Since ancient times, Ayurveda has been known to treat innumerable ailments by balancing the different systems of the body through the use of herbal remedies. In ayurveda, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), known also as water hyssop or herb of grace, is a nootropic drug (medihya rasayana) that enhances memory and improves brain function.
Brahmi is a succulent herb with numerous branches rooted at the nodes, which is found from sea level to 4400 feet above sea level. In moist soils, shallow waters, and marshes, it grows naturally. Flower petals don’t usually exceed four or five on this plant. The flowers are lavender or white in colour. Medicinal properties can be derived from both the leaves and the flowers of the plant. It is known for imparting cooling energy and having a bitter and sweet taste. Brahmi is a medicinal herb commonly used as a memory enhancer, aphrodisiac, and a health tonic.
Brimi enhances memory and improves learning by neutralizing free radicals, forming new nerve connections, and balancing the level of essential neurotransmitters in the brain. Even Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease may be treated with Brahmi, as well as epilepsy and schizophrenia symptoms.
You can make a tea out of Brahmi leaves (fresh or dry) that helps calm you and reduces anxiety and stress. In the markets, Brahmi supplements are available either in pills or powdered form, but it is recommended that you take these supplements after consulting with a doctor or health expert.
Active ingredients in Brahmi
- Bacosides A and B: help enhance memory
- Sterols: lower cholesterol and pain
- Alkaloids: tranquillize and help reduce pain
- Polyphenols: fight free radical damage and reduce inflammation
1. Improves Memory
Brahmi is used in Ayurvedic brain tonics, often in combination with gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Brahmi powder is generally consumed with milk or ghee, as animal fat is an effective vehicle for absorption of its nutrients.
The consumption of Brahmi over a long period of time has been found to improve a variety of memory parameters in healthy children, adults, and aged people suffering from cognitive decline due to ageing.
Brahmi increases the production and availability of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps with memory, cognition, and attention. Brahmi also balances several other important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate which have a role in brain function
2. Boosts Learning
Learning consists of processing information, storing it as memory, and recalling it as needed. As you age, your ability to learn declines. In the long run, you have trouble remembering information because you have a slower processing speed. Brahmi was consumed by scholars during the Vedic era in order to memorize long verses of sacred hymns and scriptures.
According to experts, the ability of Brahmi to form synaptic connections between nerve cells accounts for its beneficial effects on learning. This means that more information can be processed faster, allowing us to learn and remember faster.
3. Improves Attention
The benefit of Brahmi is that it improves attention, a valuable mental skill for young as well as old. The participants in one study who consumed brahmi had both more focused attention and less attention to irrelevant information. One of the reasons for this is that brahmi also acts as a mood-lifter and a calming agent, which leads to better focus.
4. Reduces Stress
Brahmi is an adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress. Animal studies have shown that it helps reduce the markers of stress in the brain, chiefly in the hippocampus, and normalizes certain neurotransmitter levels. Though very few human studies have been performed on this front, one study has found that brahmi can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improve mood in humans too.
5. Reduces Anxiety And Depression
The memory-boosting effects of brahmi are also associated with a reduction in depression and anxiety after a few weeks of supplementation. This probably also improved their attention and memory. Accordingly, it produces mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. This may explain its ability to reduce anxiety and depression.
6. Protects Against Gastric Ulcers
Taking high doses of Brahmi can improve diarrhoea symptoms, while the juice of the herb can prevent ulcers in the stomach. It has an antimicrobial effect on the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori as well as antioxidant effects. Furthermore, it produces mucin (the slippery substance in mucus) and protects stomach mucosa from deterioration. The stomach lining is protected by these from corrosive substances.
7. Boosts Immunity
The benefits of Brahmi are even greater than those of ashwagandha or echinacea with regard to strengthening the immune system. Brahmi contains antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and stimulate the body’s natural antioxidants.
8. Prevents Inflammation
Inflammation and pain are reduced when Brahmi is consumed because it lowers the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that trigger inflammation and pain. Several researchers suggest that Brahmi is as effective in decreasing perceptions of pain as morphine, but with none of the typical side effects as the drug.
Pain can be relieved from joints, muscles, backaches, and even headaches using this. A massage with Brahmi oil can temporarily improve the situation.
9. Protects The Heart
In addition to relaxing heart muscle, aorta, bronchial smooth muscles, and pulmonary arteries, Brahmi increases the levels of nitrate oxide without increasing blood pressure. Preventing cardiac events can be achieved through the smooth flow of blood. In addition, animal studies show that regular consumption of Brahmi can protect the heart and hasten recovery.
10.Beauty benefits of Brahmi
Brahmi oil is great for treating dry scalps and preventing hair fall. As a result of the antioxidants in the products, hair is not only rejuvenated but also restored to its natural state. In addition to removing toxins from the body, antioxidants also stimulate the regeneration of the skin’s cells, improving the complexion. In addition to treating dandruff, itchiness and split ends, Brahmi is also beneficial for the health of your hair. Furthermore, Brahmi oil is believed to have soothing properties when applied to the scalp.