Brahmi - Herbal Brain Tonic to Increase Memory The traditionally venerated
brahmi of Ayurvedic medicine is popular as water hyssop in the west. General
DescriptionThe traditionally venerated brahmi of Ayurvedic medicine is popular
as water hyssop in the west. Other popular names used in different parts of the
world are thyme-leafed gratiola and moneywort. It is an indigenous Indian herb
which grows in large numbers near the marshy areas. Brahmi is a small creeping
herb with white or pinkish flowers. Apart from India, it also grows in China,
Nepal, Sri Lanka and even as far west as in the Florida state of US. Brahmi is
Bacopa monnieri according to its binomial classification. Its medicinal
properties are derived from the two main alkaloids present in it ? brahmine and
herpestine. Apart from these, there are other chemicals in the brahmi, including
several acids, saponins and esters, which make it a valuable herb in Ayurvedic
medicine. In Ayurvedic parlance, the chemicals present in the herb are also
known as brahmi. Properties Brahmi is known in Ayurvedic medicine for the
following curative properties:- (i) Brahmi is a bitter and cooling herb with an
astringent taste.(ii) Recent studies have shown brahmi improves the intellect.
Children in Indian families are consecrated with brahmi since ages to give them
an intelligent mind.(iii) Brahmi is both a nerve tonic as well as a cardio
tonic. (iv) Brahmi helps in solving urinary problems as it is a diuretic.(v)
Brahmi helps in adapting and acclimatizing to a new place. It is buy hygetropin
an adaptogenic.(vi)
Brahmi is a nootropic, i.e. a drug that increases cognitive ability.(vii) Brahmi
has antioxidant properties, due to which it protects the nutrients from getting
oxidized (and hence destroyed) in the body.(viii) Brahmi is a blood purifying
agent.(ix) An ethanolic extract of the herb has given evidence of
anti-carcinogenic activity in humans, but this is yet to be concretely studied.
Uses Brahmi has been used since ages for the treatment of the following
diseases. (i) Dandruff Brahmi oil replenishes the hair roots. If brahmi oil is
applied each night before going to bed, it will cure all dandruff problems and
also make hair stronger (see in 'Hair Loss'). (ii) Epilepsy The entire brahmi
plant is useful in the treatment of epilepsy. The juice of the plant is
extracted and used in the preparation of the medicine. In the treatment of
epilepsy, brahmi is traditionally used in conjunction with vacha. (iii) Hair
Loss Brahmi is renowned in Ayurvedic medicine for the proper growth of hair. Its
antioxidant properties allow the proper nourishment to reach the hair roots and
thus promote their growth. Brahmi is an essential component of many herbal oils.
Using such oils make the head cool, as well as allow the hair to grow
luxuriantly and with luster. The oil also prevents split ends and discoloration
of the hair. (iv) Insomnia Brahmi is a cooling agent. When applied on the scalp
in the form of oil, brahmi relaxes the brain and induces good and restful sleep
throughout the night. One Ayurvedic recipe for treating insomnia is as follows:
brahmi, vacha and amalaki powders are made in equal proportions. This powdered
mixture is to be consumed thrice a day in the dose of one teaspoon.
The powder
can also be taken dissolved in a cup of water or milk. (v) Mental Problems
Perhaps the most major use of brahmi is in the treatment of several mental
problems in humans. Taken on a regular basis, brahmi helps to increase the
concentration of humans and improves their memory and retention capacity. It is
believed that consecrating children with brahmi oils gives makes them into
intelligent individuals. Regular use of the brahmi oil is effective in treating
mental imbalances, emotional disturbances and also in the prevention and cure of
geriatric mental problems such as amnesia and Alzheimer's. Brahmi vati, an
important Ayurvedic preparation containing brahmi along with jatamansi
(muskroot) and serpagandha (rauwolfia) is used as a brain tonic. (vi) Syphilis
Brahmi has antibacterial properties. A paste of its leaves is applied on
syphilitic sores. This helps the sores to heal quickly. Regular application of
the paste of brahmi leaves can treat the syphilis completely. Special Ayurvedic
Ipamorelin
Preparations The following are some Ayurvedic preparations in which brahmi is
the main ingredient:- (i) Brahmi ghrita Brahmi is boiled in pure cow's ghee
along with some other herbs. This preparation is known as brahmi ghrita. Brahmi
ghrita is taken orally in one teaspoon amount twice a day on an empty stomach
for people who are suffering from amnesia. (ii) Brahmi taila Brahmi oil is used
for application on the head. Besides brahmi, this oil can also contain amalaki,
camphor, etc. (iii) Brahmi vati Brahmi vati is prepared by mixing the powders of
brahmi with jatamansi (muskroot) and serpagandha (rauwolfia). This is used as a
brain tonic. This is used in improving mental capacity, becoming more active and
reducing anxiety and stress. Precautions?Brahmi has some drawbacks, for which
its use must be restricted. An excess of brahmi prevents the oxidation of fats
in the bloodstream. This makes the fats accumulate in the blood, increasing the
risk of cardiovascular disorders.