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Brahmi- A lovely rejuvenative for the mind, nervous system and skin

Writer's picture: SujathaSujatha

Brahmi flower. 
Photo by J.M.Garg/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA 3.0
Brahmi flower. Photo by J.M.Garg/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA 3.0


Brahmi (Latin: Bacopa monnieri) has a special place in Ayurvedic herbalism.

Legendary in treating nervous system disorders and mental-emotional issues, it also happens to be a valuable (albeit less-known) skin rejuvenative.

It is a beautiful choice of herb for skin manifestations with underlying nervous imbalances.

It is said to brighten the mind while calming the nervous system. It enhances the intellect, supports meditation and spiritual practice.

Brahmi is a key herb when helping recovery from

nervous depletion, stress, exhaustion.



It is often chosen when working with ADD/ ADHD, Insomnia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, addiction issues like food/sugar/ tobacco/ alcohol. It helps reduce cravings and calms associated emotional ups and downs.



Properties and Energetics of Brahmi

Biomedical actions

Nervine, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, cardiotonic, sedative

Rasa (Taste)

Bitter, sweet

Virya (Potency)

Cooling

Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)

Sweet

Guna (Qualities)

Light, flowing

Dosha effect

Mainly Tridoshic (VPK=). In excess, it can increase vata.

Main Tissues it benefits

Plasma, lymph, blood, nerve

Main Channels it impacts

Nervous system, Digestive, Urinary, Circulatory, Excretory system

Indications

Primary- Insomnia, poor memory, dull foggy mind (paticularly kapha type fogginess. Less vata type), poor concentration, anxiety, depression, 'hot emotions(anger, frustration), physical or mental exhaustion, stress-related eczema, hives, rashes, allergies, premature balding/ hairloss, ADD, ADHD, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, food/sugar/alcohol/tobacco and drug addictions. Secondarily- urinary cystitis, dysuria, use as a heart tonic.





Working with Brahmi- a couple of simple combinations


To support emotional balance and mental clarity: Brahmi with Tulsi




In a pan with 3 cups of water, add 1 teaspoon of Brahmi powder (Bacopa monnieri -whole plant powder) and 1 teaspoon of Tulsi leaves (Dried) If using fresh Tulsi, 4-5 leaves will suffice. . Boil on a medium flame for 15-20 mins. Strain and drink. This makes about 2-3 servings and is enough for 1 day. You may drink this tea everyday for a month.



To uplift the mood, soothe emotions & bring radiance to the skin: Brahmi-Saffron-Cardamom


(Particularly helpful during times of grief, anxiety or excessive frustration)


Image by freepik
Image by freepik

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. As the water comes to a simmer, add 3-5 threads of saffron (crushed), 1 teaspoon of Brahmi powder (whole plant), and the seeds of 1 cardamom pod crushed. Let it boil open, until the liquid reduces to half its volume and becomes 1 cup. Strain and drink this. This makes 2 servings. You can double all of the quantities (except Brahmi- keep Brahmi to 1 teaspoon a day) to make a bigger batch.



Image by freepik
Image by freepik

The cardamom in this recipe is optional but it has a couple of benefits here- it is a gentle digestive stimulant (As Brahmi can suppress the appetite, adding cardamom balances its effects). In times of grief, the digestive system gets suppressed. Cardamom also adds a beautiful flavor.






A couple of traditional formulations with Brahmi as the main ingredient-


Sarasvatarishtam - A herbal wine preparation (arishtam) with indications for menstrual disorders, epilepsy, improving voice and speech, healthy skin and complexion, longevity, immunity, cardiac tonic and supporting good memory.


Brahmi Ghritam- A herbal ghee preparation with indications for stress, fatigue, depression, skin diseases, fertility issues, and supportive mental-emotional and cognitive health.

The dosage and choice to use a ghee formulation is decided after assessing an individual's strength, type of gut, and digestive strength. The daily dosage ranges from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon once or twice a day depending on the each individual case.

(Brahmi Ghritam is one of the ghee formulations that can be used for the snehapana preparatory stage before a Panchakarma).


Brahmi Oil- Externally, massaging Brahmi oil into the scalp and hair promotes deep sleep, hair growth, and calms pitta flares (particularly perceptible in the extremities). It also has neuralgic effects in pitta-type muscle and joint pain.



Fun facts

  • Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is often confused with Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica), another herb with almost completely similar properties but some differences.

  • The name Brahmi is used interchangeably to refer to both, especially in North India.

  • There is a fair amount of Ayurvedic debate on whether they are qualitatively different at all.

  • In practice, given a choice, many traditional practitioners prefer Bacopa for its flowing, light, non-astringent and sublime properties where these are particularly called for.


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