Brahmi

Brahmi is non-aromatic soft, perennial, creeping herb with succulent leaves. It has numerous branches that grow especially in wet and marshy places. This edible plant can grow up to 6 inches in height, branches creep horizontally to cover the ground. Green leaves with small marks are coin shaped and grow in the cluster of two or three alternately placed on hairy stem.

Flowers are small, actinomorphic, white and purplish in color and appear most of months in a year. It contains 4-5 petals. Due to its ability to grow in water it is also called water aquarium plant.

One of the oldest and most powerful brain tonic used in ayurvedic system from ancient times is Brahmi. Leaf of the Brahmi resembles to structure of cerebellum and this herb is best used in brain related disorders that promotes intelligence. Brahmi is ayurvedic herb which is also used in gut infections. Its common names are hyssop, herb of grace and water hyssop. Various alkaloids brahmine, narcotine, herpestine, mannitol, hersaponin, bacaposide, cucurbutacin and triterpenoid saponins in this herb which are very effective for body.

Bacopa monnieri was described around 6th century AD in various old text books like Charaka samhita, Athrava-veda and Sushrut samhita under the medhaya rasayan. This class of herbs are used to sharpen intelligence and to fight against mental disorders. It is anti-oxidant and cell protective in nature.

Habitat

It is native to the wetlands of Southern India. Which is most abundantly distributed in Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, South and North America. Brahmi is also available in marshy areas of Nepal, Pakistan, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Classification

Vernacular Names

• Latin– Bacopa monnieri
• English– Thyme leaved gratiola, Water hyssop, Indian pennywort, Herb of grace
• Hindi– Brahmi
• Bengali– Birami
• Telugu– Sambarenu
• Kannada– Jala brahmi
• Tamil– Neera brahmi
• Sinhala– Lunuwila
• Chinese– Jia-ma-chi-xian

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects on Doshas

It balances Vata and Kapha doshas.

Practical uses of Bacopa monneiri

• With the growing age brain degradation occurs and Brahmi is best brain tonic. The active compound bacosides works wonderfully on the brain health. Brahmi is used to influence brain cells by promoting the regeneration of cells of brain. It shows miraculous results against the rapid degeneration of brain cells due to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Brain is not the only organ for which brahmi is effective, it works equally for better liver health. Liver helps in detoxification of body and Brahmi is very essential herb for encouraging liver functions. Every day we are taking numerous toxins in our diet and inhaling from environment. This herb is safe and natural compound that removes toxins and promotes proper liver functioning.
• Brahmi is also used to maintain normal blood pressure in our body. It increases the utilization of nitric acid and normal vascular muscle functions.
• This herb is an anti-oxidant in nature and protects our body from the damage by free radicals. It helps body to fight against various infections and boost our immune system.
• It rejuvenates mind, enhances memory, and improves concentration and quality of consciousness. Also useful in anxiety and attention deficit hyperactive disorders.
• Brahmi oil and brahmi paste is applied externally for healthy skin, proper healing and for free movements of the joints. This herb has cold potency, hence beneficial for skin.
• It is also good for digestive system that promotes proper digestion. Brahmi herb is also good for healing of ulcers and prevents gastric ulceration.
• This herb has Broncho-dilator effects and it is also used to treat Asthma.
• Brahmi oil is also useful for hair loss, its external use on scalp gives nourishment, strength and promotes hair growth. It also helps to cure alopecia, itching, dandruff, flakes and split ends.
• This herb is also very effective in insomnia and acts as a best stress buster. It helps to overcome sleep disorders which further become serious mental disorders.
• Brahmi is a neurological tonic and used to cure epilepsy. Bacposide A and B are the chemical compounds of Brahmi which improves neuro transmission among brain cells. These help to improve neuron degeneration.
• It is also good for voice hoarseness and backache.
• Brahmi pacifies vata and kapha dosha.

Part used

• Whole plant

Dosage

• Fresh juice – 10-20ml
• Brahmi powder – 1-3gm
• Bacopa monneiri extract capsules – 250- 500mg