Eclipta (Mo Han Lian / Bhringraj)

The Yin-Nourishing Secret for Hair Vitality, Radiant Skin, and Graceful Aging

If your hair, skin, and energy feel “dried out,” this is the herb ancient healers reached for.

Eclipta — known in Chinese medicine as Mo Han Lian and in Ayurveda as Bhringraj — nourishes Yin, supports the Liver & Kidneys, and has been cherished for centuries to maintain healthy hair, hydrated skin, calm energy, and graceful aging.

Trusted across China and India, this humble leaf has a legendary reputation as “the herb of beautiful hair and longevity.”

Quick Summary Of Eclipta Herb 

Eclipta (Mo Han Lian/Bhringraj) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish Yin, support the Liver and Kidneys, and promote healthy hair, skin, and complexion. Commonly taken as a tea, powder, or tincture, it is known for helping maintain natural scalp hydration, vitality, and graceful aging. Best used consistently for several weeks. Avoid if digestion is weak or body feels cold.

Why Eclipta Works

Traditional + Modern Science Breakdown

✅ This herb isn't stimulating — it replenishes.   Think cool dew on dry earth.

When to Choose Eclipta

You may consider Eclipta if your pattern includes:

• Dry hair or scalp

• Hair lacking luster or fullness

• Heat from deficiency

• Feeling “dried up” or depleted

• Yin deficiency signs (warm at night, dry eyes, dryness)

• Seeking graceful aging support

Avoid or balance with warming herbs if digestion is weak or stools are loose.

Ancient Folklore & Cultural Wisdom

China

Daoist herbal journals called Eclipta “the herb that returns youthful essence.”
Used with Ligustrum (Nu Zhen Zi) for vitality and hair longevity.

India (Bhringraj)

Ancient Ayurvedic tradition says:

“Use Bhringraj and your hair will turn black and glossy like a raven’s wing.”

Legends tell herbalists placed the leaves on temples for clarity, calm, and renewal.

Real-Life Usage 

Case Study #1 — Hair Vitality

"I brewed Eclipta tea with Goji berries daily. After 8 weeks my hair looked fuller and shinier."

Case Study #2 — Yin Nourishment

"Warm nights and restlessness eased when I added Eclipta to my evening routine with Reishi."

Case Study #3 — Skin & Glow Support

"Adding Eclipta powder to my morning tea noticeably supported my skin moisture and clarity over time."

(Anecdotal user experiences. Individual results vary.)

Comparison Chart: Best Yin Hair-Support Herbs

Eclipta vs He Shou Wu vs Nu Zhen Zi

How to Use Eclipta

Decoction (Tea)

Tip: Drink warm in evening to nourish Yin.

Powder

1–3 grams daily in warm water, tea, or smoothie

Tea Pairings

How to Make Eclipta (Mo Han Lian) Tea

A traditional Yin-nourishing decoction for hair vitality, skin hydration, and inner calm.

✅ Traditional Method (Best Results)

Eclipta is a Yin-nourishing herb with dense medicinal compounds, so it is traditionally simmered (decocted) — not just steeped like a green tea.

Ingredients

• 3–9 grams dried Eclipta herb
  (3g gentle daily balance, 6g standard, 9g deep Yin support — based on practitioner teachings)

• 2–3 cups clean water

• Optional pairing herbs (choose one for synergy):

  • Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi) – glow & eyes support

  • He Shou Wu – hair nourishment tradition

  • Chrysanthemum – clarity and cooling

  • Schisandra – gentle adaptogenic harmony

These herbs are traditionally combined in TCM formulas — adjust amounts as guided by a practitioner.

Equipment

• Small non-reactive pot (ceramic, clay, stainless steel)

• Fine strainer

• Mug or thermal flask

Instructions

Traditional TCM tip:
The cooling, Yin-nourishing nature makes this best enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening.

Dosage & Strength Levels

Start low and increase gradually based on comfort and professional guidance.

Second Boil Method (TCM Clinical Tradition)

Many classical herbalists recommend two extractions to fully draw constituents.

1st boil: 25 minutes
2nd boil: 20 minutes

Combine liquids → sip slowly.

Quick Modern Method

(For busy lifestyles)

• 1 teaspoon dried Eclipta or ½ teaspoon powder

• Add to tea strainer

• Bloom in just-boiled water for 8–10 minutes

This method works — but a simmered decoction gives richer medicinal extraction.

Taste Guide & Adjustments

Eclipta has a mild, earthy, cooling herbal taste.

Make it smoother by adding:

• Few goji berries

• Drop of organic honey (add after cooling slightly — avoid heating raw honey)

• Splash of lemon slice (for enjoyment — note: lemon adds a tiny warming quality)

Avoid too much sugar — sweetness weakens Spleen Qi in TCM.

When to Drink

Can I drink it iced?

Yes — but warming or room-temperature is classically preferred in TCM to protect digestion.

Summary 

What it is: Eclipta (Mo Han Lian / Bhringraj) is a cooling Yin-nourishing herb used in TCM for balancing Liver/Kidney systems and traditional hair/skin support.

Why it’s used (TCM): Replenishes Yin and “cools the blood,” traditionally linked with hair vitality, scalp comfort, skin moisture, and graceful aging.

References 

• How it may work (modern lens): Rich in wedelolactone and flavonoids with antioxidant and inflammatory-pathway effects explored in preclinical studies, which offers a modern rationale for traditional uses. PubMed+2PMC+2

• Antioxidant capacity / key constituents: Narrative and analytical reviews summarize Eclipta’s wedelolactone, demethyl-wedelolactone, phenolics, flavonoids and broad antioxidant activity. This supports the page’s “cooling/oxidative-stress” education. PubMed+2PMC+2

• Hair-related preclinical signals: Multiple mouse/rat studies (topical or extract) report hair growth facilitation (anagen induction, follicle density/length). These are animal data and not clinical claims. PubMed+5PubMed+5PubMed+5

• Liver/hepatoprotective models: Extracts show protective effects in CCl₄/ethanol/high-fat models in rodents, often attributed (in part) to wedelolactone and antioxidant pathways. Educational support for “Liver system” discussion in TCM (not treatment claims). PubMed+3PubMed+3PubMed+3

• Anti-inflammatory pathway work (mechanistic, preclinical): Wedelolactone and Eclipta extracts have been investigated for NLRP3 inflammasome modulation and other inflammatory cascades; this provides a modern mech-bridge to the page’s “calming/cooling” language. PMC+1

• Broad ethnopharmacology/pharmacology reviews: Overviews document traditional uses (hair/skin/liver) and phytochemistry,  PubMed+2PMC+2