Eclipta Alba Tea — Yerba de Tajo / False Daisy Dried Whole Herb, Loose Leaf Herbal Infusion, Caffeine-Free, Eclipta prostrata, 200 Gram

Product Specifications

Plant & Origin

Eclipta prostrata is a low-growing annual herb reaching 10–80 cm in height, with lance-shaped leaves covered in fine white hairs and small white daisy-like flowers — hence the common name "False Daisy." It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to sunflowers and chamomile. The plant grows readily in moist, disturbed soils across tropical and subtropical zones worldwide, from South and Southeast Asia to Central and South America, where it is known as Yerba de Tajo ("herb of the cut" in Spanish, referencing its traditional folk use and its tendency to grow along riverbanks).

In Vietnam, it is called Cỏ Mực ("ink grass") because the fresh stems release a dark juice when crushed. In India, it is widely known as Bhringraj or Gunta Kalagaraku in Telugu. In Chinese botanical tradition, it is recorded as Han Lian Cao (旱莲草). These regional names reflect how widely distributed and culturally recognized this plant is across the world.

Cultural & Culinary Background

Across Southeast Asia and South Asia, Eclipta prostrata has been traditionally enjoyed as a simple brewed tea — steeped in hot water and consumed plain or with a touch of honey. In parts of India, the fresh leaves are occasionally incorporated into chutneys or cooked greens. In Vietnam and Thailand, the dried herb is traditionally prepared as a light infusion, often blended with other botanicals such as lemongrass or pandan for a more rounded flavor.

The plant's wide geographic distribution means it carries many names and many culinary traditions — from the tea gardens of South Asia to the folk kitchens of Latin America. This listing brings together those traditions in a single, clean, whole-herb format.

• Traditionally enjoyed as a simple hot infusion across South and Southeast Asia
• Known by distinct regional names in at least 6 language traditions
• Mild enough to blend with other herbs without overpowering the cup
• Caffeine-free — suitable for any time of day
• Whole dried form preserves the natural character of the herb

How to Brew — Hot Infusion

1. Measure: Use 2–3 grams of dried herb per 250 ml (1 cup) of water. Adjust to taste — more herb yields a stronger, more bitter cup.
2. Heat water: Bring water to 90–95°C (just below a full boil). Avoid boiling water, which can make the infusion more astringent.
3. Steep: Place herb in a strainer or infuser. Pour hot water over and steep covered for 5–8 minutes.
4. Strain & serve: Remove herb and pour into cup. Optionally add honey, lemon, or a slice of fresh ginger.
5. Re-steep: The leaves can be re-steeped once for a lighter second cup.

How to Brew — Cold Brew

1. Measure: Use 4–5 grams of dried herb per 500 ml of cold filtered water.
2. Combine: Place herb in a jar or pitcher with cold water.
3. Steep: Refrigerate for 8–12 hours (overnight works well).
4. Strain & serve: Strain out the herb and serve over ice. Cold brew produces a smoother, less bitter flavor than hot infusion.
5. Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within 48 hours.

Culinary Applications & Blend Ideas

• Solo infusion: Brewed plain, the mild earthy flavor is approachable and easy to drink.
• With lemongrass: Add 1–2 stalks of dried lemongrass per cup for a bright, citrusy lift that balances the bitterness.
• With pandan leaf: A small piece of dried pandan adds a subtle vanilla-like sweetness — a classic Southeast Asian pairing.
• With ginger: A few slices of fresh or dried ginger add warmth and spice, complementing the earthy base.
• With mint: Fresh or dried mint lightens the cup and adds a cooling finish.
• Iced with citrus: Cold-brewed and served over ice with a squeeze of lime or orange — a refreshing warm-weather drink.
• Herbal blend base: Use as a neutral base in custom herbal blends alongside chamomile, hibiscus, or roselle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Eclipta alba and Eclipta prostrata?

They are the same species. Eclipta alba is an older synonym; the currently accepted botanical name is Eclipta prostrata. Both names refer to the same plant and are used interchangeably in commerce and literature.

Why is it called "False Daisy"?

The plant produces small white flowers that closely resemble those of true daisies (genus Bellis), but it belongs to a different genus within the Asteraceae family — hence "False Daisy." The resemblance is purely visual.

Why is it called "Yerba de Tajo" in Spanish?

Yerba de Tajo translates roughly as "herb of the cut" or "herb of the riverbank." The name reflects both its traditional folk use and its tendency to grow along waterways and moist, disturbed ground in Latin America.

What does Eclipta Alba tea taste like?

The flavor is mild, earthy, and lightly bitter — similar in character to other green botanical teas. It does not have a strong or pungent aroma. The cold brew version is noticeably smoother and less bitter than the hot infusion.

Is this product an extract, capsule, or hair oil?

No. This is whole dried herb only — leaves and stems in their natural dried form. It is not an extract, capsule, powder, tincture, or hair oil product. It is intended for use as a loose-leaf herbal infusion.

How many cups does 200 grams yield?

At 2–3 grams per cup, 200 grams yields approximately 65–100 cups of tea, depending on your preferred strength.

Can I blend this with other herbs?

Yes. The mild, earthy flavor blends well with lemongrass, pandan, ginger, mint, and citrus peel. See the Blend Ideas section above for specific suggestions.

Storage & Quality Assurance

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Keep the bag sealed between uses to preserve aroma and prevent humidity absorption.
• Best consumed within 12 months of opening; shelf life is 24 months from production date when stored properly.
• Do not store near strong-smelling spices or foods, as dried herbs can absorb surrounding odors.
• This product contains no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients — whole dried herb only.