Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri/waterhyssop) - Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more

  Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri/ waterhyssop)

As very few people know the medicinal plant called brahmi(Bacopa monnieri). It is mostly used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine to improve memory and to treat various ailments such as reducing anxiety, treating epilepsy, etc. Brahmi is a perennial, creeping herb native to the wetlands(grows in marshy areas) of southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. There is no herb that can improve intelligence naturally, better than this. it is also an excellent anti aging, anti diabetic and Antioxidant herb.   

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Brahmi is one of the rare Ayurvedic herbs which can be grown almost anywhere when provided ample hydration and is widely available. It has been used for centuries in various forms and its advantages are supported by a vast body of literature and experience. Interestingly, the whole plant can be used for medicinal purposes. Ayurveda is the complete knowledge of life. Brahmi helps to achieve the primary goal of Ayurveda which is to prevent and treat illnesses and enhance lifespan by maintaining proper balance between the body, mind and the soul. 

According to Hindu religion Brahmi derives its name from Lord “Brahma”, the god of creation. Brahman is the universal or God consciousness, and Brahmi, literally means the energy manifested in Lord Brahma.

This tiny but potent Brahmi occupies a place of pride in AYUSH systems of alternative medicine as one of the most revered and widely used herbs in Ayurveda. A revitalizing herb with significant medicinal properties, it has been extensively used as a brain tonic and is widely recommended for the treatment of anxiety, brain related disorders, various skin conditions, immune system etc. Treasured by Ayurvedic medical practitioners since Vedic times, Brahmi finds a mention in ayurvedic treatises such as Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. It can be taken as a syrup, ghrita (medicated ghee/ clarified butter), tea, churana (powder), medicated oil and decoction, or it can be eaten fresh (leaves).

Phytochemistry of brahmi

Studies have shown that the herb contains many active constituents, including a number of alkaloids, saponins, however, the major constituents are the steroidal saponins, Bacosides A and B. It also contain Ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, Brahmine, Herpestine, Alanine, bacogenins A1-A4 (Sapogenins) B- Sitosterol. With this constituents brahmi also shows high antioxidant effect(protect against cell damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals).

Chemical groups	Contents
Saponins	Bacoside A, bacoside B, bacopasaponins, D-mannitol, acid A, monnierin
Flavonoids	Apigenin, luteonin
Alkaloids	Brahmine, herpestine, hydrocotyline
Glycosides	Asiaticoside, thanakunicide
Phytochemicals	Betulinic acid, betulic acid, wogonin, oroxindin, stigmastarol, β-sitosterol
Sapogenin	Jujubacogenin, pseudojujubacogenin
Other constituents	Brahmic acid, brahamoside, brahminoside, isobrahmic acid

• vitamins and minerals content

                                                    

Component	Amount (per 100 gram)
Moisture	88.4 gram
Protein	2.1 gram
Fat	0.6 gram
Carbohydrates	5.9 gram
Crude fiber	1.05 gram
Ash	1.9 gram
Calcium	202 mg
Phosphorus	16 mg
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)	63 mg
Nicotinic acid	0.3 mg
Iron	7.8 mg
Energy	38 cal

Properties and benefits of Brahmi
>Properties

•Rasa (taste) – Tikta – Bitter, Kashaya (astringent)

•Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest)

•Taste conversion after digestion – Madhur(sweet)

•Veerya – Sheeta – cold in potency

•Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata.

•Prabhava – Medhya (improves intelligence)   

             Click here for more information about Tridosha (vata-Kapha-Pitta)

>Benefits of Brahmi

•Shophahara – good anti inflammatory herb

•Panduhara – useful in anemia

•Jvarahara – useful in fever

•Deepani – improves digestion power

•Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases.

•Kandughna – relieves itching, useful in pruritis

•Pleeha – useful in spleen disorders

•Vayasa sthapani, Ayushya – improves life quality, anti aging

•Unmada vinashini – useful in psychiatric disorders

•Medha – improves intelligence

•Vak – improves speech, helps in speech related development problems in children.

•Svarya, Svarada – improves quality of voice

•Hrudya – good for heart, acts as cardiac tonic

•Shvasahara – useful in asthma, chronic bronchial disorders

•Meha – useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes

•Diabetes – Brahmi is very useful in reducing blood sugar levels. Due to its anti oxidant property, it is also useful in improving the cell and tissue health in diabetic patients.

•Kasajit – useful in cough, cold

•Visha hara – natural detoxification herb, useful in poisoning.

                   

Ayurvedic use of Brahmi in:

1) Lack of memory, loss of concentration

2) Hearing and vision loss

3) As memory and confidence booster

4) Tinnitus, neuropathy – Brahmi is a very good nerve tonic.

5) Speech problems in children – Brahmi promotes brain growth and improves co ordination between limbs, tongue and brain.

6) Hypertension – Bacopa is very useful in high BP. It controls stress and anxiety. It is also a very good anti oxidant. Hence, it protects nerves, heart and blood vessels.

7) It is also used in Irritable bowel syndrome, allergic skin and respiratory conditions, and as an anti stress tonic.


Health benefits of Brahmi

Anxiety and Stress Reliever

It’s considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it increases your body’s resistance to stress and anixety by decreasing the levels of cortisol( the stress hormone ), Brahmi helps to regulate its (cartisol) production. Lower levels of cortisol in turn reduce the ill effects of anxiety and stress in the body. It is also helpful in treatment of disorders like depression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness , etc.


Brain Tonic

Medicinally, the entire plant has been used in different formulations to treat various disorders, particularly those involving poor memory, intellect and anxiety. Used as a brain tonic, it promotes cerebrum development and rejuvenates the mind by improving concentration and memory. ‘Bacosides(chemical compound in brahmi) is responsible for improving efficiency of transmission of signals. It also stimulates the mind by improving alertness and focus while simultaneously calming it by reducing stress and improving sleep quality.

Ayurveda or the Indian system of Medicine viz. Sushruta Samhita, Charak Samhita, and Atharva Veda describe plants which have a prabhava (specific action) on the intellect and memory as Medhya Rasayana (Medhya – intellect or retention, Rasayana – procedure or preparation). Traditionally Mandukaparni, Yastimadhu, Guduch, ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi have been mentioned to have a memory enhancing action. Others like Brahmi, Vacha, and Jatamamsi although inadequately emphasized have been known for their efficacy. Vedic scholars of ancient India have been known to consume Medhya Rasayana that helped them memorize lengthy scriptures 3,000 years ago.

Skin and Hair Curative

Brahmi is considered to be a very good herb for the skin, hair and scalp. It is used in many ayurvedic shampoo, hair oil, skin creams.

Skin:  It has been found useful in the treatment of acne, in clearing aggravations of the skin, reduce the scarring. Applying Brahmi juice or oil on wounds helps to speed up healing, disinfecting the skin and reduce inflammation.

Hair: it is enriched with natural essential oils which helps to promote healthy hair growth.

Scalp: it supports scalp circulation while its regenerative effect helps to repair and strengthen hair follicles.


Antioxidant

Regular consumption of Brahmi helps in improve the immune system because of its high antioxidant content. bacosides, the main active compounds in Brahmi, have been shown to neutralize free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals. When fat molecules react with free radicals, they undergo a process called lipid peroxidation which leads to several conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders


Insomnia Treatment

Insomnia a sleep disorder where person is unable to sleep properly and Lack of quality sleep in turn causes various disorders like depression, anxiety, tension and stress. Ayurvedic practitioner recommend to massage with brahmi oil and take brahmi tonic to get relif from insomnia disorder.


Anti-inflammatory Properties

Brahmi leaves have  anti-inflammatory property, effective in reducing swelling and inflammation.  It is mostly used intreatment of gout, arthritis and other joint diseases.

Intake :The leaves of the plant or Brahmi oil can be rubbed topically on the affected area to help lower inflammation and reduce irritation.


Respiratory Health

Since many times ayurvedic practitioner used this Brahmi to treat respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, congestion, chest colds, andb sinuses.  It helps to clear out excess phlegm and mucus from our throat or respiratory system and give relief from  inflammation. Therefore it is also called as respiratory health booster

Intake:  ingested as a tea, tonic or chewed as normal leaves.


Different ayurvedic intake and application

1) Its paste is put on a hot pan, heated to a little higher temperature and applied over chest of children to relieve chronic cough and asthma.

2) In case of fever due to Vata and Kapha imbalance, it is heated along with onion, tied in a pocket and heat is applied over chest.

3) Dosage:
       - Fresh juice of Brahmi – 10-20 ml,
       - Brahmi powder – 2 – 3 grams in divided dose per day, is the adult dose.

4) Bacopa monneira is extensively used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disoreder (ADHD) in children.

5) It is also used in Irritable bowel syndrome, allergic skin and respiratory conditions, and as an anti stress tonic.

6) Brahmi is safely used for a period of 3 – 4 months.

7) Brahmi Ghrit is used as a part in boosting children immunity and for brain improvement program called Swarna Bindu Prashana. 

8) Brahmi with milk : 

As a Brahmi and is a coolant/cooling in nature, Taking Brahmi with cold milk will increase the coldness in the body. This combination is ideal for Pitta body type people, who feel hot all the time. But for Kapha and Vata dominant persons, Brahmi with hot milk is more suited. The hotness of the hot milk slightly decreases the natural coldness of the milk.

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9) Brahmi for children :

Bacopa monnieri is not usually administered directly in children. It is administered in the form of a soothing polyherbal combination such as –

• Swarna Prashana – an immunity and brain power boosting Ayurvedic remedy.
•           Click here for more information about Swarana prashan
• Saraswatarishta – a fermented tea preparation, suitable for children above 3 years of age.
• Brahmi ghrita or Saraswata ghrita – suitable in smaller doses of just a pea size per day. 

Research on nootropic effects of brahmi

Extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) have been extensively investigated for their neuropharmacological effects. There are some  compounds  such  as  Saponins  and  their  bacosides present in Brahmi, which are responsible to enhance the nerve impulse  transmission.  The  bacosides  aid  in  repair  of damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, neuronal  synthesis, and restoration of synaptic activity, and ultimately nerve impulse transmission. In animals, Bacopa has a relaxant effect  on  pulmonary  arteries,  aorta,  trachea,  and  ileal  and bronchial tissue, possibly mediated by inhibition of calcium-ion influx into cell membranes. There are numerous clinical trials and studies have been performed by various researchers to check the nootropic effects of Bacopa monnier

Note: 1) research suggests that Brahmi may help keep blood pressure within a healthy range.

           2) excess intake of this lead to side effects.

           3) if you are taking allopathic medicine then don't take the Brahmi or take after some time or take a consultation of doctor. Because it is found that, it interacts with compound such as amitriptyline which is present in allopathic medicine.

          4)  it is helpful in reducing oxidative brain stress, keeping us sharp and reflexive in our old age.

          5) research studies reveal that it(Brahmi) stimulates the creation of new neural pathways in the brain and help in re-building brain tissues by influencing the brain cells.

   

         6) Some other important Ayurvedic formulations containing brahmiare saraswat arishta, saraswata churna,and smriti sagar rasa.

         7)  Brahmi is one of the best herbs for balancing and rejuvenating Pitta, while at the same time strongly reducing Kapha. It enhances the quality of Sadhaka pitta which directly influences the nature of consciousness. It can balance Vata if taken in proper doses or with other anti-vata herbs.

         8) It reveals its Satvik quality by helping to give up bad habits and all types of addictions. It aids in recovery from alcoholism or drug abuse, and also helps to kick the sugar habit. For this reason it is added to many Ayurvedic formulas as a nervine agent.

         9) According to Bhavaprakasha, Brahmi is useful in skin conditions with underlying nervous imbalance. In addition to a blood purifier, it strengthens the immune system, allays excess sexual desire, and is beneficial in venereal diseases, including AIDS. It also cleanses the kidneys, while calming and soothing the liver. It calms the heart and helps guard against heart attacks. It is beneficial in relieving tension throughout the system and helps to ease constipation from stress, relaxes muscles and alleviates menstrual pain and disorders. It has a cooling effect on Mutravaha srota (urinary system) and it cools the heat of cystitis and pain of dysuria by guiding pitta out of the system.

Side effects : 

• It is good avoided in bradycardia.
• As it acts as Deepana – digestive, it may not be tolerated well with people with sensitive stomach or ulcersa and for them, it is best to take it along with ghee.
• Some people have reported dizziness after taking brahmi as a single herb in the form of capsule / tablet.

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Refrance : 

1) Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II
2) sciencedirect.com
3) Bhojana Kutuhalam
4) NCBI
5) PUBMED
6)Nature.com for chronic effects of brahmi on human memory
7) charak and Sushruta samhita
8) journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry
9) international journal of Ayurveda 2013
10) Ayurvedacolleage.com
11) AYU (An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda)
12) Wikipedia
13) hindawi.com
14) Bhojana Kutuhalam
15) Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

16) Dhanwantari Nighantu

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