Dashapushpam (Kerala's ten sacred herbs)
What dashapushpam is, how it is traditionally used, what published studies show and where they fall short, how to use it safely, and which GraceYes products contain it.
What it is
Ten herbs used together in Kerala: Aerva lanata, Biophytum sensitivum, Curculigo orchioides, Cyanthillium cinereum, Cynodon dactylon (durva), Eclipta alba (bhringraj), Evolvulus alsinoides, Ipomoea sepiaria, Emilia sonchifolia and Cardiospermum halicacabum.
Traditional view
A review records their ritual use (Onam, Thiruvathira) and their folk use as hair and scalp tonics (RJPT).
What studies show
Evidence exists only for single herbs, not the blend. It includes studies of eclipta (bhringraj) for hair, and a Cardiospermum cream that improved eczema over 15 days in an uncontrolled study (PubMed).
Safety
Three of the herbs are in the daisy family, so patch test. Emilia contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which harmed the liver in mice when taken orally (PubMed). For external use only.
GraceYes products that contain it
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Studies are linked so you can read them yourself. Always patch-test a new product, and speak to a doctor about any skin or scalp condition.