‘Brahmi’ is a common plant found in India known for its memory-boosting properties. The word is derived from the word ‘Brahman’, the Deity of Creation of the Universe or Higher Intelligence. Also known as ‘Saraswata’ named after Goddess Saraswati- Goddess of Learning. Its mode of action is similar to drug Mandookaparni (Centella asiatica).

Botanical name: Bacopa monnieri

English name: Water Hyssop

Sanskrit name: Brahmi, Saraswata, Vayastha

Malayalam name: Neerbrahmi/Brahmi

 

• Medicinal Properties

Used for Psychiatric disorders like OCD, Manic Depressive Psychosis, Depression, ADHD, etc	Promotes brain development and growth. Improves cognition skills, Speech, and Limb Coordination
Excellent Memory booster	Excellent Nerve Tonic
Excellent Anti-venom	Enhances longevity and lifespan
Rich in Anti-oxidants; Anti-leprotic- Acts against Skin diseases	Anti-tussive (acts against cough) and relieves excessive phlegm. Hence can be used in Asthmatic patients
Digestive and Carminative- enhances digestive fire	Anti-inflammatory- Acts against Inflammation and Anti-pruritic- Acts against Itching of skin
Anti-aging and Rejuvenative	Anti-diabetic and Anti-Hypertensive

• Phytoconstituents

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Nicotinic acid, Brahmine, Herpestine, Alanine, Monnierin, B-sitosterol

• Side-effects

-Causes Bradycardia (low heart rate) in some patients.

-Dizziness

-Not tolerated well in some patients with Acidity or Gastric Ulcer issues

• Ayurvedic formulations containing Brahmi

-Brahmi Ghritham

-Saraswatarishtam

-Brahmi Vati

CAUTION: All of the medications described here are being used solely for educational reasons. This does not replace seeking expert medical advice. Before using any medications, please seek the advice of a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner. Please keep out of the reach of children.

Click here to know more about similar drugs, like Mandookaparni