10 Important Benefits of Brahmi and How to Use it

Brahmi is a medicinal herb with a long-standing reputation as one of the key ingredients in Ayurvedic formulations as memory boosters and stress-busters. Scientifically known as Bacopa monnieri, Brahmi is a spreading perennial herb included in the Scrophulariaceae family.

Brahmi is a herb that bears tiny white flowers and oval leaves and is also readily available in capsules and tablets at Kerala Ayurveda. If you trek through marshy lands, you might even spot this wonder herb in its natural glory. 

Brahmi is grown on a small scale in controlled temperature and humidity throughout the country, making it accessible to everyone.

Properties of Brahmi

Brahmi plant has been an active ingredient in various herbal formulations and home remedies since ancient times. Ayurvedic literature explains Brahmi as having a bitter and astringent taste, cold potency, light to digest, and sweetness after the digestive process. The herb can magically balance Vata and Kapha doshas, the two fundamental energies balancing your body.

Brahmi is included among the group Medhya Rasayana by Acharyas owing to its ability to enhance memory and intellect. Acharya Charaka categorized Brahmi in Prajasthapana, herbs stabilizing the pregnancy, and Balya, which provides strength and immunity.

According to Hindu mythology, Brahmi is associated with the lord of knowledge, Brahma. The lord is believed to bless the herb, and those who consume it in the correct dosage and duration may experience enhanced memory and recall.

Ancient sages have used Brahmi as a mind rejuvenator for thousands of years. Even to this day, Brahmi is used to increase focus during deep meditation.

But that's not all. Brahmi has many other benefits that have yet to be known. Let's have a look.

Various Benefits of Brahmi

Brahmi is an adaptogen that can help your body and mind adapt to unfamiliar or challenging situations. Besides, it is known for providing many benefits, including

1. Brahmi Benefits for the Brain

Ageing is inevitable and has its fair share of consequences. One of the significant side effects of ageing is declining memory power. However, age-related brain degeneration can be delayed to some extent by using Brahmi as a supplement.

Brahmi is considered a brain tonic for people of all ages and genders. Whether you are a student trying to ace your exam or a corporate professional trying to stay focused, taking Brahmi powder, tablets, or Ghritam can help increase focus and support brain function.

Included in the Medhya Rasayana drugs(herbs to improve memory and intellect), Brahmi improves cognitive and behavioural functions and protects the brain from various health conditions.

2. Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals released during the body's internal processes, such as digestion. Brahmi is a powerful antioxidant that can tackle free radicals or toxins to protect you from oxidative damage, prevent various illnesses, and promote overall wellness. 

Since it stimulates antioxidant activities in the kidneys, it can help improve kidney function and eliminate bodily toxins effectively. Brahmi has also been proven to show therapeutic effects against brain degeneration caused by Alzheimer's disease. 

3. Reduces Internal Swelling

Swelling in the brain is alarming and can be life-threatening. The anti-inflammatory compounds of Brahmi plants prevent the release of enzymes and cytokines linked to brain swelling. Taking Brahmi capsules or tablets and the prescribed treatments may help reduce systemic swelling in the brain.

Brahmi supplements have been used from the Vedic ages to treat various inflammatory disorders, such as joint and respiratory ailments. Grabbing a cup of Brahmi tea helps reduce swelling, pain, and other associated discomforts in the respiratory tract and enhances the healthy functioning of the respiratory system. Brahmi oil is used externally to ease joint pain.

4. Manage the symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a neurological disorder characterized by hyperactivity and lack of attention. Children and teenagers with ADHD share common impulsive behaviours and restlessness patterns. These patterns and behaviours can often become problematic for parents and may affect their relationship with their children.

Brahmi has a calming effect on the brain. It helps reduce hyperactivity and enables children to channel their energies into something productive and meaningful. Research studies proved that the administration of Brahmi, both internally and externally, in individuals with ADHD helps enhance attention and cognitive skills.

5. Improves Sleep Patterns

In today's fast-paced world, most people have inconsistent sleep patterns because of a lack of physical exercise, poor diet, and stress, which can be detrimental to their health.

Consuming brahmi before sleep can improve sleep patterns and reduce insomnia by reducing hyperactivity and stress. Ayurvedic schools incorporated Brahmi in various herbal formulations to induce sleep and recommended Shirodhara with Brahmi Oil for sleep-related disorders.

Also read: Ayurveda for Sleep: Remedies and Medicines for Restful Sleep

6. Manage Anxiety and Stress

Overthinking, tight deadlines at work, fear of missing the flight, and even something as trivial as buying the wrong shoe size can trigger stress or anxiety. In extreme cases, anxiety symptoms can become aggressive and require medical intervention.

But if you are dealing with everyday stressors at work or in your personal life, taking Brahmi can help keep your mind centered and focused on things that matter. Because of its adaptogenic and anxiolytic qualities, Brahmi powder can naturally reduce the stress hormone cortisol in the body, hence reducing anxiety and tension. A soothing head massage with Brahmi oil also benefits the same.  

Also read: Stress Management with Ayurveda

7. Helps Normalize Blood Pressure

Brahmi may help improve endothelial function, which handles the constriction and dilation of the blood vessels to regulate blood pressure. It also enables the body to increase the utilization of nitric acid, another positive factor for blood pressure. By managing and regulating these functions, Brahmi helps promote normal blood pressure.

8. Improves Liver Function

The liver is the most crucial organ that seats pitta energies and mobilizes toxins out of the body. According to Ayurveda, Brahmi helps promote liver function and supports natural detoxification.

Brahmi is an herbal supplement that promotes liver function naturally without causing an imbalance in your principal energies or doshas. It is highly beneficial against toxicity caused by drugs and adulterants. 

9. Brahmi Benefits for Hair

Brahmi is an excellent herb for hair growth. It strengthens the roots, prevents premature greying of hair, treats split ends, and reduces dandruff. Brahmi uses are included in the herbal formulations to promote the development of new hair follicles by improving blood circulation to your scalps.

It is blended with herbs like reetha, shikakai, and amla or carrier oils like mustard, coconut, or amla oil to prepare a hair mask at home. As Brahmi is cool in nature, you should avoid it when you are cold or in winter.

Here’s a brahmi powder hair mask recipe- Blend two tablespoons of Brahmi and amla powder with water, make it into a paste of the required consistency, apply it on the scalps and hair thoroughly, and leave it there for 20-30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Apply this hair mask twice weekly to promote growth and get gorgeous, thick locks.

10. Brahmi Benefits for Skin

Brahmi is a highly recommended herb for treating various skin conditions while retaining a youthful glow. Brahmi has antioxidants and anti-ageing properties that promote cell regeneration and collagen production. It is an active ingredient in various herbal formulations to lighten skin pigmentation, stretch marks, and cellulitis.

The anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying properties of Brahmi aid in reducing skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin allergies. Ayurveda categorised the herb under “Ayusha” owing to its anti-aging qualities. Apply Brahmi oil or Brahmi paste with suitable combinations on the skin for better results.

How effective is Brahmi?

Studies conducted worldwide proved the Brahmi plant's effectiveness in various health conditions. Here are a few examples you can go through.

• In a study conducted among 60 healthy older individuals consuming Brahmi extracts(300 or 600 mg daily once), they improved memory, attention, and ability to process information.
• A research study was conducted among 112 male children between the ages of 6-14 having ADHD; consuming brahmi benefits increased cognitive, mood, and sleep improvements.
• A study conducted in 198 COVID-19-negative patients in the Hassan district of Karnataka given 500mg Brahmi Capsules twice daily shows considerable relief from stress, depression, and anxiety.
• Brahmi syrup intake helps with the reduction of anxiety and related symptoms.
• Consumption of Brahmi at bedtime helps induce sleep.
• Hair oil, including Brahmi, helps promote hair growth and the formation of new hair follicles.

Uses of Brahmi

Brahmi can be consumed or applied topically for various skin and hair benefits. Let's look at some popular ways of using Brahmi for effective results.

1. Brahmi Oil

Using Brahmi oil to massage joints can help you find relief from arthritis pain and inflammation. The analgesic properties of oil provide instant pain relief. Brahmi oil for head massage improves recall, reduces stress, promotes sleep, and supports the overall nervous system.
External application of the brahmi oil can improve the skin and hair texture. Applying the oil on the skin promote skin cell regeneration and skin texture while on hair, it prevent hairfall, and strengthen the hair follicles. 

2. Brahmi Paste

Brahmi paste can be prepared at home and used topically for skin, hair, and joint health. The brahmi paste is easy to use as a face or hair mask, thanks to its slightly thicker consistency than oil. Depending on the condition you are trying to treat, the paste can be prepared by adding water or suitable carrier oil to Brahmi powder.

3. Brahmi Powder

Brahmi powder can be consumed with hot or cold water. You may also take it with a tsp of ghee to enhance recall and improve the function of the nervous system.

4. Brahmi Capsules & Tablets

Brahmi Pearls (Capsules)

Improves Cognitive Functions & Memory

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Easy to consume and carry along, Brahmi capsules and tablets are the top choices of travelers and frequent flyers. However, buying Brahmi tablets and capsules from an authentic source, like Kerala Ayurveda, is important.

Brahmi Pearls enriched with the goodness of Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Tulsi, Shankhupusphi help enhance memory, improve concentration, clear brain fog, and support brain health. You can buy Brahmi Pearls online, essentially Brahmi capsules, and have them delivered to your doorstep anywhere in India.

5. Brahmi Ghritham

Brahmi Ghritham

Boosts Brain Functions & Memory

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The most recommended intake mode of Brahmi is taking it with ghee. Ghee is an excellent adjuvant to Brahmi because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This makes Brahmi ghritham the preferred intake mode to improve concentration and memory.

You can purchase Brahmi Ghritham from Kerala Ayurveda, which offers better bioavailability and results than a homemade recipe. Enriched with Brahmi and other medhya herbs, Kerala Ayurveda Brahmi Ghritham helps improve cognitive functions and performance at work or in studies. Brahmi Ghritham helps improve the power of recall or smriti- both long-term and short-term. It helps balance Pitta dosha and activate your chakras.

How to use Brahmi

The recommended daily dose of Brahmi should be 5-10 gms (powder) and 30 ml (juice). If you have an underlying condition or a medical history, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine your dosage and duration. Women should take Brahmi during pregnancy or while breastfeeding only when specified by an Ayurvedic doctor.

Mandukaparni and Brahmi

Ayurveda uses the synonyms Brahmi and Mandukaparni for the herb Brahmi, confusing the real Brahmi. Both herbs are excellent rejuvenators of the mind, and the identity of the real Brahmi varies between geographical regions. The Kerala tradition of Ayurveda believes that Bacopa monnieri is the real Brahmi. At the same time, Centella asiatica is Mandukaparni,  referencing the shape of the leaves resembling the frog's webbed feet.

Side effects of taking Brahmi

Brahmi is safe if taken under the recommended dosage. If you have questions regarding the appropriate dosage, discuss them with a healthcare professional. It should be taken cautiously if you have a history of stomach ulcers, lung disorders, or thyroid issues. If taken in high doses, it may lead to nausea, palpitation, and dizziness. You should seek medical care if you have exceeded your daily dosage.

Key Takeaways

• Brahmi is an herbal memory enhancer that improves recall and delays cognitive decline because of aging.
• Besides Brahmi benefits for nerves and the brain, it is also used in skin and hair products.
• Brahmi benefits the liver and overall immune response. It can be used as a massage agent to relax the nerves and relieve joint pains.
• Brahmi can be used in powder, oil, paste, tablets, liquid extracts, or capsules.
• You can buy Brahmi from Kerala Ayurveda with 100% authenticity guaranteed.