Brahmi (Bacopa) is a legendary Ayurvedic herb for treating mental illness, emotional imbalance, addiction issues and nervous system disorders. It is considered a nervine or medhya in the world of Herbology, as it awakens the mind while calming the nervous system. Although tri-doshic, Brahmi is especially beneficial for Pitta disorders due to its cooling and cleansing action on the body and mind.
Brahmi is a powerful herb to take during the treatment of addiction issues including drug, alcohol, tobacco, food, sugar and sex addictions. Its effect on the brain and the nervous system help to reduce the cravings and calm the emotional eruption that occurs during the withdrawal process. Brahmi can be taken as a powder, tea, medicated ghee or tincture throughout this time. Alternatively or in addition, it can also be used as a dhuma or medicated smoking mixture.
Brahmi is a wonderful herb for opening the mind, enhancing the intellect and promoting spiritual growth. Brahmi tea can be taken before meditation or Yoga to help deepen one’s practice. As a brain tonic, Brahmi’s effects can be increased when taken together with Ashwagandha (see below for remedy). With all of these powerful health benefits, it’s no wonder that Brahmi is one of the main herbs for the brain, mind and nervous system. Try drinking a cup of Brahmi tea each day for 30 days and feel the powerful, mental rejuvenation for yourself!
Health Benefits of Brahmi
- Increases the intellect
- Boosts the memory and concentration
- Brain tonic
- Balances the emotions especially anxiety, depression, anger and irritation
- Reduces stress
- Opens the mind
- Beneficial in a meditation/spiritual practice
- Useful in the treatment of addiction (drug, alcohol, food, sugar, sex)
- Rejuvenative, especially for the mind and nervous system
- Balances mental illness
- Useful in nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s, ADHD, autism, dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Increase energy and strength
- Heart tonic
- Cleanses the blood, kidneys and liver
- Reduces cystitis (UTI)
- Treats constipation
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Heals skin issues, especially with Pitta involvement (i.e. acne, rash, hives, eczema, psoriasis)
- Beneficial for premature greying and balding
How to use Brahmi
1. As a brain tonic:
Take 1/2 tsp of Brahmi and 1/2 tsp of Ashwagandha. Add this combination to 1/2 cup of heated water and 1/2 cup of warm organic whole milk; steep for 15 minutes over low heat. Drink this mixture each morning and again before bed.
2. For emotional balance and opening the mind:
Boil 3 cups of water. Add 1 Tbsp of Brahmi leaves and 1 Tbsp of Tulsi leaves and turn the heat to low. Drink this infusion throughout the day for at least 1 month. Additionally, take 5 dropper-fulls of Mind Tonic Tincture mixed in 1/2 cup of warm water. Take 3 times daily, after meals.
3. For healing addiction issues:
Mix 1 tsp of Majja Ghrita or Brahmi ghee in 1/2 cup of warm water until melted. Take 3 times daily after meals. A smoking mixture can also be made of brahmi, sage, jatamansi and rose petals. This can be smoked as a rolled “cigarette”, from a vaporizer or from a glass pipe. This mixture can be used during the withdrawal phase to cope with the mental imbalance and the cravings.
4. For ADHD:
Mix 1 tsp of Majja Ghrita or Brahmi ghee in 1/2 cup of warm water until melted. Take 2 times daily, first thing in the morning (6-8am) and again between 2-3pm. Additionally, drink 1-3 cups of Brahmi tea or OM Shanti tea each day.
5. For UTI:
Take 1/2 tsp of Brahmi powder, 1/4 tsp of coriander powder, 1/8 tsp neem and 1/8 tsp of turmeric. Mix in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add 2 Tbsp of Aloe Vera Juice. Take this mixture 3 times daily, before meals to treat or prevent a UTI.
6. For stress reduction:
Take 5 droppers of Mind Tonic Tincture mixed in 1/2 cup of warm water. Take 3 times daily, after meals. Additionally, drink 1-3 cups of Brahmi tea or OM Shanti tea each day.
7. Headache/Migraine:
Rub the forehead, scalp and around the ears with warm Brahmi Oil or Kapha Oil. Massage each area for 3-5 minutes. After this, lie down and cover the eyes for 15 minutes. Additionally, drink 1 cup of Brahmi, Tulsi, Ginger tea every 2-3 hours or as needed during acute symptoms or 1-2 cups daily for prevention.
8. Skin issues:
Massage warm Brahmi Oil or Pitta Oil over any effected area. For best results, apply this oil before bed each night to let it soak in over night. Additionally, take 1/2 tsp of Brahmi powder, 1/8 tsp neem and 1/8 tsp of turmeric. Mix in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add 1-2 Tbsp of Aloe Vera Juice. Take this mixture 3 times daily with meals.
This is wonderful for me because I got proper result what I wanted
I am glad to hear Uttam! This is one of my favorite herbs as well. I really cannot say enough good words about it:) Thank you for reading! Namaste, Danielle
Hi. My child is 4 years old.. His very week in his studies…i cn use for child
Hi Shweta! Thank you for your question. Yes, Brahmi is considered a very satvic herb and can be used in children. I would either use the whole leaf in a tea infusion form (which tends to be less potent), or reduce the recommended powdered Brahmi adult dosage in half. I hope this helps!
Namaste,
Danielle
Thanks a lot. This would help my son. I would like to give him in the form of powder. Could you please suggest some brands and where could i find it.
Hi Prasanna,
There are two really great sources that you can purchase high-quality organic Brahmi powder or Brahmi leaves in bulk. They are either Mountain Rose Herbs or Banyan Botanicals. Just make sure the latin name is “Bacopa” as sometimes another similar herb called “Centella” (aka Gotu Kola) is sold as Brahmi. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Blessings to you and your son!
Namaste,
Danielle
Hi Mam,
My child is 3 year old and he has not yet started talking nt even a single word.
Does Brahmi Gruth would help in speech. If yes, then how much tsp we need to give?
Hi Heeravati,
Thank you for writing in with your question. Brahmi ghee would definitely be beneficial for the development of your son. More so however, I would recommend to take Saraswati Ghrita (ghee) as this formula is very specific for improving speech. Since your child is so young I would cut the dosage in half and mix it with a lot of honey so he enjoys taking it. I hope this help. Many blessing to you and your family!
Namaste,
Danielle
can it be used while gettingtreated for depression etc with regular medicines?
Hi Asha,
Yes, Brahmi is safe to use when taking medications for depression. It is recommended to be avoided during symptoms of Bipolar disorder since it can potentially cause mania in this condition. It is very helpful when you are strictly dealing with depression however. Thank you for your question. Please let me know if anything else comes up!
Namaste,
Danielle
This is great information- I have Brahmi powder- can you recommend a tea recipe using the powder that is vegan?
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your question! You can simply take 1/2 teaspoon of Brahmi powder and add it to 1/2 to 1 cup of hot-warm water. Stir well and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir again and sip it down. You can take this 2 to 3 times daily for chronic or severe issues, or as needed otherwise. After meals is typically the best time to take herbs if you are working on any of the upper organs (including the brain), so this could be a good time to consumer the tea.
I hope this finds you well!
Namaste,
Danielle
Brahmi grows in my garden, can you comment on the qualities of fresh vs dried?
Hi Douglas,
Thank you for your question! The properties of fresh Brahmi are about the same as the dried herb, but may be a bit more vital since you can use it so soon after harvesting. The main difference between fresh and dried herbs otherwise will be that they have a more “juicy” quality which is best for Vata and Pitta types. Kapha types may do better with the leaves dried. Brahmi is a very balanced herb however, and will be good for all body-types whether fresh or dried.
You would mainly want to use the leaves. You can use them fresh to make a “juice” by placing them into a blender with water (1 part herb to 3-4 parts water) and blend until well pureed; strain out the pulp (if desired) and drink! The extra will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about 4 days in an airtight jar.
Otherwise you can also make tinctures out of the fresh leaves, medicated ghee or oil, hot water infusions, or carefully dry them to make herbal tea (this will also allow you to keep a larger amount without spoilage).
Thank you again for your question!
Namaste,
Danielle
Hello,
My 22yr old recently started having epileptic seizures and is currently on medication for it. We would like to eventually ween him off of his meds, can Brahmin help us to do that?
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your inquiry. I am sorry to hear about your child having seizures. The western medication for epilepsy can be very overwhelming! Taking Brahmi and other herbs that work on the nervous system may help in his recovery.
I would suggest to take the Brahmi with Kapikacchu, Gokshura, and Ashwagandha. Your child can take these herbs in ghee and warm water or ghee and warm milk, at ½ teaspoon, three times daily. We also have a medicated ghee called Majja Ghrita, that contains all of these herbs. This would be helpful as well.
Eventually, you may want to consider seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner firsthand. This would give a bit more specialized guidance for your child. Please let me know if you have any further questions and I will be happy to help in any way I can!
Namaste,
Danielle
When you say Brahmi increases vatta in excess what do you mean?
I am high vatta and am wondering if Brahmi would be good for me right now as I struggle with anxiousness.
A.D.
Hi Adele,
Thank you for this great question! Brahmi is generally tridoshic and therefore suitable for Vata. However, if you overdo it, then the bitter and cooling properties of this herb can provoke Vata. If you are struggling with anxiety, I would suggest an Ashwagandha, Shankapushpi, and Brahmi blend (same amount per herb). The first two herbs will help warm down the formula and they will work very nicely together for anxiety or any Vata-type mental imbalance.
Let me know if any other questions come up!
Namaste,
Danielle
Thank you. If I’ve been told I’m high Vatta is Brahmi still ok?
Adele
Hi Adele,
Yes, Brahmi is fine to use with high Vata. If you are taking the powder, you can mix it with Ashwagandha and/or Shankapushpi to make it more Vata-soothing, and if you are doing a loose leaf tea, steeping Brahmi with Tulsi is a great combo for Vata as well!
Brahmi can even be taken on its own with high Vata, but due to its bitterness, it should be used in moderation or taken with ghee or milk to reduce the harshness/dryness of the bitter taste.
Namaste,
Danielle