Useful parts: Whole plant.

Chemical constituent:

Bacopa consists of two main alkaloids i.e. Brahmine and Herpestine. Other constituents are several acids, flavanoids, saponins and esters. The most important constituent is Saponin , it includes Bacoside A which assists in release of nitric oxide that allows the relaxation of the aorta aria veins, to allow the blood to flow more smoothly through the body. and Bacoside B  is a protein valued for nourishing the brain cells.

Medicinal Properties:

• Bacopa plant is bitter, cooling and astringent in  taste,. It is purgative, intellect promoting , aphrodisiac purgative, and aperient.

• It is both a Nerve tonic as well as  Cardio tonic.

• It has diuretic, adaptogenic,  antioxidant, antidepressant, antibacterial properties.

• It is blood purifying and digestive agent.

• The  ethanolic extract  found in Brahmi has been reported to have  anti-carcinogenic activity .

• It increases the cognitive ability.

Medicinal uses:

• Mental Functioning: It acts as a "food of the brain". It is used to enhance mental funtioning. It has cognitive property, It helps in concentration, alertness. It improves consciousness. It is also used in mental disorders such as anxiety, stress, mental retardation, loss of memory, depression, mental and physical fatigue, Alzheimers. It  is a good brain tonic.

• Insomnia: When Brahmi oil is applied to scalp, it induces good and restful sleep.

• Skin : It stimulates growth of skin, hair and nail. It is used in skin related problems such as eczema, psoriasis, abscess and ulceration.

• Hair Problem: It is useful for nourishment of the hair root, it makes hair stronger. It is helpful in dandruff and hair loss problem.

• Respiratory system: It is used in treatment of bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness.

• Being an anti oxidant it  reduces oxidation of fats in the blood stream , which is the  risk factor of cardiovascular diseases.

• It is blood purifying agent and used as blood cleanser.

• Syphillis: As it has antibacterial property, the paste of leaves is applied on syphilitic sores.

• It is used in urinary problems  such as water retention, because of its diuretic property.

• It is also used in treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, backache, fever, digestive problem..

  Dose: Swarasa (juice) 10 – 20 ml, powder 2 gms

   

  Important formulations:  Brahmi Vati, Brahmi Ghrita, Brahmi taila.

  Home remedies:
  1. Paste of its juice when applied on joints affected from  Amavata, helps in  reducing  the   symptoms.
  2. Its powder and juice can be used as a powerful memory booster.

   

  Precaution:

  • Brahmi can cause temporary hearing loss in women, especially those who are affected by problems of excess production of estrogen in the body or even those women under estrogen replacement therapy and those on regular courses of contraceptives. Temporary hearing loss in such women may result by an interaction between the hormone estrogen and the increased levels of GABA brought on by the brahmi supplement.

  • An excess of brahmi prevents the oxidation of fats in the bloodstream. This makes the fats accumulate in the blood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

  Summary:
  
  By viewing these clinical studies it can be concluded that Brahmi is the main revitalizing herb for the nerves and the brain cells.  It improves both short term and long term memory. Strengthens adrenal processes that facilitate carbohydrate metabolism. It increases intelligence, longevity, circulation in the brain &  it decreases senility and aging. It fortifies the immune system by  both cleansing and feeding it, and strengthens the adrenals. At the same time, it is a powerful blood purifier and is specific for chronic skin diseases, including leprosy and syphilis, as well as eczema and psoriasis. It is valuable in intermittent or periodic fevers, like malaria. It is a relaxant for the  nervous system and a stimulant for circulatory system and  sex drive. It also  accelerates wound healing.