Top 5 Brahmi Benefits Backed by Science
Although Brahmi has been linked to several health benefits it is best known for its memory-boosting properties. This perennial medicinal herb has had a long-standing reputation in medicine throughout history. From improving cognitive function to strengthening immunity, brahmi offers a whole variety of potential benefits. Wanna know how it works? Keep reading to learn more.
In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the top benefits of brahmi along with possible side effects and necessary precautions. But before we get into how brahmi can benefit human health, it’s important to learn exactly what it is and what nutritional value it bears. So, let’s dig a little deeper.
What is Brahmi?
Brahmi is a perennial medicinal plant botanically known as Bacopa monnieri. It is native to the wetlands of Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Southern and Northern America. It goes with many other names as well including water hyssop, thyme-leaved gratiola, babies tear, and sambarenu as well as others.
The plant is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine known as Ayurveda and is immensely popular as a natural memory tonic albeit it has numerous other properties. Today, brahmi extract is widely used to prepare liquid tonics, tablets, capsules, and more.
Brahmi nutrition
Brahmi contains several active compounds including alkaloids such as brahmine and herpestine, saponins like bacoside A and B, mannitol, b-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and betulic acid. The health benefits of brahmi appear to come from the active compounds it contains.
Brahmi benefits
Brahmi has long been used by natural medicine practitioners for centuries for a range of therapeutic purposes. In fact, modern scientific research has also substantiated many of its traditional benefits. Here are the top 5 brahmi benefits:
Brahmi provides powerful antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells, tissues, and organs, against damage caused by potentially harmful particles called free radicals. Studies suggest that free radical damage is linked to several serious chronic conditions.
Brahmi contains compounds that may have powerful antioxidant effects. For instance, bacosides, the primary biologically active components in brahmi, have been shown to scavenge free radicals and prevent fat cells from damage-causing reactions called lipid peroxidation.
Brahmi boosts brain function
Multiple studies suggest that brahmi may help boost brain and cognitive function. For example, a 2012 clinical trial in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigating the effects of bacopa monnieri on 60 elderly adults for 12 weeks concluded that bacopa monnieri can improve cognitive processing, attention, and working memory in healthy elderly adults.
Brahmi may reduce stress and anxiety
Brahmi may help reduce anxiety and stress levels. Research suggests that brahmi has significant adaptogenic actions, meaning it can enhance the body’s capacity to resist stress levels.
Additionally, a 2014 randomized controlled study in Phytotherapy Research showed that bacopa monnieri can help lower levels of cortisol, a hormone responsible for increased stress levels, and enhance mood.
Brahmi may reduce inflammation
Brahmi has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation. A 2008 comparative study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that bacopa monnieri has significant anti-inflammatory actions through which it can suppress pre-inflammatory enzymes such as COX (cyclooxygenase) and LOX (lipoxygenases).
Brahmi may lower blood pressure levels
High blood pressure or hypertension is an increasing health concern in today’s fast-paced world. It can create strain on the heart and blood vessels which in turn may weaken the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of serious health conditions. Research suggests that bacopa monnieri may help lower blood pressure levels and improve blood flow.
How to use brahmi
Brahmi is available in various forms such as dry powders, capsules, and water decoction. Doses may vary depending on specific health status and goals. However, according to certified Ayurvedic practitioners, 2 to 3 grams of brahmi powder with meals is safe to consume daily.
For capsules, 300 mg to 600 mg of standardized bacopa extract can be taken a day. For water decoction, a dose range of 25 ml to 50 ml is often recommended. Consider working with a certified natural medicine professional to determine your best dose.
Side effects and precautions
Brahmi is possibly safe and well-tolerated for the majority of individuals. But people with a reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure may experience headaches, dizziness, and fainting. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid taking brahmi for such individuals.
Besides, the safety profile of brahmi during pregnancy is yet not known, and hence, pregnant women should avoid it. Finally, brahmi may interact with certain conventional medications such as pain relievers like amitriptyline. Therefore, it’s best to take brahmi only after prior consultation with a certified natural healthcare provider, especially if you are on medications for any underlying health condition.
Final words
Brahmi is one of the ancient medicinal herbs that has been used in Indian traditional medicine for centuries. Major brahmi benefits include boosting brain function, reducing stress and anxiety, and alleviating inflammation. Consider working with a certified naturopathic doctor to determine whether brahmi is right for you. Find the power of natural herbal supplements with our shop.