Bhringraj vs Amla: Who Will be the Winner for Hair Growth?

January 2008 was the first time the Wow Herbs team attempted to create this recipe.The Wow Herbs team first tried this recipe in January 2008.

If you are in the process of researching for the best Ayurvedic herbs to promote healthy hair and scalp, then you are bound to come across Bhringraj and Amla again and again. Both are the ingredients of the traditional hair care routines and are present in many hair oils and powders, and both have been used for centuries — so the question is, which one of the two is better for hair growth or should one use both?

The simple answer is that they're not competing against one another; they're competing against each other. These herb actions vary from one to another, which is why Ayurvedic tradition often swears by the combination of herbs, not one over the other. This guide explains what each herb does, how it works with the others, how it differs from the others and how to combine these herbs for most successful results.

Bhringraj — The Follicle and Scalp Specialist, is a premium website that specializes in hair treatment.

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) is particularly valued for its effects on the hair root and scalp - which is why it's called the 'ruler of hair' in Sanskrit.

Primary mechanism: Bhringraj's wedelolactone and saponin content is linked to healthy scalp circulation and reduced oxidative stress around hair follicles, which are key elements of healthy hair growth cycles and reduced hair fall.

Best known for:

Promoting new hair growth
Minimizing excess hair fall and thinning of hair
Slowing premature greying
Soothing an itchy, flaky, irritated scalp
A secondary traditional use for liver and nervous system support.

According to Ayurveda, Bhringraj is used internally (as a powder) as well as topically (as an oil or paste); this is because they believe that healthy hair begins with the gut.

The Antioxidant and Nutrient Powerhouse — H2: Amla

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) is valued mainly due to its naturally high and stable vitamin C level along with its wide antioxidant activity.

Main benefits: Amla's vitamin C helps the body produce collagen on its own, which is important for the strength and structure of hair; the tannins and polyphenols in Amla protect skin cell and hair follicles against oxidative stress, one of the root causes of dull, weak or prematurely grey hair.

Best known for:

Promotes hair strength and prevents breakage
Maintain a healthy scalp environment
Prevent early ageing by providing antioxidant protection
Wider systemic benefits such as immunity, skin health, digestion, etc.

Common application: Amla can be applied as powder internally, as well as applied as a hair mask or hair oil, but its popularity goes beyond that as it is also used for general health.

Bhringraj and Amla: Points of Similarity and points of difference Factor Bhringraj Amla

Main function    Increase scalp circulation & improve health of follicles    Protect against the oxidative damage & vitamin C deficiency
Hair growth support    Strong, most specific mechanism    Supportive, via collagen & antioxidants
Stronger traditional use than in the past, however the use is still continuing.Traditional use is strong, but has been going on since younger days.
The primary benefits of galactosugars are related to hair, liver and nervous system support, immunity, skin health, and digestion and metabolic health.
Color    Brown/black, yellow/orange, or greenish-green    Brown/black, yellow/orange, or greyish-green
In India, the common form of oil is powder and infused oil, commonly known as 'powder & infused oil'.

Both herbs help to reduce hair fall and slow down greying — hence the common misconception that one herb is enough. However, the mechanisms are different in kind, so that using them together yields better results than using only one.

The Potential of Bhringraj and Amla Combo

This is the traditional Ayurvedic practice, and it's not as complex as it may sound:

Internally: Dissolve an equal amount of Bhringraj and Amla powder (approx 1/2 teaspoon of each) in warm water/milk solution with a hint of honey for taste. This combination is taken once a day, in the morning, by many.

Topically: Mix Bhringraj powder and Amla powder with any carrier oil (coconut or sesame oil) and gently warm it before applying to the scalp twice or once a week, respectively. The combination is used in many classical Ayurvedic hair oils available in present times.

As a hair mask: Apply both powders to the scalp and hair lengths as a paste with yoghurt or water, leave for 20-30 minutes and rinse, an old tradition for pre-washing, which helps to keep the scalp healthy and hair strong.

Consistency is key: Like the majority of herbal remedies in Ayurveda, Bhringraj and Amla should be used continually. Generally, people will notice hair growth, hair thickness and shine in 8-12 weeks of regular use, which is consistent with the time of the natural hair growth cycle.

The most pressing question is, however, which one should you pick?

When it comes down to it, if you must choose one to begin with:

If the primary issue is hair fall, thinning, or slow hair growth, then Bhringraj should be used first as it acts directly on the follicles and scalp.
If you are more worried about hair colour being plain, dull, or grey, or if you want a herb that has a wider range of health benefits in its entirety, pick Amla.
If you wish to have the old school way of combating hair loss – the most well-rounded – then opt for both, which is what Ayurvedic hair care has been suggesting for thousands of years and what most classical hair oil formulations are based on.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to consume Bhringraj powder with Amla powder everyday? Yes — this is a traditional combination which is common and well tolerated. As with any herbal supplement, pregnant, nursing or on medication should consult their doctor first.

Among Bhringraj and Amla, which one is effective for hair growth faster? Neither gives instant results. The scalp-condition improvements are noted as early as 3-4 weeks and visible hair growth and changes in hair thickness usually start to show within 8-12 weeks of regular use, which is when the hair growth cycle usually occurs, rather than as a result of either herb.

Which one of them is better to use, Bhringraj or Amla as oil or powder? Both forms work and are usually employed in combination – the oil is used to massage the scalp, nourish the blood supply, and the powder is used internally and for hair masks. Both forms are used in combination by many people.

Conclusion

Bhringraj and Amla aren't competitive herbs, they are two parts of an integral hair regimen that Ayurveda has been trusted for years. Both Bhringraj and Amla provide focused scalp and hair care, and when combined, they cover more bases in terms of hair care than either herb can do on their own. In case you're prepared to create your own routine, you could check out here: Shop Bhringraj at Wow Herbs and Shop Amla Powder at Wow Herbs.

Make your first order 10% off with code FIRST10 at Wow Herbs Shop Amla and get Free delivery.

Make your first order 10% off with code FIRST10 at Wow Herbs Shop Bhringraj and get Free delivery.

Amla powder is used to treat hair and scalp health, and it is made up of an assortment of herbs and spices.Amla powder benefits hair health and scalp health and contains a blend of herbs and spices.

Disclaimer: Information for the purpose of informing only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Check with your GP before taking any supplements, particularly if pregnant, breastfeeding and/or taking medication.