Herbs
- Brahmi
Latin
-- Herpestis Monniera, Bacopa Monnieri
Sanskrit -- Brahmi
Hindi -- Brambhi
English -- Thyme-leaved Gratiola (rarely used)
NOTE: Two
main herbs go by the name of Brahmi in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Some experts,
such as Vaidya R. K. Mishra, feel that Herpestis Monniera is more authentic
and is preferable for mental benefits except where urinary flow, purification,
and immunomodulation is desired by the physician. The other herb that commonly
goes by this name is more popularly known in the U.S. as Gotu-Kola, or Centella
asiatica. When the texts specify Gotu-kola without the option of substitution,
it is called Mandukaparni. So we always identify Brahmi as Herpestis Monniera
in our herbal formulations.
Parts Used:
Whole plant,
roots, leaves, stalks. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must
be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.
Traditional
Ayurvedic Uses:
Brahmi acts as
a powerful brain food, and is known for its ability to enhance mind power
(Medhya effect). It supports and improves all aspects of mental functioning,
including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti) and recollection (Smriti).
It is important because it also enhances the crucial coordination of these
three aspects of mental functioning.
Because it increases
the ability to solve problems effectively, Brahmi is often used in formulas
to help relieve and prevent stress.
Brahmi can be
processed in different ways, or with different herbs, to balance any of the
three laws of the physiology (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
It is a very
good overall tonic (Rasayana, or longevity-enhancer).
Brahmi is used
to prepare a number of important Ayurvedic preparations (Brahmighritam, Brahmirasayanam)
which are given to those suffering from anxiety and emotional stress.
The ayurvedic
physicians of Maharishi Ayurveda do not recommend the use of single herbs
for self-care due to several important reasons (see the index page of the
ayurvedic herb section for details).
One of the specialties
of ayurveda is the science of herb combining that has been perfected over
thousands of years of clinical practice. From this ayurvedic perspective,
the study of herbs from scientific research which is based on single ingredient
formulas is not very practical. This is because an herb can give a number
of different effects depending on the other herbs it is combined with as well
as a number of other factors such as dosage, how the herb was processed, etc.
If one focuses just on the results of a study based on one ingredient, while
it may be interesting, it does not give the full insight into the complete
range of effects available from that particular herb.
