Brahmi: A Brain Tonic
Introduction:
Brahmi; a botanical gem, with scientific name Bacopa monnieri is a small, succulent, glabrous, creeper annual herb found in all parts of Bharat and nearly all countries of South Asia. Bacopa monnieri i.e. Brahmi is a non-aromatic herb with succulent leaves, oblong, 4-6 mm thick, oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. Flowers are small, actinomorphic and white, with four or five petals. It is known as Brahmi, Saraswati, Jalanimba, Neerbrahmi, Bamanevari, Jalanam, Birami, Brahmibuti, Sambarenu, Sambrani, Mandukparni and Nirubrahmi in different parts of Bharat. Ayurvedic stream of medicine has proof of using Brahmi as health tonic for brain for nearly 3000 years. As the brain of human beings is considered to be the centre of creativity, Brahmi has been used to boost the brain’s health for ancient times. Many ancient literatures have praised the properties of Brahmi as ‘memory booster’ and also as a ‘tool for bringing knowledge of the supreme reality’. The word ‘Brahmi’ has been derived from the word ‘Brahma’, referring to the God of creation, don’t forget one of the many names of Brahmi is also Saraswati.
Properties:
Brahmi commonly grows in marshy areas throughout Bharat, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Bhutan, Vietnam, Japan and Pakistan in Asia and also in South Africa, Australia and South American countries. Ayurveda had discovered and identified the properties of Brahmi and shared it with traditional medicinal practices of West and Japan. Some of the significant properties identified by Ayurveda are:
*Analgesic properties- Brahmi juice is an effective pain killer for nearly all types of pain,
*Anti-inflammatory properties- Brahmi paste applied on affected parts of the body gives immediate relief from inflammation caused by internal muscular injuries and some chronic diseases like filariasis.
*Anti-microbial properties- Brahmi kills microbes like bacteria, fungi etc while attacking human body.
*Antioxidant properties- Brahmi has antioxidant potential which makes it a health care tonic for human being especially for babies and women.
*Anti-depressant properties- Brahmi has some bio-chemicals which can reduce anxiety and relieve depression.
*Anti-convulsion properties- Brahmi has potential to regulate psychosomatic activities in nervous system to ensure remedy in seizure.
*Immune-stimulatory properties- Brahmi is a good immune booster; it can activate all the functional units of immune system to increase immunity in human body.
*Anti-ulcer properties -Brahmi protect our digestive system from all sorts of ulcers from mouth to intestine.
Medicinal Uses:
Bio-chemicals like Saponins, Alkaloids, and Sterols etc make Brahmi a very good medicinal and nutritional supplement for mankind who believe and follow Ayurveda and herbal medicinal practices. Ayurveda and Yunani Medication have lots of studies and practical evidences about the uses of Brahmi beneficial for various health conditions.
For Brain:
*Cognition: Cognition means loss of memory. Brahmi extracts can reverse the cognitive deficits i.e. the loss of memory and thinking. Researches over human brain have proved that the rate of learning remains unaffected, but the rate of forgetting reduces to a significant level especially in the case of newly acquired information. Retaining the lost memory can be achieved to some extent by using Brahmi extracts has been proved by certain experiments done on the patients of cognitive deficits.
*Sedation: Brahmi extracts have sedative and tranquilizing effects as researchers say. Bio-chemicals present in Brahmi have potential to reduce anxiety, tension, fear etc and relax brain to the level of calmness giving a dose of sound sleep.
*Anxiety: Ayurvedic practitioners suggest extracts of Brahmi as anti-anxiety medication. Experiments have been done on patients of depression and the results are very positive, encouraging and hopeful as it is found that Brahmi extracts can reduce symptoms of anxiety, level of disability, mental fatigue, level of anxiety and increases memory.
*Seizure: Extracts of Brahmi has been prescribed by the practitioners of Ayurveda for thousands of years for getting relief in convulsions seen in seizure. Ayurvedic medicine Brahmi is a good solution for seizures and their side effects on muscles, nerves, bones and brain.
For Stomach and Digestive System:
*Stomach Ulcer: Extracts of Brahmi is a tried and tested medicine for stomach ulcer. This medicine gives immediate relief in stomach ulcer.
*Irritable Bowel syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic colon disorder and is characterized by diarrhea, constipation, cramping stomach pain and passing mucus in the stools. Bio-chemical present in Brahmi may have spasmolytic activity and it might be beneficial for relieving intestinal spasms and IBS.
*Liver and Kidney: Toxic intakes via stale food, cold drinks, soft drinks, junk food, fast food and drugs damage our liver and kidney. Such damages create many issues related to digestion, absorption and excretion. Brahmi infusions and extracts benefit correcting the liver and kidney functions by repairing the damage to a significant extent.
For Lungs:
Brahmi may have potential benefits for reducing symptoms of asthma and improving lungs function. Infusions and syrups of Brahmi are good tonic for regulating lungs functions and increasing oxygen grabbing/holding capacity of lungs.
For Hair Health:
Looking handsome or beautiful is the first priority for human beings and healthy hair is perhaps most important necessity for it. Brahmi is the best health tonic for hair. Extracts of Brahmi is good for both mental and physical health including hair growth, hair strength and shining hair. Soaps, shampoos, cosmetics and hair oil containing Brahmi contribute externally in hair health.
Side Effects and Precautions:
Some common side effects are seen while using Brahmi extracts, infusions, tablets and syrups are Nausea, Stomach upsets irritations and vomiting. Some allergic symptoms are also reported in some cases while using Brahmi medicines. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should take Brahmi only under supervision of registered medical practitioners. Children and infants should not be given dosage of Brahmi without consulting doctors or Ayurvedic practitioners. Because of sedative properties, dosage of Brahmi should not be taken before driving and challenging physical works.
FAQs:
- Is Brahmi good for students as a brain tonic?
Yes, Brahmi is a good brain tonic and very useful for students as it boosts memory, enhance focus, reduce anxiety and promote overall brain health.
- Is Brahmi effective preventing hair fall?
Yes, of course, Brahmi is a good hair tonic as it helps grow hair and strengthen hair root.
- Does Brahmi interact with the thyroid?
Yes, some researches show that Brahmi enhances thyroid hormone activity.
- How does one can consume Brahmi?
Brahmi can be consumed in powder form, infusion, tea, tablets and capsules.
- Is Brahmi safe for all?
Except some allergic individual, Brahmi is quite safe if prescribed dosages are taken.
- Can Brahmi interact with medications?
Brahmi may interact with certain medications particularly those affecting the central nervous system.
