients, although bhringraj is straight after coconut oil.

I'm also wondering how often we'd need to use it to get growth results, my bottle of oil recommends twice a week which fits in with some of the routines i noticed on the minoxodil thread.

[ktani]

Thats fantastic Ktani....thankyou xxx

I'll definately have to start using my Bhringraj oil regularly again. (for those who don't know, Eclipta Alba is called Bhringraj, or if you buy the powdered herb from Hesh they call it Maka).

I wonder if my hair oil has enough in it....because although it's labelled bhringraj oil, it has a long list of herbs in the ingredients, although bhringraj is straight after coconut oil.

I'm also wondering how often we'd need to use it to get growth results, my bottle of oil recommends twice a week which fits in with some of the routines i noticed on the minoxodil thread.

ChloeDharma

You are most welcome.

According to this, the oil is used traditionally for hair loss.
I do not think that the oil adds colour - the leaves need to be boiled for that.

"Eclipta prostrata - L. See "Medicinal Uses"
Externally .... used as an oil to treat hair loss ...."
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants....ipta+prostrata

As to how often? Follow the directions on the oil, first, IMO.

[ktani]

More on Eclipta alba, with references, but non specific on hair loss application.

The oil is traditionally mixed to darken hair, with amla and other herbs.
http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bhringraja.htm

This is a personal account of experiences related to Eclipta alba, also knwn as Bhengra.
It is very interesting IMO, but a little hard to follow.
http://www.botanical.com/site/column...hair_care.html

[ktani]

Common Indian Names for Eclipta alba
"Hindi: Balari, Bhangra, Bhringraj, Bhengra, Mochkand.
Gujerati: Bhangro, Dadhal, Kalobhangro
Canarase: Ajagara, Garagadasoppu, Kadigga-garaga
Marathi: Bhangra, Maka
Sanskrit: Bhringraj, Markara, Pitripriya, Sunilaka, Keshrangana”
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/eclipta.html

[Aisha25]

Now I dont think I ever heard of bhringraj being used alone. I know it needs a base oil like coconut oil and usually they put other herbs into it like brahmi,amla and many more. Usually you should use it for 6 months for any results to be seen for baldness and darker hair. Now all these herbs work best while using ayurvedic system the best you can,that makes best results at least I think so.

[ktani]

Aisha25

Thank you so much.

Do you think that you could get a recipe with proportions? - how many drops or how much of this or that plant oil or liquid?

[Sari]

Eclipta along with many other herbs are supposed to be used in different combinations for different body types. Therefore, it is best used under the supervision of an ayurvedic practitioner. Used by themselves or in wrong combinations can produce negative side effects.

[ktani]

I understand.

So, there is no one recipe for hair loss.

You need to see and ayruvedic practicioner to have a recipe for just you.