Botanical atlas
False Daisy
Eclipta prostrata
Under the name bhringraj, False Daisy has held a central place in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, where it was steeped in oil and worked into the scalp to nourish the hair and, tradition held, keep it dark and thick into old age. In classical Chinese medicine it appears as Han Lian Cao, a cooling herb traditionally taken to support the liver and kidneys. Village herbalists across South and Southeast Asia also turned to the crushed fresh leaf as a simple field remedy for small cuts, insect bites, and skin irritation. Its name comes from the way the fresh-cut stem darkens to an inky black within moments of exposure to air, a trait old herbals connected to its long association with hair and pigment.
In tradition.
Under the name bhringraj, False Daisy has held a central place in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, where it was steeped in oil and worked into the scalp to nourish the hair and, tradition held, keep it dark and thick into old age. In classical Chinese medicine it appears as Han Lian Cao, a cooling herb traditionally taken to support the liver and kidneys. Village herbalists across South and Southeast Asia also turned to the crushed fresh leaf as a simple field remedy for small cuts, insect bites, and skin irritation. Its name comes from the way the fresh-cut stem darkens to an inky black within moments of exposure to air, a trait old herbals connected to its long association with hair and pigment.
Traditional preparations.
The classic Ayurvedic preparation, a slow infusion of the fresh or dried herb into a carrier oil, traditionally massaged into the scalp to nourish the hair and roots.
Gently warm 1 cup of coconut or sesame oil with 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried False Daisy leaf over low heat for about 20 minutes, never letting it simmer or smoke. Strain well, cool completely, and massage a small amount into the scalp, leaving it on for at least an hour, or overnight, before washing out.
A simple infusion traditionally taken as a gentle liver tonic in South and Southeast Asian folk practice.
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 8 to 10 minutes, then strain. Traditionally taken once daily.
Safety.
False daisy isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and anyone with a liver condition or on liver-processed medication should check with a doctor first, given its traditional use for liver support. Topical use can occasionally irritate skin, and it should be avoided by anyone allergic to daisy-family plants.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies false daisy from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how false daisy is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about False DaisyHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.