Bhringraj oil may have health benefits, especially for hair growth and scalp health. But more human research is needed to verify these benefits and the oil’s overall safety.

Bhringraj oil comes from a plant known in English as “false daisy” (Eclipta alba or Eclipta prostrata). The herb is in the sunflower family and grows best in places with high moisture levels, such as Thailand, India, and Brazil.

Bhringraj oil is produced by mixing leaves from the bhringraj plant with a carrier oil. It can also be found in capsule or powder form.

In Ayurveda, an Indian tradition that aims to balance and heal the body through nutrition, bhringraj is said to promote hair growth, strengthen hair, and prevent graying and dandruff.

Various animal studies have examined the effect of false daisies on hair growth. Researchers investigated the effects of an extract diluted into a cream, finding that the mixture significantly reduced hair growth compared with the control group.

When applied topically, the extract appeared to promote the transition from resting to an active hair growth phase. Researchers also found similar results using an herbal mixture containing the extract. But many of these studies are relatively old, and all the research was done on rats.

One 2023 lab study found that Eclipta alba extract may have a similar effect as certain 5α-reductase inhibitors, including finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), which can be used to treat male pattern baldness. That said, the study didn’t examine whether the extract or the oil can be used in a similar manner to treat hair loss.

Bhringraj oil has also been found to have some antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some, though not all, cases of dandruff may be caused by fungal colonization.

Finally, people in ancient India mixed bhringraj oil with other herbal extracts to help hair appear less gray. While its anti-inflammatory properties may potentially help with psoriasis or other scalp irritations, these hair darkening properties were noted in old experiments during the 1800s, and newer research hasn’t sufficiently studied this effect.

That said, more studies on human subjects are needed to show that bhringraj oil itself would have these effects on people.

Ayurvedic teachings and anecdotal evidence suggest that bhringraj oil may have effects on the body beyond just hair and scalp health. These include helping with:

That said, there’s little research supporting these claims, and the available research was either test-tube or animal-based. More human research is necessary to understand any potential benefits.

There’s limited evidence of side effects, so it’s best to avoid ingesting bhringraj oil before discussing with a doctor. Research in mice suggests the oil might be toxic to the liver, but it’s unclear what concentration might cause this effect in humans.

Some Ayurvedic plants or herbs can also accumulate metal from their environment and could potentially lead to metal toxicity if consumed, though it’s also unclear whether this applies to bhringraj oil specifically.

Given how little we know about the risks, it could potentially be especially unsafe for children, older adults, people with liver problems, or people who are pregnant or nursing.

In theory, any plant could also cause an allergic reaction. So if you have not used the oil before on your skin, do a skin patch test first.

To do a patch test, apply a small amount to your forearm and wait at least 30 minutes for symptoms of a reaction, such as itching, stinging, swelling, or skin discoloration.

Drug interactions

Because the oil can act as a diuretic, it may worsen urinary problems. Avoid combining it with diuretic medications.

In addition, combining it with drugs that reduce cholesterol could potentially worsen the side effects of these medications.

Bhringraj oil is derived from the sunflower family. It can be made by mixing plant leaves with a carrier oil.

It’s typically available at certain specialty grocery or drugstores and is an ingredient in many over-the-counter hair oils. The oil is also widely available online and comes in powder and capsule form.

In Ayurveda, bhringraj oil is believed to promote hair growth and scalp health, among other health benefits. However, more human research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.