Brahmi also known as Bacopa monnieri, is a perennial herb native to India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. Its whole plant is used to treat various health problems, especially those related to the brain and thyroid.
ACTIONS & USES:
The whole plant of Brahmi has been used in Ayurveda for the management of following diseases:
- Anxiety: Brahmi has been seen to calm down the agitated mind. It is thus quite effective in mental states where one feels tense, stressed, and irritated. When used for weeks to months, it relaxes the tense mind and nerves. It helps alleviate the symptoms related to anxiety, like – tense muscles, sweating, pounding heart, reduced sleep, poor memory, inability to concentrate, etc.
- Depression: Brahmi has been reported to elevate the depressed mood. It is thus used for the management of mental depression.
- Poor learning & memory: Brahmi is believed to work by increasing the activity of certain brain chemicals that are involved in learning and memory, and by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. Studies reveal that Brahmi can improve memory and cognitive function.
- Hypothyroidism: Brahmi has been reported to stimulate thyroid activity. It is thus used for the management of hypothyroidism, especially the one resulting from auto-immune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis, etc.
- Thrombosis: Brahmi has been reported to prevent the formation and help in the lysis of blood clots in the blood vessels. It is thus used in the prevention and management of thrombosis in CAD, stroke, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, etc.
- Epilepsy: As Brahmi sedates the hyperactive brain cells, it is used as a supportive drug in epilepsy.
- Pain management: Acting on the central nervous system, Brahmi sedates the pain sensation. It is thus used as a supportive drug for pain relief.
HOW TO USE?
Brahmi could be used as –
- Brahmi ghan (extract) tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3 times a day; Especially used to manage anxiety, depression, poor learning, memory, etc.
- Corfloz tablet – 1-2 tablets, 3-6 times a day; especially for heart disease (angina / blocked arteries).
- Thyrin tablet – 1 tablet, 3 times a day, especially in hypothyroidism.
PRECAUTIONS
Though generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses, but when used in heavy doses for extended periods, Brahmi can result in stomach upset, dry mouth, and dizziness in some people.