Sukuntalam Hair Tonic (Bhringraj Sesame Oil) – Nagarjun – 100ml

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhish Padiya — B.Pharm (Ayurveda), M.Pharm (Pharmacognosy), Ph.D. (Dravyaguna), ITRA Jamnagar. Publications under “Padiya RH”.

Sukuntalam Hair Tonic — The Formulation

Sukuntalam — सुकुन्तलम् in Sanskrit — is a proprietary Ayurvedic hair tonic oil prepared by Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) has been described in classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita as Kesharanjana (hair-nourishing) and Keshya (benefiting the hair). Classical Kesha-related preparations in Ayurveda use Bhringraj as the primary herb, combined with Amalaki, Triphala, aromatic woods such as Chandan, and vetiver root (Ushir) — exactly the combination present in this formulation.

The base is Til Tail — sesame oil — which the classical texts describe as the finest vehicle for medicated hair preparations, prized for its penetrating quality (Sukshma) and its Pittashamaka nature. Bhringraj at 15%, Haritaki at 4%, and Amalaki at 3% together with Mandur (iron calx) at 1% constitute the active core. Fifteen further classical herbs at 0.10–0.50% each — Jatamansi, Ushir, Shati, Musta, Sariva, Shaileyak, Chandan, Shatpatrika, Talispatra, Brihat Ela, Nimbu Patra, Karchur, Daruharidra, Bibhitak — follow the classical Taila-paka method.

Key Herbs — Classical Identity

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba, 15%) — the classical Keshya herb par excellence. Described in Charaka Samhita as Rasayana and in Bhavaprakasha as Keshya (for hair), Rasayana, and Pittashamaka. Widely used in classical Taila preparations for hair.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula, 4%) — one of the three fruits of Triphala. Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica, 3%) — described as the pre-eminent Rasayana in Charaka Samhita. Note: the label prints ‘Emblica chebula’ for Amalaki — a typographic error; the correct botanical is Phyllanthus emblica. Terminalia chebula is Haritaki, listed separately at 4%. Mandur (1%) — classical iron calx (ferric oxide), a Rasashastra mineral preparation. No botanical on the label, standard for mineral ingredients. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, 0.20%) — classical Keshya herb. Ushir (Vetiveria zizanioides, 0.20%) — vetiver, classically Sheeta and Pittashamaka. Chandan (Santalum album, 0.20%) — white sandalwood. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus, 0.20%) — Indian sarsaparilla.

Research on the Constituents

Composition — Sukuntalam Hair Tonic 100 ml (label-verified, Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals)

Label-verified against the Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals physical pack. *Amalaki note: label prints ‘Emblica chebula’ — typographic error; correct botanical is Phyllanthus emblica. Mandur is mineral (iron calx); no botanical listed on label. Manufacturer: Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd., AT & P.O. Sherisa, Kalol-Khatraj Road, Ta. Kalol, Dist. Gandhinagar, North Gujarat-382721. Mfg. Lic. No. GA/331. GMP & ISO 9001:2015 Certified.

How to Use

As stated on the pack: Gently massage on dry hair with the tips of finger. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Do not consume.

Who Can Use It

For external use on hair and scalp. Suitable for general adult use. Conduct a patch test on a small area before first full application. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep away from broken or irritated skin. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sukuntalam Hair Tonic?

Sukuntalam Hair Tonic is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicated hair oil by Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd., 20 declared ingredients. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba, 15%) is the principal herb in a sesame oil (Til Tail) base. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. 100 ml pack. Mfg. Lic. GA/331.

What is Bhringraj and why is it used in hair oils?

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) is classically described in Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha as Keshya (benefiting the hair) and Rasayana. The primary herb in classical Taila preparations for hair. In this formula it appears at 15% — the highest proportion after the sesame oil base.

What is Mandur in this oil?

Mandur (1%) is a classical Rasashastra preparation of iron calx (ferric oxide). It has no plant botanical because it is a mineral ingredient. Described in Ashtanga Hridayam as Rasayana and Balya.

Is there a label note about Amalaki’s botanical name?

Yes. The label prints ‘Emblica chebula’ for Amalaki (3%) — a typographic error. The correct botanical is Phyllanthus emblica. Terminalia chebula is Haritaki, separately listed at 4%.

How do I use Sukuntalam Hair Tonic?

Gently massage on dry hair with the tips of the finger. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Do not consume. Avoid contact with eyes. Patch test before first use.

Is this GMP and ISO certified?

Yes. GMP & ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company designation confirmed on both carton faces. Facility quality certifications.

What is the Sanskrit name for this product?

Sukuntalam — सुकुन्तलम् — as printed on the carton in Devanagari. Also available in 200 ml pack.

Can it be used daily?

As a hair oil, it can be used as part of a regular hair care routine. The pack instructs: gently massage on dry hair with fingertips. Your physician or hair care professional can advise on frequency.

Is it available at Riddhish Herbals?

Yes — genuine Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals stock, 100 ml, bill included, pan-India delivery, doctor-guided selection at no additional cost.

How should I store it?

Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

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