The Health Benefits of Brahmi
Brahmi is an important herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for improving memory and revitalising sense organs. Brahmi is widely used as a memory booster for those with low IQ (Intelligent Quotient) and those who complain of stress and strain.
Brahmi (Scientific name: Bacopa monnieri, Family:Scrophulariaceae) is a small creeping herb, commonly found in marshy places. Leaves are fleshy, flowers are solitary white or purple and the fruit is capsule.
Propagation: by seed or by vegetative parts.
One important point to remember
You should use only original Brahmi. Some times Centella asiatica (Hydrocotyle asiatica Family: Apiaceae) a 'look alike' is used as Brahmi (Bacopa monneiri).
'look Alike'
Medicinal Properties of Brahmi
Chemical Constituents: The herb contains alkaloid brahmine, herpestine, bacoside A bacoside B, saponins, monnierin and hersaponin.
- The paste of the leaves is used as a remedy for rheumatism.
- The leaves are useful as diuretic and laxative.
- The juice of the leaves is given to the children for relief in bronchitis and diarrhoea.
- It clears our voice and improve digestion.
- It is also capable of imparting youthful vitality and longevity.
- The drug is reported to be cold, sweet, astringent and used as tonic for heart and nerves.
- It is used against dermatosis, anemia, diabetes, cough, dropsy, fever, arthritis, spleen disorder and as a blood purifier.
The herb forms an important ingredient of a number of ayurvedic preparation such as Brahmi thailam, Brahmi rasayanam,Saaraswaarishtams and Brahmi ghritham
Medicinal Plants
- Medicinal Plants or Drug Yielding Plants
Drug Yielding Plants classified on the basis of plant parts( roots, stem, leaves, seeds, fruits)