Brahmi - Medicinal Plants : Medicinal Plants

The Scientific name of Brahmi: Bacopa Monnieri (L)

Name of Brahmi in different languages:

English: Thyme-leaved bacopa, water hyssop, Herb of grace

Sanskrit: Seetakamini, Trayanthi, Bhekaparni

Hindi: Brabmbhi

Malayalam: Neerbrahmi-നീർബ്രഹ്മി, Brahmi-ബ്രഹ്മി.

Tamil: Nirpirami

Plant Description:

It is a perennial herb, commonly grown in wetland or swampy area like paddy field, it is a creeping herb, branching, and grow at an altitude above 1200 meter from sea level, leaves are succulent, oblong-ovate, 4 to 6 millimeter in size, arranged oppositely. The flowers are small, pale blue or white, with five petals, about 8 mm in diameter. Propagation is through cutting stems. It is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda used as an ingredient in medicine to enhance memory power.

Propagation:

The plant is propagated through stem cuttings. Plow the area 2 or 3 times and prepare the land for sowing. Two to three tonnes/ha of cow dung or compost is applied and the field is again plowed and leveled. Stem cuttings, 10 cm long are spread at a spacing of 20 cm. Water logging to a height of 30 cm is always required. Rooting may start within 15-20 days. It will spread over the field within 6 months.

Useful plant parts:

Whole plant

Medicinal uses:

Brahmi or Thyme-leaved gratiola is an important drug in Ayurveda for the improvement of intelligence and memory and revitalisation of sense organs. It is suggested against dermatosis, anemia, diabetes, cough, dropsy, fever, arthritis, anorexia, dyspepsia, emaciation, and insanity. It dispels poisonous affections, splenic disorders, and impurity of blood. It is useful in vitiated conditions of kapha and vata, biliousness, neuralgia, ascites, flatulence, leprosy, leucoderma, syphilis, sterility, and general debility.

Ayurvedic uses of Brahmi

Memory Enhancement and Cognitive Function: Brahmi is primarily known for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It is believed to promote mental clarity, memory, and concentration. It is often used to support cognitive function and is considered a rejuvenating herb for the brain.
Stress and Anxiety Management: Brahmi is classified as an adaptogen in Ayurveda. This means it is believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calmness. It is used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Nervous System Support: Brahmi is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. It may be used to soothe nerve tissues and promote overall nervous system health.
Insomnia and Sleep Disorders: Due to its calming properties, Brahmi is used to promote better sleep quality and address insomnia. It may help in calming the mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
Improved Concentration in Children: Brahmi is sometimes used to support focus and concentration in children, especially during times of academic stress.
Neurological Disorders: It is believed that Brahmi may have neuroprotective properties, which could be beneficial for individuals with certain neurological disorders. It is traditionally used to support conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Hair and Scalp Health: Brahmi oil, made from the herb, is used for its potential benefits for hair and scalp health. It is believed to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth.
Skin Health: Brahmi may be used topically to soothe and rejuvenate the skin. It is believed to have properties that can help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Digestive Health: In Ayurveda, Brahmi is sometimes used to support healthy digestion. It is believed to balance the digestive fire (Agni) and help with conditions like indigestion.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some traditional uses of Brahmi involve its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. It is believed to have properties that can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Chemical constituents:

Leaves contain the alkaloids brahmine and herpestine. Mannitol and saponins were reported later. A systematic examination has resulted in the isolation and identification of two saponins designated as bacosides A and B. The mixture of bacosides A and B on hydrolysis gives four sapogenins, glucose, and arabinose.

Medicinal Properties:

Barbiturate, stomachic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypnosis potentiation effect

How to prepare medicines:

The whole plant is fried in ghee and used every day to improve memory power.

Whole plant juice mixed with jaggery can be given to newborn babies who suffer from constipation.

It is one of the ingredients in the Ayurveda hair oils to enhance hair growth and prevent hair loss, An equal amount of coconut oil and Brahmi plant juice boiled well and can be applied on the head before bath, is helpful to grow hair

One of the ingredients in the Ayurveda medicines like-

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