Common Name: Bhringraj
Vernacular Name: കയ്യോന്നി
Systematic position:
Class- Magnoliopsida
Subclass- Asteridae
Order- Asterales
Family- Asteraceae
Genus- Eclipta
Species- E. alba
Description: This plant has cylindrical, grayish roots. Solid, circular, purplish stems with white fine hairs 0.8m. Leaves arranged in opposite pairs, hairy in two-sided, lanceolate, serrated 2–12.5 cm long, 5-35 mm wide. The solitary flower heads are 6–8 mm in diameter, with white florets. The bumpy achenes are compressed and narrowly winged. This species grows commonly in moist places in warm temperate to tropical areas worldwide. It is widely distributed throughout India, Nepal, China, Thailand, and Brazil.
Flowering and Fruiting: Throughout the year in moist places.
Economic Importance: Plant is used as hair tonic. Extracted oil is used as tonic. Leaf juice is taken orally with honey in jaundice and dysentery. The plant is considered to stimulate the digestive system, augment appetite, and improve digestion.
Reference: https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/eclipta-alba-1