Brahmi is a traditional Indian herbal remedy used in ayurveda and treating a wide range of ailments.
If you're not aware of it then this could be because it has a number of different aliases, such as Indian pennywart, water hyssop and thyme-leaf gratiola.
Brahmi is named after the Hindu god Brahman, who is the all pervading consciousness responsible for all creative forces in the world.
The plant consists of stemmed leaves, which are thick and crinkled, or is found as a creeping herb in bogs and muddy wetlands.
It is native to India but is now commonly found in the wetlands of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Central America, US and China.
Brahmi has been relied upon for centuries thanks to its long list of properties and health benefits.
Benefits
Brahmi is loaded with antioxidants and is thought to assist in reducing cognitive issues.
It contains active substance bacoside A, which relaxes the aorta and veins, stimulating circulation and allowing blood to flow more smoothly, as well as bacoside B, a protein that nourishes brain nerve cells.
Brahmi is thought to act as a natural sedative, stimulating the brain dopamine receptors that are often inactive in disease states such as Parkinson's.
Other conditions where brahmi may prove beneficial in the treatment of include anxiety disorder, Alzheimer's, arthritis, stress, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, epilepsy, chronic skin conditions, post-natal depression, irregular menstruation hair loss and fatigue.
However, it is always advisable to speak to your medical practitioner if you suffer from an existing health problem or are taking some form of medication.
Thanks to the blend of chemical properties in brahmi it is claimed to enhance mental capabilities, promote feelings of calmness, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase clarity of thought.
It is also reported to improve short and long-term memory, as well as concentration capability.
Those seeking help with insomnia, asthma, skin irritation, hair growth and body detoxification may also find its components to be of help.
Results vary from person to person, but it is always worth informing your doctor, ayurvedic practitioner or naturopath that you are taking brahmi, especially in conjunction with other supplements or medication.
How to take brahmi
There are many ways to take brahmi and introduce it into your current diet.
This includes capsules, tinctures and powder.
You can stir the powder into milk, juice or perhaps even a soup or stew, as an easy way to get your daily dosage of between two and six grams.
Alternatively the tincture can be split into two to three doses per day, although it's always worth getting in touch with an herbal practitioner to help decide the right daily amount for you.
You can also take brahmi herb in a capsule, making it a great on the go nutritional supplement.
This way you can keep it in your bag as a memory booster and antioxidant, which can also help to reduce stress levels and calm you down during an especially hectic day.
