Herbs That Heal: Brahmi – The Brain Herb
The most unique and important health benefits of Brahmi, often referred to as the brain herb, include its ability to improve cognitive ability. Used successfully for Alzheimer’s disease, for improving memory, anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), allergic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a general tonic to fight stress -it is an adaptogen. That means the herb has natural intelligence and will go wherever it is needed in the body.
There are certain valuable alkaloids and triterpene saponins found in brahmi that have strong effects on the body, in addition to many other organic compounds and volatile constituents. That has quite an impact on human health. Let’s look at four of them.
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Brahmi for the Mind:
One of the most prized benefits of brahmi is its ability to stimulate the mind, particularly in terms of memory and concentration. [2] It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to increase focus and retention. Some of the organic compounds in brahmi stimulate cognitive pathways in the brain to boost cognitive ability, according to a study by Devendra, Patel Saurabh Shankar et al., 2018 (Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry). [3]
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Brahmi for Cognition:
Brahmi has the ability to reduce the onset of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (International Journal of Life Sciences Scientific Research, 2016). [4] Research has shown it to be an effective way of stimulating the creation of new neural pathways and lowering oxidative stress in the brain, which keeps our minds sharp well into our old age. In a study titled “Exploring the role of Brahmi in brain function and therapy” by National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience, India, it is suggested that the plant has neuroprotective properties and has therapeutic potential for people suffering from memory loss. [5]
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Brahmi for the Nervous System:
Brahmi enhances and tonifies (the nervous tissue) and helps relax tension in the body. It is simultaneously calming and stimulating, improving daytime alertness and focus while reducing stress throughout the system and improving the quality of sleep at night. The active ingredients in this herb can affect hormonal balance in the body and positively impact the balance of stress hormones in our body, thereby inducing a calm, relaxed state in a natural way, avoiding the side effects of traditional pharmaceutical options for stress and anxiety relief. [6]
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Brahmi for Seizures:
The leaves of brahmi have been used as a treatment for epilepsy for thousands of years. [7] This is thought to be due to the effect the herb has on neural pathways. It helps to prevent epileptic seizures, as well as other forms of mental health disease, including bipolar disorder and neuralgia.
Contraindications and Caution: Brahmi, the Brain Herb
Long-term use of any herbal supplement is usually discouraged and Brahmi, the brain herb, is no exception. Regular use for more than
12 weeks is discouraged, so it should only be used when you need it to alleviate a certain symptom or illness.
Also, due to its effects on the respiratory system, urinary tract system, cardiovascular system, and blood sugar levels, you should consult a doctor if you suffer from asthma, urinary tract infectio
ns, a reduced heart rate or hyperglycemia. If you are taking prescription medication of any kind, it is always best to check with your doctor before introducing an herbal regimen.
I personally love using Brahmi oil at night before bed. I rub it on my temples and the soles of my feet. It is a nervine and as such; calms the central nervous system so that I am ready for restorative sleep.
I particularly like VPK’s Brahmi – as it is organic and sustainably sourced.So feel free to use this link to hop onto their site and check them out. Brahmi is not right for everyone though – so If you are unsure as to whether Brahmi is good for you, then let’s talk.
In health
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