Introduction
The medicinal herb Brahmi has been used for at least 3,000 years in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, and is becoming increasingly popular in the West. It can have impressive positive effects for the consciousness, mind, and body.
Brahmi is a Sanskrit word derived from Lord Brahma or Brahman. Lord Brahma is the god of creation responsible for all the creative forces in the world. Brahman is the Hindu name given to the universal consciousness. Brahmi literally means that which gives knowledge of Supreme Reality.
Two different herbs are known as Brahmi:
- Bacopa (Lat. Bacopa monniera or Hydrocotyle asiatica), used more often in Southern India
- Gotu Kola or Mandukaparni (Lat. Centella asiatica), used more often in Northern India
Some Medicinal Effects
“Researchers are coming by evidence that herbs like brahmi, associated with the Ayurveda system of medicine, can help ward off Alzheimer’s disease and preserve one’s mental faculties.”
— The Times of India , “Brahmi Herb Can Treat Alzheimer’s”
Mind & Nervous System
- Revitalizes brain cells
- Removes toxins and blockages in, and has nourishing effect on, the nervous system
- Improves memory and aids in concentration
- Himalayan Brahmi improves one’s ability to meditate as it helps awaken the crown chakra and balance the right and left brains. Baba Hari Dass (1923-2018), a yoga master, silent monk, and Ayurveda teacher, called Bacopa the stronger Brahmi and characterized Gotu Kola as the weaker Brahmi.
- According to Charaka (3rd Century BC), an early Ayurvedic physician whose text is a classic in Ayurvedic Medicine, Bacopa is preferable for treating mental diseases (insanity, anxiety, depression, epilepsy), while Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) promotes mental function through a more general rasayana (rejuvenative) effect.
- In modern medical terminology, brahmi is nootropic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotectant. Research studies have confirmed or point to its ability to prevent and/or slow the onslaught of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. It has also been used to treat Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.
Cardiovascular System & Blood
- Calms the heart and helps guard against heart attacks.
- Cleanses the blood.
- Boosts the immune system.
Digestive & Excretory Systems
- Calms and soothes the liver and cleanses the kidneys.
Psychophysical
- Assists in overcoming bad habits and addictions of all kinds.
Internal & External Uses of Brahmi
Both Bacopa and Gotu Kola are available for internal use as herbal powders, tablets, and liquid extracts. Both can also be used externally in either oil or paste form to promote healthy skin and comfortable movement of the joints.
Contraindications
If you are taking prescription medication of any kind, or are pregnant or nursing, it is always advisable to check with your primary healthcare provider, someone who knows you well and is knowledgeable about prescription medicine and herbalism/phytotherapy, before introducing an herbal regimen.
Possible Side-Effects
The following list is suggestive, not exhaustive. Please see the contraindications above and consult your primary healthcare provider if you have good reason to expect you might experience a side-effect or you have already experienced one.
Bacopa
Increased bowel movements, stomach cramps, indigestion, nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, or palpitations. May increase thyroid hormone levels.
Gotu Kola
Excessive doses can cause headache, dizziness, giddiness, or skin irritation. Gastric irritation and nausea are also possible. May inhibit liver enzymes.
Conclusion
Brahmi has been in use as a preventive and curative Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its beneficial effects have been documented by Ayurvedic practitioners and experienced by patients equally as long. In recent times, Western researchers have been able to verify a number of these effects using their methodologies and Brahmi is being increasingly used in Western medical settings.
I recommend both Bacopa and Gotu Kola to many of my patients, clients and students. Unless the contraindications above apply to you, you might want to add Brahmi as a dietary supplement to your daily regime. You will also want to do further research on possible side-effects before doing so.
(Re-)Sources
Some Ayurvedic Expert Views
Drs. David Frawley and Vasant Lad, The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine.
Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra, The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs.
Dr. Mayank S. Vora, Rasayana: The Fountain of Life.
Banyan Botanicals, “The Benefits of Brahmi”, https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/herbs/brahmi/
Some Modern Western Medical Views
WebMD, “Bacopa”, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-761/bacopa
WebMD, “Gotu Kola”, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-753/gotu-kola
Manyam BV. Dementia in Ayurveda. J Altern Complement Med. 1999;5:81–88. doi: 10.1089/acm.1999.5.81.
Rao RV, Descamps O, John V, Bredesen DE. Ayurvedic medicinal plants for Alzheimer’s disease: a review. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2012;4(3):22. Published 2012 Jun 29. doi:10.1186/alzrt125
Joseph Michael Contrada
Heilpraktiker (Lic. German Complementary and Alternative Medicine Provider) specializing in Holistic Nutrition, Planetary Herbalism, Western Alchemical Medicine (Spagyric, Homeopathic, and Anthroposophic), Ayurveda, and Chinese Energetic Medicine
Spiritual Healer and Energy Therapist
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Tel. +49 160 725 9993
heilpraktiker.jmcontrada@gmail.com or info@heilpraxis-contrada.com