Brahmi
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Brahmi
acts as a powerful brain food, and is known for its ability to enhance
mind power (Medhya effect). It supports and improves all aspects of
mental functioning, including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti) and
recollection (Smriti). It is important because it also enhances the
crucial coordination of these three aspects of mental functioning.
Because it increases the ability to solve problems effectively, Brahmi
is often used in formulas to help relieve and prevent stress.
Brahmi
can be processed in different ways, or with different herbs, to balance
any of the three laws of the physiology (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
Latin - Herpestis Monniera, Bacopa Monnieri
Sanskrit - Brahmi
Hindi -- Brambhi
English - Thyme-leaved Gratiola (rarely used)
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Vernacular names: Sanskrit - Brahmi; Hindi - Brambhi; English - Thyme-leaved Grariola;
Bengali - Brahmi-sak; Tamil - Nirbrahmi; Japanese - Otomeazene
NOTE: Two main
herbs go by the name of Brahmi in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Some
experts, such as Vaidya R. K. Mishra, feel that Herpestis Monniera is
more authentic and is preferable for mental benefits except where
urinary flow, purification, and immunomodulation is desired by the
physician. The other herb that commonly goes by this name is more
popularly known in the U.S. as Gotu-Kola, or Centella asiatica. When the
texts specify Gotu-kola without the option of substitution, it is called
Mandukaparni. So we always identify Brahmi as Herpestis Monniera in our
herbal formulations.
Parts Used:
Whole
plant, roots, leaves, stalks. Each part has a different therapeutic
value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.
Traditional Ayurvedic Uses:
Brahmi
acts as a powerful brain food, and is known for its ability to enhance
mind power (Medhya effect). It supports and improves all aspects of
mental functioning, including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti) and
recollection (Smriti). It is important because it also enhances the
crucial coordination of these three aspects of mental functioning.
Because it increases the ability to solve problems effectively, Brahmi
is often used in formulas to help relieve and prevent stress.
Brahmi
can be processed in different ways, or with different herbs, to balance
any of the three laws of the physiology (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
It is
a very good overall tonic (Rasayana, or longevity-enhancer).
Brahmi
is used to prepare a number of important Ayurvedic preparations (Brahmighritam,
Brahmirasayanam) which are given to those suffering from anxiety and
emotional stress.
Combinations are Best
The
ayurvedic physicians of Ayurveda do not recommend the use of single
herbs for self-care due to several important reasons (see the index page
of the ayurvedic herb section for details).
One of
the specialties of Ayurveda is the science of herb combining that has
been perfected over thousands of years of clinical practice. From this
ayurvedic perspective, the study of herbs from scientific research which
is based on single ingredient formulas is not very practical. This is
because an herb can give a number of different effects depending on the
other herbs it is combined with as well as a number of other factors
such as dosage, how the herb was processed, etc. If one focuses just on
the results of a study based on one ingredient, while it may be
interesting, it does not give the full insight into the complete range
of effects available from that particular herb.
Ayurvedic
Energetics:
Rasa:
bitter
Veerya: cooling
Vipaka: pungent
Gunas: light, unctuous
Doshas: Vata-, Kapha-, Pitta+
Pharmacological
Action: nervine tonic, diuretic, sedative
Clinical Research: Brahmi is reported to have sedative as well as cardiotonic effects due
to the presence of hersaponin, one of four saponins isolated from the
plant. , In 50 mg/kg doses, alcoholic extracts produced mild
tranquilizing effects on albino rats and dogs. The alcoholic extract of
the entire plant displayed anticancer activity against Walker
carcinosarcoma 256 in rats. Oral administration of the alcoholic extract
in aqueous suspension for three or more days was found to improve the
learning curve in rats in various learning situations.
Traditional Uses: Brahmi is used in the treatment of asthma, hoarseness, anxiety, epilepsy, and neurasthenia. It is also useful as a diuretic and aperient.
A paste made from the leaves is used in rheumatic joint pain; a poultice
of the entire boiled plant is applied to the chest in bronchitis and
chronic cough. It is used to prepare a number of important Ayurvedic
preparations (Brahmighritam, Brahmirasayanam) which are given to those
suffering from anxiety and emotional stress.
Indications: emotional stress, mental exhaustion, forgetfulness,
anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, cough, hoarseness, water retention, rheumatic joint pain.
Formulations and
Dosage:
infusion-two cups/day
alcoholic extract-30 drops by mouth twice a day
powder-two grams twice a day with warm water.
Kapoor, LD, CRC
Handbook of Ayurvedic Med Plants, 61, 1990.
Wof I vol 2B, 2, 1988.
Bhakuni, DS; Dhar, ML; et al., Ind J Exp Biol, 7, 250, 1969.
Wof I vol 2B, 3, 1988.
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