BRAHMI – THE BRAIN TONIC - Healthy Lifestyle

Do you know the herb which was designed by nature for brain health? Have you heard about the word Brain Tonic? Do you know the powerful herb that calms your mind? This is an impressive herb which is used for thousands of years in the herbal treatment called as Brahmi. It is a powerful herb with a long history of use for enhancing mental clarity and intellect.

BRAIN TONIC – WHAT IS IT?

Brahmi was sketched by nature to support brain health. Brahmi – The Brain Tonic…What does it mean? The herbs in Ayurveda that aid overall brain function are mentioned as brain tonics. Contrast to some of the neural medicines, which might improve one chemical transmitter or reduce another chemical transmitter, Brahmi really advances and interacts brilliantly with the brain to help to balance all neurotransmission. Some may need to be expanded, while others may need to be reduced. It depends on what your brain actually needs, and that’s what a brain tonic does. The art of brahmi is it supports the brain at every unique level, when a disease exists and even before a disease is present.

BRAHMI – WHY THE NAME?

This herb takes its name from the creator Brahma,the vedic god of creation which is mentioned in mythology. Brahmi may have got this name because it improves brain health,creativity and memory. Brahmi is celebrated as one of the greatest herbs for enhancing brain function.

BRAHMI – THE TRIDOSHIC

Brahmi is tridoshic, which supports all three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – making it one of the best herbs for everyone to take. Most people tolerate Brahmi very well, however, it is better to consult with your health care practitioner when you are under medications for other ailments.

BRAHMI – IN ANCIENT TEXT

Its use has been documented in the Ayurvedic text “Charaka Samhita” as a treatment for various mental conditions. Ayurvedic medicine describes Brahmi (Bacopa) as a “medhya rasayana,” meaning a class of herbs believed to improve mental health, memory, and intellect and promote rejuvenation and longevity.

BRAHMI – IN RECENT RESEARCHES

The significance of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera Linn.) in improving memory and learning skills was first published in 1982 (Singh and Dhawan, 1982). Since then various studies have been conducted in animals to determine various properties exhibited by the medicinal herb. The potential of Brahmi in shielding neuronal structure and/or function has also been evaluated in a number of growing studies. Brahmi is a well-known Ayurvedic medicinal herb, which is re-emerging as a recourse to treatment of memory related disorders. Investigations conducted so far have revealed that Brahmi exerts many pharmacological effects including memory boosting effect in the treatment of Alzheimer Disease and Schizophrenia, besides displaying antiparkinson, antistroke, and anticonvulsant potentials.
In a study,Bacopa monnieri, the scientific name of Brahmi, functioning as a cognitive performance enhancer was demonstrated in a small (17 patient) randomized control trial published in 2014. They noted statistically significant improvement in cognitive performance (mental arithmetic, Stroop, letter search, visual tracking), improved mood, and a decreased cortisol response from stress after one dose of Bacopa (320 mg and 640 mg). A stronger effect was observed with the 640 mg dose. In contrast, another small study (30 subjects) evaluated a daily dose of 450mg over a 12-week period in healthy adults, which demonstrated no significant change in cognitive testing scores (learning and memory, information processing), but a trend for decreased anxiety in the Bacopa group.

BENEFITS OF BRAHMI

TREATS ANXIETY AND IMPROVES MEMORY

Brahmi is rich in antioxidants and helps keep you calm and focused. So, it is used in traditional herbal treatments for anxiety related disorders and depression. It is also an effective memory booster which enhances our mental ability.

DENTAL HEALTH

Using brahmi powder for brushing teeth helps you to strengthen your teeth and gums. The stains can be removed if you use regularly.

EYE HEALTH

It helps to improve the eye health and slowly reduces eye irritation and watery eyes.

TREATS CERVICITIS

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Regular use of brahmi leaves or powder cures the cervicitis problem in women.

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have high blood sugar. This powerful herb can control the blood sugar and diabetic neuropathy.

RADIO PROTECTIVE HERBS

Brahmi can be called as radio protective herbs because of its properties to absorb the harmful radiations. The effects of radiotherapy treatments can be reduced by taking brahmi.

CURE ULCERS

Taking these green leaves helps you to heal the stomach and mouth ulcers. Taking 4-5 raw Brahmi leaves twice a day will cure ulcers slowly.

REDUCES BONE INFLAMMATION

For adults, managing the joint pains could be challenging. Regular use of Brahmi reduces the bone inflammation and improves the bone health. Synovial fluid, also known as joint fluid, is a thick liquid located between your joints. Proper intake of Brahmi helps to protect this fluid.

TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND ADHD

Brahmi is also used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD(attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder).Regularly consuming Brahmi can keep your body free from illness because it boosts your immune system.

MANAGE IBS AND STRENGTHENS THE LIVER

Brahmi is known to reduce allergic conditions and to manage IBS that is irritable bowel syndrome. It reduces blood pressure, soothes inflammation and strengthens the liver.

ANTICANCER PROPERTIES

Daily consumption of Brahmi is also known to cause weight loss. Research also shows that Brahmi may have anticancer properties.

HAIR HEALTH

Brahmi is known to work very well for the health of hair. When you apply Brahmi oil to your hair regularly it reduces dryness and stops hair fall.

POINTS TO KNOW

Some can experience gastro intestional discomfort if you start with too high dose of brahmi or if your digestive system is weak. As per experts, it is safe to consume 2 – 3 grams of Brahmi powder daily along with meals.
Brahmi is a cooling herb so it can dampen an already weak digestive system if taken alone, adding digestive herbs like ginger or cardamom can help balance its cooling effect on your gut.
If possible consume one fresh Brahmi leaf every day than taking powder or tablet. However excessive take of Brahmi should be avoided since it may cause nausea or stomach upsets.
Even though it is safe to use, if you have chronic ailments or taking other medications or pregnant it’s better to work with your physician before taking this.
A quarter teaspoon of Brahmi powder can be safely taken with milk or with any meal.
Brahmi powder can be boiled with water and consumed as a tea. It can be consumed daily either in soups, salads or herbal teas.
It is best to consume leaves directly and you will get all the benefits easily.

THE TAKE AWAY

The natural herb, Brahmi is believed to be infused with divine energies to heal and to bestow good health. It helps support brain function, memory and mental processing, and it’s enriched with antioxidants and biochemical compounds that enhance the function of neurotransmitters in the brain. Brahmi was found to be neuro-protective and effective in Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases with cognitive impairment.