Description:
Han Lian Cao (Eclipta prostrata) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata, an annual herb in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as Han Lian Cao, Eclipta, Eclipta Herb, False Daisy, Bhringraj, Eclipta prostrata, and Herba Ecliptae. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Han Lian Cao is traditionally valued for its ability to nourish Yin, tonify the Liver and Kidney, cool Blood, and support healthy hair and overall vitality.
Han Lian Cao is traditionally considered an important herb for patterns involving Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency and Heat in the Blood. It is traditionally associated primarily with the Liver and Kidney meridians and is commonly included in formulas intended to nourish Yin, support healthy Liver and Kidney function, cool Blood, and maintain healthy hair and skin.
Han Lian Cao is traditionally used to nourish Yin and tonify the Liver and Kidney. In TCM, it may be selected in traditional formulas for dizziness, weakness, soreness or weakness of the lower back and knees, and other symptoms associated with traditional Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency patterns.
Han Lian Cao is also traditionally used to cool Blood and address traditional Heat patterns. It may be included in traditional formulas for bleeding associated with Heat in the Blood, including nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or other symptoms recognized in traditional TCM patterns.
Han Lian Cao is traditionally associated with supporting healthy hair growth and maintaining the natural color and strength of the hair. It is commonly included in traditional formulas for premature graying, thinning hair, and hair weakness associated with traditional Liver and Kidney deficiency patterns.
Han Lian Cao is also traditionally used to support healthy Liver and Kidney vitality. It may be combined with other herbs in traditional formulas intended to nourish Yin, replenish traditional Liver and Kidney essence, and support overall wellness.
Benefits:
- Traditionally used to nourish Yin according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles
- Traditionally used to support healthy Liver function according to TCM principles
- Traditionally used to support healthy Kidney function according to TCM principles
- Traditionally used to tonify the Liver and Kidney
- Traditionally used to support healthy hair growth and hair vitality
- Traditionally used to support healthy hair strength and natural hair color
- Traditionally used to support healthy skin and overall tissue vitality
- Traditionally used to cool Blood according to traditional TCM principles
- Traditionally used to support normal Blood balance according to TCM principles
- Traditionally used to support healthy fluid and Yin balance
- Traditionally used to support vitality associated with traditional Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to support comfortable lower-back and knee function associated with traditional deficiency patterns
- Traditionally used to support healthy vision according to traditional TCM principles
- Traditionally used as a nourishing ingredient in traditional herbal formulas
- Traditionally used in formulas addressing Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency
- Traditionally used to support overall wellness and vitality according to TCM principles
Other Names:
Han Lian Cao, Han Lian Cao (旱莲草), Hanliancao, Eclipta, Eclipta Herb, False Daisy, Bhringraj, Bhringaraj, Eclipta prostrata, Eclipta alba, Herba Ecliptae, Ecliptae Herba, and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.
Indian names: भृंगराज (Bhringraj), भृंगराज जड़ी बूटी (Bhringraj Herb), भांगरा (Bhangra), भृंगराज घास (Bhringraj Grass), Eclipta prostrata, and Eclipta alba.
Persian names: حن لیان کائو (Han Lian Cao), علف حن لیان (Han Lian Herb), اکیلیپتا (Eclipta), علف اکیلیپتا (Eclipta Herb), و علف کاذب بابونه (False Daisy).
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Han Lian Cao is traditionally used to nourish Yin and tonify the Liver and Kidney. It is traditionally selected for dizziness, weakness, soreness or weakness of the lower back and knees, and other symptoms associated with traditional Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency patterns.
Han Lian Cao is traditionally used to cool Blood and may be included in traditional formulas for bleeding associated with traditional Heat in the Blood patterns.
Han Lian Cao is also traditionally used to support healthy hair. It may be included in traditional formulas for premature graying, thinning, weak hair, and other hair concerns associated with traditional Liver and Kidney deficiency patterns.
Traditionally, Han Lian Cao may also be used to support healthy vision and maintain normal bodily fluids when these concerns are associated with traditional Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency patterns.
Han Lian Cao is often combined with other TCM herbs according to the individual’s traditional pattern, constitution, and specific symptoms.
Side Effects:
Han Lian Cao is generally used as a traditional herbal preparation under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or other digestive symptoms.
Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals, particularly those with sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
Because Han Lian Cao is traditionally considered a cooling herb, excessive use may not be appropriate for individuals with traditional Cold or Spleen deficiency patterns.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if unwanted symptoms occur.
Precautions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications or other natural health products, or if you have a medical condition.
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner before use if you have significant digestive weakness, persistent diarrhea, or a traditional Cold or Spleen deficiency pattern.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications that affect blood clotting.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a serious or major medical condition.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen or if new symptoms develop.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before using Han Lian Cao with prescription medications or other natural health products.
Human clinical interaction data for whole-herb Han Lian Cao preparations are limited. The potential for interactions may vary according to the preparation, dose, duration of use, and other ingredients used in a formula.
Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, blood-pressure medications, or medications that significantly affect liver function should seek professional guidance before using concentrated Han Lian Cao preparations.
Individuals taking multiple medications or combining Han Lian Cao with other concentrated herbal preparations should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Traditional Chinese Medicine references commonly describe Han Lian Cao in an approximate range of 6–15 g when used as a decoction, although the appropriate amount depends on the preparation, formula, individual constitution, and clinical circumstances.
For a 50 g bulk-herb product, the package quantity should not be interpreted as a recommended daily dose.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Preparation:
If using dried Han Lian Cao herb, prepare according to the directions provided by your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or product instructions. Traditionally, Han Lian Cao is commonly prepared as a decoction or used as part of a TCM herbal formula.
Han Lian Cao may also be powdered or incorporated into traditional herbal preparations. Preparation methods can vary according to the intended traditional application and the other herbs included in the formula.
Scientific Support:
Han Lian Cao is primarily derived from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, particularly in traditional applications involving Liver and Kidney nourishment, Blood cooling, hair vitality, and general wellness.
Eclipta prostrata contains naturally occurring phytochemicals including wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone, eclalbasaponins, coumestans, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and other constituents. Wedelolactone and related compounds have been investigated extensively in laboratory research.
Modern pharmacological research has investigated Eclipta prostrata extracts and constituents for potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, hair-growth-related, and other biological activities.
Laboratory and animal studies have investigated Eclipta extracts and isolated constituents for effects involving oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, liver function, hair follicles, and other biological processes. These findings provide scientific interest in the herb but do not establish that whole-herb Han Lian Cao is effective for treating specific medical conditions in humans.
Clinical evidence for Han Lian Cao remains limited compared with its long history of traditional use. Research varies according to the plant material, extract, preparation, dose, and health condition studied. Additional high-quality human clinical studies are needed to establish specific therapeutic applications, effectiveness, safety, and dosing.
References & Scientific Support:
PubMed – Eclipta prostrata research. Published research has investigated Eclipta prostrata, including its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, coumestans, wedelolactone, pharmacological activities, and safety. View Research.
PubMed – Eclipta prostrata phytochemistry and pharmacology. Scientific literature has examined Eclipta species and their bioactive compounds, including wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and hair-related activities. View Research.
Health Canada – Licensed Natural Health Product Database (LNHPD). Health Canada provides regulatory information for licensed natural health products and Traditional Chinese Medicine products. Product-specific licensing information should be verified according to the exact formulation, dosage form, processing method, medicinal ingredients, and recommended use. View Health Canada Reference.
