Amazing Benefits of Brahmi That You Should Know

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Ayurvedic medicine can treat treat many ailments. Ayurvedic treatments include exercises, diet, and herbs. One such special herb is ‘Brahmi’. It has been used for fighting stress and improving memory. The herb has many phytochemicals that are good for our brain. Read this article to find out some other benefits of this herb.

What is Brahmi?

Brahmi, also known as ‘Bacopa monnieri’, is a perennial herb which is popular as a traditional medicine all around the world. Many people know it as water hyssop or herb of grace, but the name Brahmi is the most popular. Unlike many other herbs, brahmi offers many health benefits which makes it very desirable. There are many valuable triterpene saponins and alkaloids in Brahmi that have strong effects on the human body. It also has many organic compounds and volatile constituents.

Nutritional Value of Brahmi

Below is a table describing the nutritional value of brahmi.

Benefits of Brahmi

Mentioned below are the health benefits of brahmi.

1. Treats Cognitive Disorders

One of the many benefits of this herb is its capability to stimulate the mind, especially in terms of concentration and memory. Brahmi is known to increase retention and focus. To boost cognitive ability, the cognitive pathways are stimulated by some of the organic compounds found in brahmi. This herb is also used to treat cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Many studies have shown it to be an effective way to lower oxidative stress and to stimulate the formation of new neural pathways in the brain. This helps keep our minds sharp even when we get older.

2. Lowers Stress

Chewing 2-3 brahmi leaves at a time can provide you relief from stress and anxiety. Eating brahmi decrease the levels of cortisol in the body, which is a stress hormone. Brahmi lowers the effects of stress and makes one feel relaxed and calm.

3. Improves the Health of the Skin

On rubbing brahmi leaves on the affected areas of your body, the released compounds can help reduce swelling, irritation, and even inflammation inside the body. This herb is good for people suffering from gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Applying brahmi oil can also reduce the appearance of scars, giving you glowing skin.

4. Improves Respiratory Health

When the leaves are chewed or mixed with tea, it can improve your respiratory health. Brahmi has been used in many ayurvedic treatments for congestion, bronchitis, sinus, and cold. It can help clear excess mucus and phlegm and decrease the inflammation in the respiratory tracts and throat and thus provide you with instant relief.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

Regular consumption of this herb can strengthen your immune system. The antioxidant compounds in it supplement the nutrients which result in an increased response time of the immunity system against bacterial or virus infections and other pathogens.

6. Treats Epilepsy

For thousands of years, the leaves of the herb have been used to treat epilepsy. This is due to the effect it has on neural pathways. It is very helpful in preventing epileptic fits and other forms of mental diseases such as neuralgia and bipolar disorder.

7. Helps Prevent Hair Fall

Brahmi oil is good for hair. Applying brahmi oil can treat dry scalp and prevent hair fall. The antioxidants in brahmi rejuvenate the scalp and promote healthy hair. It also treats other hair problems like dandruff, itchiness, or split ends.

8. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

Brahmi can help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly in patients with diabetes. It may even help improve the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

9. Treats Digestive Problems

Brahmi is a soothing and sedative herb. As it is anti-inflammatory, it can provide you relief from many gastrointestinal problems like ulcers.

Are There Any Side Effects of Brahmi?

As such, there are no known side effects of brahmi. But excess consumption of this herb might lead to stomach disorders. Hence, one should avoid consuming more than 2 teaspoons of Brahmi. Also, in the following circumstances, you should avoid consuming this herb.

• If you are on birth control pills.
• It should not be taken during estrogen replacement therapy.
• Avoid taking it if you are taking phenothiazine.

How to Include Brahmi in Your Diet

You can make tea with brahmi leaves as it can help you calm down and provide relief stress and anxiety. Here is how you can make brahmi tea.

Brahmi Tea

Ingredients

• Water (250 ml)
• Brahmi leaves (3-4 stalks)
• Honey (2 tsp)

Instructions

• To make this tea, you need fresh leaves, honey, and water.
• Place the leaves in teapot infuser.
• Add some honey to this teapot.
• Add boiling water in it.
• Close the lid of the teapot. Allow the leaves to steep for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the infuser. The leaves can also be squeezed to get the brahmi juice.
• Pour this tea into a cup and enjoy this healthy and delicious tea.

Recommended Dosage of Brahmi

Getting the dosages right might be a little tricky in the beginning, but it is very simple.

1. For Children

If a child is below 5 years of age, it is better to give him brahmi ghrita rather than brahmi powder or capsule. Brahmi ghrita is herbal ghee made with brahmi and many other ingredients. It is very good for brain development and immunity.

For children between the ages of 5 and 12 years, it can be given in the form of capsule or powder in a dose of 250 mg per day. 1 gram of powder can be given per day after dinner along with honey or ghee and water. For children between the ages of 12 and 18 years, you can give a 250 mg capsule once or even twice a day after dinner, along with honey or ghee.

2. For Adults

Adults can take 250-500 mg once or twice per day. You can also take it 2-3 mg after having meals.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions on brahmi.

1. Can I Consume Brahmi Juice Without Consulting a Doctor?

No, you should not. Before taking any herb, it is best to consult a doctor.

2. Is It Safe to Give Brahmi to Babies?

Before giving any medicine to babies, it is best to consult a doctor. Brahmi can be given to babies who are above 1 year of age but not too much.

3. Is It Safe to Consume Brahmi during Pregnancy and while Breastfeeding?

Brahmi can be consumed for a short period of 2-4 weeks during pregnancy. It is also safe to take while breastfeeding.

Brahmi is a gift from the world of ayurvedic medicines. It is good for the brain. It has antioxidant properties. It is still important to consult with a doctor before planning to take this herb especially if you suffer from urinary tract infections, asthma, hyperglycemia, or reduced heart rate.

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