Brahmi
Brahmi
Brahmi is a perennial herb which has been derived from the name of Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati. Brahmi is used for its medicinal properties and is a well-known memory enhancing herb. Brahmi has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic (fever reducing) and sedative properties. Brahmi is used as a brain tonic to enhance memory, learning and concentration. It also helps to manage diseases like asthma, epilepsy, hoarseness and toothache[1].
What are the synonyms of Brahmi?
Bacopa Monnieri, Babies tear, Bacopa, Herpestis monniera, Water hyssop, Sambarenu.
What is the source of Brahmi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Brahmi
Ayurvedic View
Improving sexual performance
How effective is Brahmi?
Likely effective
Age related memory loss
Likely ineffective
Irritable bowel syndrome
Insufficient evidence
Anxiety, Asthma, Epilepsy/Seizures, Fluid retention, Hoarseness of voice, Improving sexual performance, Joint pain, Pain relief
Precautions when using Brahmi
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Brahmi may increase the level of thyroid hormone. So it is generally advised to monitor your TSH level while taking Brahmi along with thyroid drugs[6].
Modern Science View
Brahmi may interact with sedatives. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Brahmi along with sedatives[6].
Modern Science View
Brahmi may interact with liver functioning. So it is generally advised to monitor your liver functions while taking Brahmi along with hepatoprotective drugs[6].
Modern Science View
Brahmi may increase stomach and intestinal secretions. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Brahmi if you have stomach ulcers[5].
Modern Science View
Brahmi may increase the fluid secretion in lungs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Brahmi if you have asthma or emphysema[5].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Brahmi may decrease the heart rate. So it is generally advised to monitor your heart rate regularly while taking Brahmi[5].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Dry mouth
2. Nausea
3. Thirst
4. Palpitations[6].
2. Nausea
3. Thirst
4. Palpitations[6].
Recommended Dosage of Brahmi
- Brahmi Juice - 2-4 teaspoons once a day.
- Brahmi Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Brahmi Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Brahmi Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Brahmi Infusion - 3-4 teaspoons once or twice a day.
How to use Brahmi
1. Brahmi Fresh Juice
a. Take 2-4 teaspoons of Brahmi fresh juice.
b. Add equal quantity of water to it and drink once a day before food.
2. Brahmi Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Brahmi churna.
b. Swallow it with honey before or after lunch and dinner.
3. Brahmi Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Brahmi capsule.
b. Swallow it with milk before or after lunch and dinner.
4. Brahmi Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Brahmi tablet.
b. Swallow it milk before or after lunch and dinner.
5. Brahmi Cold Infusion
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons Brahmi cold infusion.
b. Add water or honey and drink before lunch and dinner.
a. Take 2-4 teaspoons of Brahmi fresh juice.
b. Add equal quantity of water to it and drink once a day before food.
2. Brahmi Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Brahmi churna.
b. Swallow it with honey before or after lunch and dinner.
3. Brahmi Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Brahmi capsule.
b. Swallow it with milk before or after lunch and dinner.
4. Brahmi Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Brahmi tablet.
b. Swallow it milk before or after lunch and dinner.
5. Brahmi Cold Infusion
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons Brahmi cold infusion.
b. Add water or honey and drink before lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Brahmi
1. Burning
According to Ayurveda, a paste of Brahmi helps to rejuvenate skin and give relief from burning sensation due to its Sita Virya (cold potency).
2. Hair growth
Brahmi oil is also useful for hair loss as it gives nourishment, strength and promotes the growth of new hair when applied externally. This is due to its Sita Virya (cold potency) and Kashaya Ras (astringent) property.
3. Headache
Brahmi paste helps manage a headache when applied externally on the forehead due to its cold potency.
According to Ayurveda, a paste of Brahmi helps to rejuvenate skin and give relief from burning sensation due to its Sita Virya (cold potency).
2. Hair growth
Brahmi oil is also useful for hair loss as it gives nourishment, strength and promotes the growth of new hair when applied externally. This is due to its Sita Virya (cold potency) and Kashaya Ras (astringent) property.
3. Headache
Brahmi paste helps manage a headache when applied externally on the forehead due to its cold potency.
Precautions when using Brahmi
Allergy
Modern Science View
Avoid the use of Brahmi or consult a doctor before taking Brahmi if you are allergic to it[6].
Ayurvedic View
A paste or powder of Brahmi leaves should be used with milk or honey if your skin is hypersensitive.
Ayurvedic View
Brahmi oil should be used after diluting with coconut oil before applying on the skin or scalp.
Recommended Dosage of Brahmi
- Brahmi Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Brahmi Oil - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Brahmi Paste - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Brahmi Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Brahmi
1. Brahmi Paste with Rose Water
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Brahmi fresh paste.
b. Mix it with rose water and apply on the face.
c. Let it sit for 4-6 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
e. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week.
2. Brahmi Oil
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Brahmi oil.
b. Massage gently on the scalp and hair.
c. Repeat this 1 to 3 times a week.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Brahmi fresh paste.
b. Mix it with rose water and apply on the face.
c. Let it sit for 4-6 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
e. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week.
2. Brahmi Oil
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Brahmi oil.
b. Massage gently on the scalp and hair.
c. Repeat this 1 to 3 times a week.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Major alkaloids of Brahmi are Brahmine and Saponins such as Bacposide A and B which improve the nootropic function (agents that enhance memory, creativity and motivation). This makes it Brahmi a good brain tonic[7].
Modern Science View
Brahmi is available in the market in the following forms:
1. Oil
2. Juice
3. Powder(Churna)
4. Tablet
5. Capsule
6. Sharbat
1. Oil
2. Juice
3. Powder(Churna)
4. Tablet
5. Capsule
6. Sharbat
Modern Science View
Yes, Brahmi can be taken on an empty stomach. In fact taking Brahmi on an empty stomach is even better as it aids better absorption.
Modern Science View
Yes, Brahmi can be taken with milk. Adding Brahmi to milk makes it a good tonic for the brain. This is due to its cooling effects.
Modern Science View
Yes, Brahmi and Ashwagandha can be taken together. This combination works to boost the brain activity.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Brahmi and Ashwagandha can take together because both help to maintain healthy function of the brain if your digestive is good otherwise these might increase your digestive problem.
Ayurvedic View
Brahmi helps to control hair fall and enhance hair growth due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. Brahmi also has Sita (cold) potency and helps to balance excessive Pitta, the main reason behind hair problems.
References
- Sudharani DK, Krishna L, Deval K, et.al.Pharmacological profiles of Bacopa monnieri: A review.Int. J. Pharm.2011;1(1):15-23.
- Sebastian P.Ayurvedic Medicine- The Principles of Traditional Practice.Singing dragon.2013:149-150.
- Williams R, Münch G, Gyengesi E, et.al.Bacopa monnieri (L.) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cells of the innate immune system in vitro.Food Funct. 2014.
- Gohil KJ, Patel JA.A review on Bacopa monnieri: Current research and future prospects.Int. J. Green Pharm.2010;4(1):1-9.
- WebMd.Bacopa:Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet]. Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.