Brahmi,” Bacopa monnieri L. (Family: Scrophulariaceae) is a semi- succulent perennial herb that grows in marshy, humid and moist environments all over India. Bacopa monnieri,is a native to India and Australia, known in Hindi as “Brahmi” and “water hyssop” in English. The name Brahmi is derived from “Brahma”, the legendary “creator” in the Hindu pantheon. Brahmi literally means the energy (Shakti) of Brahma. One may understand it as a property of creation of the world. Since the cerebrum is responsible for creative activity, any material that enhances the mind capability is called B. monnieri (Brahmi), which additionally signifies “bringing information on the incomparable reality”. This is a long-used medical herb that has a reputation for enhancing memory. It has been used for 5000 years in India to treat anxiety and as herbal sedative, as well as in conditions like epilepsy and insomnia. Apart from the above conditions it is also useful in treating mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, epilepsy, anxiety, poor memory, loss of focus, sleeplessness, insanity and Alzheimer’s disease.
Brahmi have a beneficial restoration of mental functions in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and also help stroke and epilepsy patients perform better cognitively. In Ayurveda, it has been utilised as a medicinal herb for ages. It is used to treat tumours, ulcers, asthma, and epilepsy. Bacopa monnieri is a member of the class of medications known as Medhya Rasayana(herbs to improve memory and intellect) which has been used in many constitutions to improve memory and promote mental wellness. In Ayurvedic Classical texts it boasts about varied properties like Intellect enhancer, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-toxins, Strength promoter, Cardiac tonic, useful in treating Skin diseases, Anti-pruritic, Anti-histaminic, improving vocal quality, Anti-diabetic, enhancing memory, Anti-pyretic, enhance longevity, preventing ageing process, increasing digestive/ metabolic capacity, Anti-anaemic and also effective in splenomegaly.
Brahmi also have additional range of pharmacological properties, such as adaptogenic, Anti-ulcerogenic, Anti-depressant, Anxiolytic, Anti-neoplastic and Anti-conversant properties. Brahmi improves cognitive and behavioural functions and protects the brain from various health conditions. This herb can remove excess harmful metals from the bloodstream by acting as a mental chelating agent. Moreover Brahmi is a powerful antioxidant that can tackle free radicals or toxins to protect you from oxidative damage, prevent various illnesses, and promote overall wellness. Brahmi has a calming effect on the brain. It helps reduce hyperactivity and enables children to channel their energies into something productive and meaningful. Brahmi is an herbal supplement that promotes liver function naturally without causing an imbalance in your principal energies.
The whole plant of Brahmi is used in the form of juice to treat insanity, epilepsy, paediatric diseases, and pox and as a rejuvenative. To improve memory, in hypertension and neuropathic pain Brahmi preparations are useful. Old ghee processed with brahmi juice, vaca (Acorus calamus), kustha (Saussurea lappa) and sankhapuspi (convolvulus microphyllus) (10-15 gms) alleviate insanity, inauspiciousness, and epilepsy. Juice of Brahmi or mandukaparni (Centella asiatica) (10-15 ml) are be taken with honey and ghee to promote intellect.