Brahmi’s scientific designation is Bacopa Monnieri. Brahmi grows in marshy environments and is very commonly found throughout:
- India
- China
- Taiwan
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Pakistan
- Vietnam
- Tropical and Southern Africa
- Madagascar
- Australia
- Caribbean
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Texas
- Hawaii
- South America
- Singapore
Characteristics of Brahmi
- Non-aromatic
- Perennial
- Creeping
- Leaves: Succulent, Oblanceolate, and Thick.
- Flowers: Small, Actinomorphic, and White.
Brahmi is an important ayurvedic which has been use traditionally to treat a lot of diseases naturally along with other power ayurvedic herbs like Amla, Punarnava, Bhringraj, Aloe Vera, Vidarikand, Giloy, Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Tulsi and more. In this post we are going to share some of the best benefits of Brahm.
Common Names of Bacopa Monnieri
| LANGUAGE | NAME |
| English | Water hyssop, Herb of grace, Indian pennywort, Thyme-leafed gratiola |
| Hindi | Brahmi |
| Bengali | Birami |
| Telugu | Sambarenu |
| Kannada | Jala Brahmi |
| Tamil | Neera Brahmi |
| Sinhala | Lunuwila |
| Chinese | Jia-ma-chi-xian |
Nutritional Profile
Brahmi contains the following components:
- Alkaloids
- Brahmine
- Herpestine
- Saponins
- Terpenoids
- Monnierin
- Hersaponin
- Tannins
- Flavonoids
- Glycosides
- Bacoside A
- Bacoside B
- Saponins
- Pseudojujubogenin
- Jujubogenin
- D-mannitol
- Stigmastanol
- β sitosterol,
- Stigmasterol
Properties Of Brahmi
| Vipaka (Metabolic property- after digestion) | Madhura (Sweet) |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta (Cold) |
| Guna (Qualities) | Laghu (Light) |
| Rasa (Taste) | Kashaya. Tikta (Astringent, Bitter) |
Ayurvedic Actions
| Vata Hara | Calms VataMaintain the circulatory system |
| Anuloma | Redirects the flow of vata downwards |
| Unmadahara | Reduces mental illness |
| Pradnya Shakti | Increases Intellectual property |
| Hridya | Heart tonic |
| Majjadhatu Rasayana | RejuvenationTreat nervous system disorders. |
| Ayushya vardhana | Increases Longevity |
| Balyam | Strengthen mind |
| Jeevaniya | Promotes energy |
| Medhya | Nervine |
| Nidrajnana | Promotes sleep |
| Kushtaghna | Alleviate skin conditions |
Health Benefits of Brahmi
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn) is counted as one of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs in ayurvedic medicine system. Originally mentioned in the works of Susurtu Samhita, Atharva-Ved, and Charaka Samhita.
Described as Medhya Rasayan- a drug that has natural medicinal qualities to provide beneficial effects on memory, and enhance intellectual capacity and overall well-being of the brain.
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi is especially appreciated for its ability to help treat a variety of medical conditions:
- Laxation
- Digestion
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-convulsant
- Cardiotonic
- Bronchodilator
- Diuretic
- Febrifuge
- Nervine tonic
Brahmi Benefits for Hair
All of us crave luscious, beautiful hair. In an era where markets are overwhelmed, Brahmi herb is the pocket-friendly short cut to get gorgeous bouncy hair. Not everyone can afford expensive products and salon services. Post-COVID many people suffer from hair fall issues.
Brahmi is a natural and affordable solution that provides if not more than similar results to expensive hair treatments.
Brahmi improves hair health and consider as one of the best ayurvedic herbs for hair growth in the following ways:
Minimizes Dandruff
Brahmi has the following properties:
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
These properties fight scalp infections and eliminate dandruff.
Premature graying
Brahmi acts as a natural darkening agent thereby reducing premature graying.
Smooth and Shiny hair
Bhrami acts as a natural conditioner thereby improving the texture and making hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free.
Reduces hair fall
Bhrami is rich in Vitamin C, saponins, and flavonoids which help strengthen and reduce the thinning of hair and hair fall.
Prevents Split ends
Dryness is one of the main reasons for the itchy scalp, which also results in frizzy hair and split ends. Split ends disrupt the growth of healthy hair. Brahmi helps restore moisture by hydrating the hair, and protects from split ends.
2. Improves Skin Texture
The word “skincare” is still relatively new to many of us. Your skincare regime is missing the goodness of Brahmi. Its anti-aging and antioxidant qualities promote collagen synthesis, aids in cell regeneration, provides a youthful glow, and help to lighten pigmentation, stretch marks, and fine line signs.
3. Brahmi Benefits for Heart
Brahmi plant contains ethanolic extract which has cardiovascular properties. It possesses a defensive effect on the aorta and maintains the blood flow by contracting the left ventricle.
High blood pressure has a direct impact on heart disease. The latest research showcases that Brahmi releases nitric oxide.
Released nitric oxide lowers high blood pressure and safeguards heart health. However, more research is required in this area.
4. Brahmi Benefits for Liver
Ayurveda explains that the liver stores pitta energies and mobilizes toxins out of the body. Brahmi helps promote liver functions and encourages natural detoxification.
5. Brahmi Benefits for Brain
For centuries, Brahmi has been used as a key ingredient in the preparation of brain tonics for 3 main functions:
- Memory booster
- Enhance focus
- Increase Attention
It is also helpful in treating symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD diagnosis involve:
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of attention
Teenagers and children with ADHD are prone to exhibit impulsive behaviors along with the above-mentioned symptoms, which in turn have negative effects on parent Parent-child relationships.
6. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Cortisol is responsible for the rise in stress and blood sugar levels. Its soothing effects aid in regulating cortisol levels thereby managing stress, anxiety, and risk of high blood sugar.
7. Antispasmodic Activity
Brahmi extract contains spasmolytic activity which aids in smooth muscles as it hinders calcium influx via both voltage and receptor-worked calcium channels of the membrane.
8. Gastroprotective
Brahmi juice is beneficial for improving a healthy gut. It has gastroprotective properties, due to which the mucosal membrane increases mucin secretion and reduces cell shedding.
9. Beneficial for Symptoms of Alzheimer
As per research, Brahmi’s extract contains bacoside A and B which improves the learning ability of the brain and may be efficient for symptoms of Alzheimer’s. However further research is required in this area.
10. Improving Symptoms of Asthma
Brahmi possesses relaxant and bronchodilator properties which aid in producing bronchodilation and may improve lung function thereby resulting in providing relief in symptoms of Asthma. However, further research is needed in this area.
Brahmi Side Effects
Although generally considered safe, few individuals might experience the following side effects with the use or overuse of Brahmi:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Skin rashes
- Confusion
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Dizziness
How to Use Brahmi
Brahmi herb can be used in various forms:
- Brahmi Juice
- Brahmi Hair Oil
- Brahmi Paste
- Brahmi Powder
- Brahmi Tablet Supplements
One can easily get Brahmi products from the market or can even easily prepare them at home.
Brahmi Juice
- Take one cup of freshly washed Brahmi leaves
- Add cumin powder pepper, black salt, and brahmi leaves in a blender. Blend it well.
- Pour 2 cups of water and a teaspoon of honey (optional).
- Mix it well and it’s ready to drink.
Brahmi Oil
- Take a few Brahmi leaves.
- Wash it clean.
- Pour coconut oil in a pan
- Heat coconut oil
- Add Brahmi leaves in hot coconut oil and mix well.
- Pour 1 teaspoon of castor oil into the mixture.
- Mix it well over low flame for a few minutes.
- Remove it from the flame once the oil changes color and stops sputtering.
- Once the oil cools down, add 1 teaspoon of argon oil and black seeds.
- Leave it for a few hours, transfer it to a bottle after straining and it’s good to use.
Brahmi Paste
- Take a cup of freshly washed Brahmi leaves.
- Soak it in water for a few hours.
- Blend the soaked Brahmi leaves with an adequate amount of water (necessary to make the paste).
- If preferred, one can also use fresh milk to make a paste.
- Continue to blend it until you achieve the texture of the paste.
- Transfer into an air tight clean container and keep it in a cool place.
Brahmi Powder
- Thoroughly was Brahmi leaves.
- Dry them under sunlight.
- Take the dried leaves
- Blend them in a blender.
- With the mesh strainer, strain the powder removing any excess powder.
- Store powder in an airtight container.
Brahmi Ghee
- First, take a cup of freshly cleansed brahmi leaves.
- Add them to the blender along with a cup of water to make juice
- In a pan, add one cup of ghee.
- Heat it on low flame, after a few minutes add 4 cups of water and ¼ cup of Brahmi juice.
- Continue to heat it until it becomes a bit thick and reduce to 1 cup.
Conclusion
Brahmi has numerous benefits and is used religiously in various hair care products, skincare products, and pain relieving ayurvedic medicine, and is even available in capsule and powder form.
However, before consuming a Brahmi supplement one must always consult a doctor.
Nidhi Bhardwaj is a content writer with a creative edge towards science. She is currently pursuing her MBA.
Her love for expressing via words has inspired her to venture into creative writing. She is intrigued to explore various unfamiliar fields and treasures of knowledge the world has to offer.
She desires to share her experience and learnings with readers from all walks of life.