Brahmi -Bacopa Monnieri

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Brahmi -Bacopa Monnieri

Brahmi

Often called "The memory enhancer," or "The thinking person's herb" A herb with an ancient history to now benefit modern man. Brahmi, with traditional medicinal uses, has been a revered household name In India for over 3000 years; and now the knowledge of the plant is being shared with people worldwide via TV, literature and internet.	click the picture to see our Brahmi plant
Brahmi seeds are available now

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri or B. monniera, synonyms Brahmi indica, Monniera cuniefolia, Herpestis monniera) with vernacular names; Hindi - Brambbi, Arabian - Zarazab, Sinhalese - lunuvila, Japanese - Otomeazent, Chinese - Pa- chi-tlien.

Growing Brahmi
How to use Brahmi
Dosage
Dosage of powdered plant

Traditional uses have included - for the treatment of bronchitis, chronic coughs, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, inflammatory conditions, fluid retention, blood cleanser, chronic skin conditions, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems, epileptic fits, depression including post natal depression, to improve circulation and strengthen capillaries, impotence, premature ejaculation, frigidity, irregular menstruation, mental and physical fatigue and overwork. Brahmi has been esteemed as a cardiac, nerve and brain tonic, for restlessness, insomnia and over active mind, forgetfulness, confused and cloudy thoughts, anxiety, stress, hysteria, nervous breakdowns, insanity. Also, for improving mental clarity, confidence, intelligence, and memory recall; and for these uses, Brahmi has been widely used by students. In fact, the herb can benefit all. The TV review, shares with us, the experiences of housewives, chess players, scholars, academics and Prime Ministers.
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In May 1996, the Royal Society, an association of British Science writers published a paper on nitric oxide, calling it "The marvel of the decade". The article explained, that the nitric oxide in Brahmi has an extremely positive effect on learning and memory recall, also on blood circulation, the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Research is also being done with use of nitric oxide for stroke and Alzheimer.
A recent scientific study indicates that Brahmi has powerful antioxidant properties, which will help us to see why in India it was also revered for strengthening the immune system, improve vitality and performance, and promote longevity. The task of antibiotics in the body, is to 'mop up' free radical molecules. A free radical is a cellular killer, that can cause havoc by damaging DNA, corroding cell membranes and destroying cells. What causes free radicals? Many detrimental aspects of modern living ... air pollution from car exhausts, smog, cigarette smoke; toxic wastes, pesticides, herbicides, ultra violet light, certain foods and additives, drugs, infections, daily metabolic functions, including physical activity. Dr. Michael Colgan in his books 'The new nutrition' and 'Antioxidants, the real story, all you need to know for sports performance, longevity and prevention of disease,' makes it clear that research shows the value of antioxidants to prevent and even reverse many forms of cancer, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, adult diabetes, lung diseases, cataracts and a host of other diseases. whose primary cause is excess oxidation by free radicals; the damage they now produce has been established as a major cause of aging.

In 1995 the Central Drug Research of India (CDRI) began extensive research of their rich herbal treasures, to source active ingredients for modern therapeutic uses. In 1963 research on the Brahmi plant, identified 2 active molecules.
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Bacoside A which assists in release of nitric oxide that allows the relaxation of the aorta aria veins, to allow the blood to flow more smoothly through the body.
Bacoside B is a protein valued for nourishing the brain cells.

The G.D.R.I. presented research findings to numerous International Brain Research Conferences. In 1993 clinical trials began with Brahmi on human volunteers. No adverse effects have been recorded In 1998 the Nobel Prize for medicine was awarded to 3 pharmacologists for their discovery that nitric oxide, in its natural form, has powerful potential as a messenger molecule to the body.

Referring back to the TV review on Brahmi, the most inspiring story is shared of the life of Adam Ritson well known Cronulla rugby player who suffered severe head tackle injuries...8 weeks in intensive care, 14 operations followed by complications, 7.5 months in rehab .... he could not walk or talk properly and had no memory retention...doctors said nothing more could be done for Alan. His family could not accept this verdict. A loving Aunt searched for a cure, which lead to the Indian Central Drug Research. They said Brahmi has never been used for brain injuries and could not promise anything. Alan was given Brahmi in concentrated extract, and before long his short term memory was back, and. today he lives a normal life.
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Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Brain Tonics Seminar in Brisbane tutored by Dr. S. Aji B.A.M.S., P.C.A.S., an Indian holistic physician, who shared his rich background of traditional herbal medicine and the revered uses of Brahmi, to promote intellect, and rejuvenate the brain and improve memory. Dr. Ajit stressed the point that rejuvenation must start with herbs well before old age.

Growing Brahmi:
It is a hardy perennial ground cover to 15cm, with oval shaped leaves 1¹/₂cm long that form in pairs along the stems. Tubular 5 petals white flowers (with a very very pale hue of blue on the outside of the petals) form in the leaf forks, and can blossom over many months of the year. Although Brahmi is considered a bog plant liking wet spots, but it will grow in pots or in the garden, in sun or shade. If growing in the garden, during times of dry weather, it would be important to water well, as the roots are fairly shallow. The Brahmi plant resembles Brooklime in appearance, which is little wonder, as both plants belong to the Scrophulahaceae family. Brooklime is a rich source of Vitamin C, and can be used in salad- sandwiches, etc. Note, some herb books may refer to Gotu kola which is Centella asiatica, as Brahmi, and it is sometimes given this common name, but note, Gotu kola is not Bacopa monnieri, the plant which this article is written about. Fertilize regularly with seaweed or organic fertilizer. As Brahmi is frost tender, I recommend that in cold climates, it be grown in a pot and moved to a warn sheltered spot in winter. Brahmi can be propagated by seed or division. The plant does not seem to be bothered by pest or disease.
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How to use Brahmi:
The herb can be prepared as a tea infusion, tincture, or decoction, and can be sweetened with honey or stevia leaves. In India the plant is used in salads, soups, as a cooked lea vegetable, or pickled. As Brahmi is bitter in flavor, it is a herb we need to learn to appreciate. In Asia, bitter foods have played an important part in food flavors, as they were esteemed for strengthening the heart, digestive and endocrine systems. The endocrine system comprises a number of glands that are rather vital to well-being. Glands are important as they release hormones that have varied functions that influence height and body build, sexual activity, estrogen production in females and testosterone in males, mental sharpness, energy, ability to respond to stress, fight or flight action, blood pressure, insulin secretions, manufacture of T cells that have the roll of destroying cancer cells, and many other metabolic functions. Perhaps. we all need to consider including a fey more bitter foods in our daily lives! Tuck a few springs of Brahmi in the corner of a sandwich, swallow it quick, and tell yourself it is good for you! The bitterness is only on the taste buds a short period of time.
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Dosage:
3 to 4 grams daily. 3 grams is approximately 6 sprigs of stem 10 cm long with leaves. The herb can be dried, cut or powdered and tucked in gelatin capsules, and swallowed ideal for anyone who has difficulty swallowing a little bitterness.
Dosage of powdered plant:
1 to 2 grams daily. For therapeutic use, it is recommended that Brahmi may need to be taken for at least 1-3 months for significant effect. Brahmi can be used by any person to add quality to life. It is a remarkable herb.

This article was written by Isabell Shipard from Nambour, Queensland, Australia. Isabell has just retired from her herb nursery after more than 20 years.
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