Neelibringadi Thailam
Neelibringadi Thailam is a classical Ayurvedic taila, a medicated oil. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Sahasrayogam (Taila Prakarana, 12th century CE Kerala tradition). One of the most celebrated Keshya (hair care) formulations in Kerala Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Part I, entry 8:26) lists 12 ingredients, beginning with Nili-svarasa, Bhrngaraja-svarasa, Satakratu lata and Dhatri rasa.
| Also known as | Neelibringadi Thailam, NeelibringadiThailam |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Primary reference in Sahasrayogam. Modern formulations comply with Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) standards including substitution of Anjana with Daruharidra for safety. Microbial testing per API standards mandatory. |
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 8:26 (NILIBHRNGADI TAILA), which cites Sahasrayoga; Tailaprakarana; 38. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nili-svarasa | leaf | 768 ml. |
| 2 | Bhrngaraja-svarasa | 768 ml. | |
| 3 | Satakratu lata (karnasphota) * | whole plant | 768 ml. |
| 4 | Dhatri rasa (amalaki) * | pericarp | 768 ml. |
| 5 | Aja ksira | 768 ml. | |
| 6 | Nalikera ksira (narikela) | Kr. | 768 ml. |
| 7 | Mahisi ksira * | 768 ml. | |
| 8 | Dhenudbhava (go dugdha) * | 768 ml. | |
| 9 | Taila (tila) | oil | 768 ml. |
| 10 | Yasti | root | illegible |
| 11 | Gunja mula (gunja) | root | 32 g. |
| 12 | Anjana (daruharidra) | St. Ext. | illegible |
Cells marked illegible are damaged in the source scan. The ingredient name is shown where it was readable, and nothing is inferred to fill a gap.
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Neelibringadi Thailam |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Sahasrayogam (Taila Prakarana, 12th century CE Kerala tradition). One of the most celebrated Keshya (hair care) formulations in Kerala Ayurveda. Updated API formulations use Daruharidra stem extract instead of traditional Anjana (Lead Sulphide) for safety.
How does it work?
- Wedelolactone and eclalbatin from Bhringraj are reported to promote hair follicle proliferation via the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway
- Indirubin from Neeli (Indigofera) is reported to have anti-fungal activity against dermatophytes
- Gallic acid and vitamin C from Amla have reported antioxidant activity
- Nardostachin from Jatamansi is proposed to improve scalp microcirculation
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Hair fall and hair growth: traditionally used for hair fall and to promote hair growth. A clinical study reported reduced hair shedding, and a hair density study reported increased hair density compared with placebo.
- Premature greying (Palitya): traditionally used for premature greying of hair. No supporting study was traced in the source notes.
- Dandruff and scalp infections: traditionally used for dandruff and scalp infections. An in vitro study reported anti-dermatophyte activity of Neeli extract against Trichophyton strains.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.
Recent safety updates
- Modern formulations per API standards use Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) instead of traditional Anjana (Lead Sulphide), with each batch subject to testing. Patch test recommended for first-time users as natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Each batch tested for microbes per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) standards. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue if scalp irritation, redness, or itching occurs.
What is it made of?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India recipe, every ingredient with its part and quantity, is in the composition table near the top of this page.
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Thailam (medicated coconut oil), External application
Standard Dosage: Scalp application: 10-15ml
Optimal Timing: Before bath or at bedtime
Storage: Airtight amber glass/HDPE container, room temperature, protected from light
Marker Compounds: Eclipta saponins, Gallic acid, Indigotin
Vehicle (Anupana): External: massage into affected area
Synergistic Combinations
- Key herbs: Neeli (Indigofera), Bhringaraj, Amalaki; oil base acts as lipid carrier for enhanced tissue penetration
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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