| Medicinal Herbs -> Brahmi |
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Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an Ayurvedic herb currently enjoying popularity as a ‘brain herb’,
primarily due to its effects on cognitive function.Brain Brahmi helps to improve memory, learning ability and concentration.
It is used in mental disorders, epilepsy (apasmara), mania and hysteria (unmada).2 It specifically enhances the quality
of sadhaka pitta and this directly influences the nature of consciousness.
Nerves Used to aid recovery from exhaustion, stress and debility with aggravation of vata. A
specific herb for all conditions with a deficient majja dhatu. Consider using in Parkinson’s disease,
alzheimer’s, dementia, ADHD, Asperger syndrome, autism, depression and drug addiction.
Brahmi is
very useful in skin conditions with an underlying nervous imbalance.3 It also benefits tension
throughout the system helping to ease constipation from stress, relax muscle tightness and alleviate
menstrual pain. It is commonly used to treat insomnia.
Urinary It can cool the heat of cystitis and pain of dysuria by guiding pitta out of the
mutravahasrota. External As a medicated oil it is a neuralgic in joint pain. Used as a head rub for headaches and to clear the mind. It is also used as a brain tonic to strengthen the memory and encourage hair
growth.
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Ayushya vardhana Increases longevity
Balyam Gives strength (especially to the mind)
Jeevaniya Promotes energy
Medhya Nervine
Nidrajnana Promotes sleep
Kushtaghna Alleviates skin conditions
Combinations
+ As it suppresses the appetite it should be used with digestive stimulants such as Ginger or
Cardamom.
+ Vacha with signs of high kapha to enhance its mind opening effects.
+ Gotu kola, Jatamansi and Tagarah as a sedative.
+ Ashwagandha, Kushta, Kappikacchu, Shankhapushpi and Bala as a nerve tonic.
+ Neem, Manjishta, Turmeric for skin conditions with heat signs.
+ Cumin, Fennel and Ajwan to relax the intestines.
+ Cloves (2 parts), Cardamon (1 part), Pippali (1 part) as Brahmi Rasayana with 10 parts Brahmi
and 40 of sugar; use this as an anti-inflammatory and nerve tonic.
Contraindications
None known.
Safety
No drug herb interactions are known but caution is advised with anti-epileptic and anti-depressant
medication.
DOSAGE
2–6g/day dried or 5–30ml of a 1:5 @ 25% tincture. The fresh juice is popular in India: 3 x 1
tsp/day.
Notes
* It is a creeping annual and spreads along the banks of rivers as creativity and awareness spread
throughout us. It is a water-loving plant.
* Bacopa monniera is the authentic Brahmi and preferred by vaidyas in treatment. It is also known
as Jalabrahmi ‘Water Brahmi’.
* It is often confused with Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) which is also generically known as
Brahmi in North India. Gotu kola’s other name is Mandukaparni.
* It is combined with ghee or milk to enhance its tonifying, nerve nourishing and pitta cooling
effects.
* Its cold nature can hinder digestion and so it is recommended to be used with agni deepana herbs
to protect the digestive fire.
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