The Brahmi Herb

(Ayurvedic Herb)

LATIN NAME:

Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi herb is also known as Indian Pennywort, Water Hyssop, Bacopa, Bacopa Monnieri, and Herpestis Monniera.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Brahmi herb is a hardy, perennial ground covering plant. It grows to 6 inches in height, with small, oval-shaped leaves that form in pairs along the stems. It has tubular, white flowers that bear five petals that have a faint tinge of blue on the outside of the petals.

It can bloom for many months of the year. It grows floating in the waters of tropical marshes and wetlands of Florida, Central America, and India.

Brahmi herb has gained world wide recognition as a memory booster, for promoting mind alertness and is widely used as an antioxidant and in improving the brain cell functions.

It is used as a herbal brain tonic to rejuvenate the body and as a nerve tonic to promote the memory. It helps to overcome the negative effects of stress and improves the memory. It induces a sense of calm and peace for those who suffer from stress and nervous anxiety while at the same time invigorates the mental processes.

The herb is used for cleansing the blood, has an extremely positive effect on blood circulation and the function of the liver, lungs and kidneys. It is also believed to stimulate hair, skin, and nail growth.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* Alzheimer’s disease

* attention deficit disorder (ADD)

* attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

* memory problems

* Parkinson’s disease

* anxiety disorder

* stress

* depression including post natal depression

* mental and physical fatigue

* insomnia

* irritable bowel syndrome

* increase sex drive

* impotence

* bronchitis

* coughs and hoarseness

* asthma

* arthritis

* rheumatism

* inflammatory conditions

* high cholesterol levels

PREPARATION: Brahmi is available as an extract in tablet form, tincture. and a powder.

It can be used as a decoction and tea.

Parts used: Root

Actions: rain tonic, sedative, antispasmodic, alterative, diuretic, astringent

Combination: Brahmi can be combined with Ginkgo and Lecithin to improve cognitive function.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy or who are on birth control pills should not use Brahmi.