As a thousand-year-old tradition, Ayurveda specializes in developing natural medicines that work for those with severe health problems. One of the benefits is the wealth of knowledge that has been acquired over centuries of sophisticated studies, such as the utilization of herbal remedies like Ashwagandha and Brahmi to treat a variety of illnesses. On different levels, these herbs help with brain clarity, anxiety, sleep, and overall health.
The healing system of Ayurveda promotes the use of these two herbs for better health. Both these herbs aim at similar health issues but in a different way. So, if you’re finding it difficult to know which herb is the best for your specific health needs, this blog might help you!
Let’s dive deeper to understand the 2 herbs for Ashwagandha vs Brahmi:-
Brahmi
Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is a potent medicinal herb that helps boost your cognitive health, enhancing memory and learning abilities. It is the most beneficial plant known to humans. This small plant has flowers that are white to purple and is from the Scrophulariaceae family, which are used highly in making Ayurvedic medicines. Taking this herb results in such benefits as the treatment of skin issues, promoting good digestion, and relieving tension and anxiety. Moreover, it is called by other names such as herb of grace, water hyssop, and other names by the local people.
Brahmi is an essential herb used for a variety of health issues. It helps to manage those issues and supports the process through its benefits. Let’s have a look at the potential benefits-
Benefits of Brahmi
- Acts as a brain tonic: Brahmi is thought to have a tonic effect on the brain. It improves memory, focus, and cognitive wellness. It is used in medicine to improve focus and calm the brain.
- Contains Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Studies have shown that Brahmi is a useful herb that helps shield the body from oxidative damage. It is a potent antioxidant that inhibits cytokines, renders free radicals useless, and stops enzymes from lowering inflammation throughout the body.
- Anxiety and Stress Management: By improving your quality of sleep, Brahmi’s adaptogenic qualities can help you manage stress and anxiety. It improves mood and helps control cortisol levels.
- Alleviates insomnia: This Ayurvedic herb also helps to reduce insomnia, which improves the quality of sleep. Individuals who have insomnia experience sleep deprivation and frequently wake up during the night. Consuming Brahmi aids in that and calms your body and mind.
- Neuroprotection: By shielding cells from oxidative damage, this powerful herb helps to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. By promoting your well-being, it also increases immunity.
- Supports overall health: According to a study, Brahmi is effective in treating several female problems, including fever, diarrhea, and amenorrhea. Additionally, it addresses skin conditions including leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, leprosy, eczema, and psoriasis.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is scientifically known as Withania somnifera. It is an evergreen shrub deeply rooted in the traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda. It is also referred to as the Indian ginseng or winter cherry as it has pharmacological properties. This herb is famous for its powerful benefits such as calming the mind, boosting the immune system, and reducing swelling.
Ashwagandha contains plenty of health benefits and it is a potent medicinal herb if you’re looking to manage your health issues naturally. Here are the benefits-
Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Stress and Anxiety Management: Ashwagandha has demonstrated great promise in the treatment of stress and anxiety by suppressing cortisol. Ashwagandha’s capacity to assist in managing stress was proved in a study where patients who received 300 mg of high-concentration Ashwagandha twice a day saw a substantial decrease in cortisol levels of over 28 percent.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Ashwagandha is a natural remedy for insomnia and stress-related poor sleep, particularly for those who suffer from these conditions. According to a 2020 study, people who took 600 mg of ashwagandha extract every day had better sleep quality, duration, and onset than those who received a placebo.
- Energy and Stamina Booster: This Ayurvedic herb is used widely in Ayurveda to enhance physical strength and performance. As per a research study, it has been found that Ashwagandha extract helps to improve strength, endurance, and muscle mass.
- Supports Hormonal Health: Ashwagandha also helps to balance hormones and support reproductive health. In men, it may help to boost testosterone levels and enhance sperm quality. In women, it may help to regulate their menstrual cycles and reduce the symptoms.
- Improves Heart Health: Ashwagandha also helps to support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, strengthening heart muscles, and reducing risks of heart attacks.
Key Health Benefits: Side-by-Side Comparison
Understanding which herbs are best for your health is significant to revitalize your energy and strength. Let’s have a look at the Ashwagandha vs Brahmi differences –
| Aspects | Brahmi | Ashwagandha |
| Primary Focus | Improves mental focus, cognitive thinking, memory, and clarity of thought. | Helps reduce stress, improves energy, and supports overall vitality. |
| Stress Management | Balances neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and calms the mind. | Lowers cortisol levels, helping the body adapt to chronic stress. |
| Energy and Stamina | Provides mental energy without causing overstimulation. | Enhances both physical and mental energy, stamina, and endurance. |
| Cognitive Benefits | Improves memory, learning, and concentration. Also protects against neurodegeneration. | Reduces mental fog caused by stress but focuses more on general stress relief. |
| Hormonal Benefits | Limited influence on hormones. | Increases male testosterone, maintains thyroid function, and controls cortisol. |
| Physical Health | Reduces mild inflammation, which promotes physical wellness. | Increases immunity, facilitates healing and fortifies muscles. |
| Key Beneficiaries | Professionals, students, or anyone looking to sharpen their mind. | Those managing stress, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances; athletes for recovery. |
| Traditional Use | Used as a brain tonic to reduce mental irritation and enhance memory. | Used to increase strength, prolong life, and replenish energy. |
| Overall Effect | Calm and gentle, emphasizing brain health and mental clarity. | Calming and revitalizing, focusing on mental and physical health. |
Can You Use Brahmi and Ashwagandha Together?
Ashwagandha and Brahmi can be used together for a variety of health benefits. These herbs together help provide mind clarity and improve cognitive health. The benefits of these herbs complement one another and become effective together for better sleep, reduced stress, and increased energy and strength.
Ashwagandha should be taken 300 – 450 mg daily in the morning, and Brahmi 300 – 500 mg daily in the evening. These herbs can be purchased as liquids, powders, tablets, and capsules. Combine Brahmi and Ashwagandha in any form that seems best for you.
Precautions and Side Effects
Before taking any medicine or herbal formulation, it is advisable to know the precautions and side effects of the same. Being aware of these things reduces your risk of getting any serious illness or experiencing any side effects.
- Not for pregnant women: These herbs should not be consumed by pregnant women as they can have adverse effects such as uterine-stimulating effects.
- Notice the impact on your body: When you start taking any herbal medication, notice the changes in your body, if you see any negative effects, immediately consult your doctor.
- Side effects: Herbal remedies usually do not have any side effects but some people may experience dizziness, headache, mild nausea, upset stomach, and more.
- Consult a doctor: Consult ayurveda doctor before trying any new medication so that they can suggest you better.
Considering these factors is important as it can affect your decision.
Conclusion
Brahmi and Ashwagandha, both are powerful herbs that promote cognitive health, enhance attention, and lower stress levels, among other health issues. These herbs have beneficial properties that make you feel more energized and support your overall health. It may be challenging to decide the best herb for your health but with the above-mentioned knowledge, it may help you to make the right decision. Therefore, pick the one that best suits your health.
References
- Calabrese, C., Gregory, W. L., Leo, M., Kraemer, D., Bone, K., & Oken, B. (2008). Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 707–713. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0018. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
- Pase, M. P., Kean, J., Sarris, J., Neale, C., Scholey, A., & Stough, C. (2019). The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri: A systematic review of randomized, controlled human clinical trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(10), 1012–1024. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0155. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31728244/
- Bhatnagar, M., Sharma, D., & Salvi, D. (2018). Effectiveness of Brahmi in various illnesses: Review paper. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 6(2), 45–49. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323517440_Effectiveness_of_Brahmi_in_Various_Illnesses_Review_Paper
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2021). Bacopa monnieri. In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589635/
