Brahmi – Benefits, Uses, Precautions, Side Effects
Brahmi – All You Need To Know
Brahmi/gotu kola is a tiny, water-loving perennial creeper of the Apiaceae family that is said to have originated in the Indian subcontinent but now grows in warm areas all over the world. Brahmi (derived from Lord Brahma’s and Goddess Saraswati’s names) is a perennial herb best known for improving memory.
Babies tear, Bacopa Monnieri, Bacopa, Water hyssop, Herpestis monniera, Sambarenu are the other names of Brahmi.The plant’s slender branches support vivid green leaves, which are the plant’s most distinguishing trait. The appearance of its leaves is referenced in several of its names. The gentle curling curve of the leaves, for example, was supposed to resemble a cone in ancient Sri Lanka, leading to the Singhalese term “gotu kola” or “cone leaf.”
Brahmi is a plant-based product. The leaves are also supposed to resemble a cerebellum, making them one of the best examples of the “doctrine of signatures,” which claims that herbs have a specific affinity for the body component they mimic (in this case, the brain). Mandukaparni, or “frog-leaved,” is one of its Sanskrit names, referring to the shape of its leaves, which resemble the webbed feet of a frog. Manduki (“like a frog”), another of its Sanskrit names, refers not to the frog-like look of the leaves, but to the plant’s proclivity to grow near pools of water.
BENEFITS OF BRAHMI
Age related memory loss
Brahmi could possibly help to prevent the buildup of a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. When administered on a regular basis, Brahmi aids in the management of age-related memory loss. Vata, according to Ayurveda, is in charge of the nerve system. A Vata imbalance causes impaired memory and mental attentiveness. Brahmi is beneficial for improving memory and providing immediate mental alertness. This is because of its Vata balancing and Medhya (intelligence improvement) characteristics.
Brahmi is beneficial in the treatment of sunburn. Sunburn is caused by the aggravation of Pitta dosha owing to prolonged exposure to the sun, according to Ayurveda. Brahmi oil has a great cooling impact and helps to relieve the burning sensation. Because of its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) properties, this is the case.
Irritable bowel syndrome
It may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it is not a long-term treatment for IBS.
When applied to the scalp, Brahmi oil helps to reduce hair loss and encourage hair growth. This is owing to the fact that hair loss is mostly caused by an irritated Vata dosha in the body. Brahmi oil helps to prevent hair loss by regulating the Vata dosha. It also aids in the removal of excessive dryness. This is related to the qualities of Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing).
Brahmi is beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Vata governs all body movement and movements, as well as the nervous system, according to Ayurveda. Vata imbalance is the primary cause of anxiety. Brahmi has a relaxing impact on the nervous system and helps to regulate Vata.
A massage on the head using Brahmi leaf paste or oil relieves headaches, especially those that begin in the temples and progress to the middle area of the head. This is due to Brahmi’s Sita (cold) potency. It relieves headaches by removing Pitta aggravating elements.
A seizure occurs when the brain’s electrical activity becomes aberrant, resulting in uncontrollable and rapid body movements. It’s possible that this will result in unconsciousness. The three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are all involved in epilepsy. Brahmi helps to balance the three doshas and decreases seizure episodes. Because of its Medhya (increase intelligence) properties, Brahmi also aids in the maintenance of healthy brain function. Antioxidants included in Brahmi help to protect brain cells. Certain genes and proteins’ synthesis and activity are lowered during an epileptic event. Brahmi promotes these genes, proteins, and pathways, correcting epilepsy’s likely cause and effects. Brahmi aids in the management of epileptic symptoms. Epilepsy is known as Apasmara in Ayurveda. Patients with epilepsy face a variety of challenges.
Because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, Brahmi may be effective in the treatment of chronic pain. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of pain caused by nerve damage or injury. Brahmi reduces pain by blocking the recognition of pain by nerve cells.
Because of its antiasthmatic properties, Brahmi may be beneficial in the treatment of asthma. It soothes the respiratory tract and aids in the treatment of allergic reactions. Asthma symptoms can be alleviated with the use of Brahmi. The main doshas associated in asthma, according to Ayurveda, are Vata and Kapha. In the lungs, vitiated ‘Vata’ joins with disturbed ‘Kapha dosha,’ obstructing the respiratory path. Breathing becomes difficult as a result of this. Swas Roga or Asthma is the medical term for this ailment. Brahmi relieves excess mucus in the lungs and helps to calm Vata-Kapha. Asthma symptoms are relieved as a result of this plant.
Brahmi contains antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. These characteristics could be beneficial in the treatment of mental diseases such as anxiety, depression, and insanity. Brahmi has been shown to help with mental wellness, intelligence, and memory. Brahmi aids in the reduction of symptoms associated with mental illnesses such as anxiety and sadness. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs the neurological system, and Vata imbalance leads to mental disorders. Brahmi aids in the regulation of mental disorder symptoms by balancing Vata. Because of its Medhya (increase intelligence) feature, Brahmi also helps to maintain healthy brain function.
Improving Sexual Performance
Brahmi has been shown to help with a variety of sexual issues. It enhances sperm quality and concentration in males. In females, it may help with infertility management. Brahmi may also increase sexual desire.
Hoarseness of voice
Although there isn’t adequate scientific evidence, Brahmi has been used in traditional medicine to treat hoarseness of the voice.
HOW TO USE BRAHMI
Brahmi for Sunburn
- Take 2-4 drops of Brahmi oil, or as directed by your physician.
- Combine with the coconut oil.
- To receive quick treatment from sunburn, apply to the afflicted region once or twice a day.
- 1-2 tsp powdered Brahmi
- Make a paste with the rose water.
- Apply it to the sunburned region to speed up the healing process.
Brahmi Fresh Juice
- 2-4 tablespoons of fresh Brahmi juice
- Mix with an equal amount of water and drink once a day before eating.
Brahmi Paste with Rose Water
- 1 to 2 teaspoon of fresh Brahmi paste
- Apply it to the face after mixing it with rose water.
- Allow for 4-6 minutes of resting time.
- Using simple water, thoroughly clean the area.
- This remedy should be used 1-3 times per week.
- Take half teaspoon of Brahmi churna
- Before or after lunch and dinner, take it with honey.
Brahmi for Headache
- Take 1-2 teaspoons of fresh Brahmi leaf paste.
- Apply to the forehead after mixing with water.
- Allow for a minimum of 1-2 hours.
- It should be washed in ordinary water.
- To get rid of a headache, do this once or twice a day.
- Take 1-2 capsules of Brahmi.
- Before or after lunch and dinner, take it with milk.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of Brahmi oil
- Massage the scalp and hair lightly.
- 1 to 3 times each week, repeat these exercises.
- Take 1-2 Brahmi tablets each day.
- It milks should be consumed before or after lunch and dinner.
Brahmi Cold Infusion
- 3–4 tablespoons of cool Brahmi infusion
- Before lunch and dinner, mix in some water or honey and consume.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING BRAHMI
Take the below mentioned precaution for avoiding any problems:
- If you are allergic to Brahmi, avoid using it or visit a doctor before taking it. If your skin is hypersensitive, mix a paste or powder of Brahmi leaves with milk or honey. Before applying Brahmi oil to the skin or scalp, it should be diluted with coconut oil.
- Brahmi has the potential to affect liver function. As a result, if you’re taking Brahmi alongside hepatoprotective medicines, you should keep an eye on your liver function.
- It has been shown to stimulate gastric and intestinal secretions. If you have stomach ulcers, it is typically recommended that you consult your doctor before using Brahmi.
- Brahmi has been shown to promote pulmonary fluid output. If you have asthma or emphysema, you should always see your doctor before using Brahmi.
- This herbal plant has been shown to lower heart rate. As a result, it is generally recommended that you monitor your heart rate while taking Brahmi.
SIDE EFFECTS OF BRAHMI
These are the side effects of Brahmi:
- Dry mouth