BRAHMI
Bambhi, Pa-chi-t’ien, Otomeazeni
Bacopa monnieri syn. B. monniera, Monniera cuniefolia, Herpestis monniera F. Scrophulariaceae
Description
Perennial ground cover to 10cm high, with sprawling stems
that may root, as they grow along the soil. Fleshy, oval shaped leaves
1-2cm long, form opposite along the stems. Small, tubular,
five-petalled, white flowers develop in leaf terminals and can blossom
over many months of the year. Small, dark seed set in a flat, oval
capsule.
Brahmi
Propagate by seed, cuttings and by root division. Although
brahmi is considered a bog plant that likes wet spots, we have found on
our herb farm that it will grow in pots, or in the garden in shade, or
even full sun (provided ample water is provided in dry spells as it is a
shallow rooting plant). Fertilise plants regularly with seaweed or
other organic fertiliser. Plants can be grown in hanging pots and as the
stems cascade over the sides, they are easily nipped off for use.
Brahmi is frost tender and I suggest when grown in cold climates, it
could be grown in a large pot or styrofoam box and moved to a warm,
sheltered position in winter. Note: brahmi is not Gotu Kola (Centella
asiatica) although some reference books may say that gotu kola is called
brahmi in Sanskrit. Both brahmi and gotu kola are esteemed Ayurvedic herbs
Medicinal Uses
Brahmi has been used in traditional Indian medicine for
over 3000 years. It has been used to treat conditions such as:
bronchitis, coughs, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, allergies,
rheumatism, inflammatory conditions, fluid retention, backache, chronic
skin conditions, high cholesterol levels, constipation, hair loss,
boils, ulcers, fevers, digestive problems, epileptic fits, depression
including post natal depression, diarrhea, impotence, premature
ejaculation, irritable bowel syndrome, frigidity, irregular
menstruation, mental and physical fatigue, exhaustion, restlessness,
insomnia and over active mind, mental deterioration of the elderly,
forgetfulness, confused and cloudy thoughts, anxiety, ADD, stress,
hysteria, nervous breakdown, insanity and to improve circulation,
strengthen capillaries and stimulate hair, skin and nail growth. Brahmi
has been valued as a cardiac, nerve and brain tonic and widely used by
students for improving mental clarity, confidence, intelligence,
concentration and memory recall. Brahmi as herbal supplements and
tablets have been marketed for super learning, for memory and as a brain
tonic. In 1963 research on the brahmi plant identified 2 active
molecules: Bacoside A that assists in the release of nitric oxide
allowing relaxation of the aorta and veins and blood to flow more
smoothly through the body and aids circulation; and Bacoside B, a
protein valued for nourishing nerve cells in the brain.
In 1993, when the Central Drug Research of India (CDRI)
began extensive research of their rich herbal treasures to source active
ingredients for modern therapeutic uses, they started clinical trials
with brahmi on human volunteers. No adverse effects were recorded. The
CDRI presented their research findings to numerous international brain
research conferences.
In May 1996 the Royal Society of British Science 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, as well as on blood
circulation and the function of the liver, lungs and kidneys. Research
is also being done on the use of nitric oxide to treat stroke and
Alzheimer’s sufferers. In 1998 the Nobel Prize for medicine was awarded
to three pharmacologists for their discovery that nitric oxide, in its
natural form, has powerful potential as a messenger molecule in the
body. A recent scientific study showed that brahmi has potent
antioxidant properties, which is, no doubt, why it was also revered in
India for strengthening the immune system, improving vitality and
performance and promoting longevity. The task of antioxidants in the
body is to mop up free radical molecules. A free radical is an unstable
chemical fragment, which can cause havoc by damaging DNA, corroding cell
membranes and destroying cells.
Free radicals are brought about by 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 and infections, as well as by
daily metabolic functions, including physical activity. Dr Michael
Colgan in his book, ‘The new nutrition and antioxidants, all you need to
know for sports performance, longevity and prevention of disease’,
makes it clear that research shows the value of antioxidants in
preventing and even reversing many forms of cancer, heart disease,
atherosclerosis, adult diabetes, lung diseases, cataracts and a host of
other diseases. All of these diseases, as well as premature aging, are
caused by free radical oxidation of healthy tissues. Along with the more
familiar antioxidants, Bsitosterol, a powerful fatty acid in brahmi,
acts to relieve many degenerative conditions.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Brain Tonics
seminar in Brisbane tutored by Dr. S. Ajit, B.A.M.S, P.C.A.S, an Indian
holistic physician, who shared his rich background of traditional herbal
medicine, including the uses of brahmi, revered to promote intellect,
rejuvenate the brain and improve memory. Dr. Ajit stressed the point
that rejuvenation must start with the consumption of herbs well before
old age. Dose: 3-4g daily. 3g are approximately six sprigs 8-10cm long.
The herb is prepared as a tea infusion, or decoction, and sweetened with
honey, sugar or stevia leaves if desired.
In summary, brahmi can help support and improve all aspects of mental function, including comprehension, m
Bambhi, Pa-chi-t’ien, Otomeazeni
Bacopa monnieri syn. B. monniera, Monniera cuniefolia, Herpestis monniera F. Scrophulariaceae
Description
Perennial ground cover to 10cm high, with sprawling stems
that may root, as they grow along the soil. Fleshy, oval shaped leaves
1-2cm long, form opposite along the stems. Small, tubular,
five-petalled, white flowers develop in leaf terminals and can blossom
over many months of the year. Small, dark seed set in a flat, oval
capsule.
Brahmi
Propagate by seed, cuttings and by root division. Although
brahmi is considered a bog plant that likes wet spots, we have found on
our herb farm that it will grow in pots, or in the garden in shade, or
even full sun (provided ample water is provided in dry spells as it is a
shallow rooting plant). Fertilise plants regularly with seaweed or
other organic fertiliser. Plants can be grown in hanging pots and as the
stems cascade over the sides, they are easily nipped off for use.
Brahmi is frost tender and I suggest when grown in cold climates, it
could be grown in a large pot or styrofoam box and moved to a warm,
sheltered position in winter. Note: brahmi is not Gotu Kola (Centella
asiatica) although some reference books may say that gotu kola is called
brahmi in Sanskrit. Both brahmi and gotu kola are esteemed Ayurvedic
herbs
Medicinal Uses
Brahmi has been used in traditional Indian medicine for
over 3000 years. It has been used to treat conditions such as:
bronchitis, coughs, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, allergies,
rheumatism, inflammatory conditions, fluid retention, backache, chronic
skin conditions, high cholesterol levels, constipation, hair loss,
boils, ulcers, fevers, digestive problems, epileptic fits, depression
including post natal depression, diarrhea, impotence, premature
ejaculation, irritable bowel syndrome, frigidity, irregular
menstruation, mental and physical fatigue, exhaustion, restlessness,
insomnia and over active mind, mental deterioration of the elderly,
forgetfulness, confused and cloudy thoughts, anxiety, ADD, stress,
hysteria, nervous breakdown, insanity and to improve circulation,
strengthen capillaries and stimulate hair, skin and nail growth. Brahmi
has been valued as a cardiac, nerve and brain tonic and widely used by
students for improving mental clarity, confidence, intelligence,
concentration and memory recall. Brahmi as herbal supplements and
tablets have been marketed for super learning, for memory and as a brain
tonic. In 1963 research on the brahmi plant identified 2 active
molecules: Bacoside A that assists in the release of nitric oxide
allowing relaxation of the aorta and veins and blood to flow more
smoothly through the body and aids circulation; and Bacoside B, a
protein valued for nourishing nerve cells in the brain.
In 1993, when the Central Drug Research of India (CDRI)
began extensive research of their rich herbal treasures to source active
ingredients for modern therapeutic uses, they started clinical trials
with brahmi on human volunteers. No adverse effects were recorded. The
CDRI presented their research findings to numerous international brain
research conferences.
In May 1996 the Royal Society of British Science 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, as well as on blood
circulation and the function of the liver, lungs and kidneys. Research
is also being done on the use of nitric oxide to treat stroke and
Alzheimer’s sufferers. In 1998 the Nobel Prize for medicine was awarded
to three pharmacologists for their discovery that nitric oxide, in its
natural form, has powerful potential as a messenger molecule in the
body. A recent scientific study showed that brahmi has potent
antioxidant properties, which is, no doubt, why it was also revered in
India for strengthening the immune system, improving vitality and
performance and promoting longevity. The task of antioxidants in the
body is to mop up free radical molecules. A free radical is an unstable
chemical fragment, which can cause havoc by damaging DNA, corroding cell
membranes and destroying cells.
Free radicals are brought about by 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 and infections, as well as by
daily metabolic functions, including physical activity. Dr Michael
Colgan in his book, ‘The new nutrition and antioxidants, all you need to
know for sports performance, longevity and prevention of disease’,
makes it clear that research shows the value of antioxidants in
preventing and even reversing many forms of cancer, heart disease,
atherosclerosis, adult diabetes, lung diseases, cataracts and a host of
other diseases. All of these diseases, as well as premature aging, are
caused by free radical oxidation of healthy tissues. Along with the more
familiar antioxidants, Bsitosterol, a powerful fatty acid in brahmi,
acts to relieve many degenerative conditions.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Brain Tonics
seminar in Brisbane tutored by Dr. S. Ajit, B.A.M.S, P.C.A.S, an Indian
holistic physician, who shared his rich background of traditional herbal
medicine, including the uses of brahmi, revered to promote intellect,
rejuvenate the brain and improve memory. Dr. Ajit stressed the point
that rejuvenation must start with the consumption of herbs well before
old age. Dose: 3-4g daily. 3g are approximately six sprigs 8-10cm long.
The herb is prepared as a tea infusion, or decoction, and sweetened with
honey, sugar or stevia leaves if desired.
Over the last few years I have had some remarkable
feedback from people using this plant. People report improved memory,
increased levels of energy and an ability to cope better with the
stresses of life. A most inspiring example of the use of brahmi was
recently shown on TV. A well known rugby player had suffered severe
nerve damage. After eight weeks in intensive care and 14 operations,
followed by complications and seven and a half months in rehab, he could
not walk or talk properly and had no memory retention. The medical
verdict was that nothing more could be done. His family would not accept
this conclusion, and a loving aunt searched for a cure, which lead her
to the CDRI. They told her that brahmi was used for memory enhancement,
but had never been used to repair brain damage, and they could not
promise results. Her nephew was given brahmi in concentrated extract,
and before long his short term memory was back. The TV segment reported
he now lives a normal life.
In summary, brahmi can help support and improve all aspects of mental function, including comprehension, m
