Bacopa monnieri,
Scrophulariaceae

Medicinal Uses

1. Insomnia: Take 3 gm of Brahmi
   powder with 100ml of cow’s milk
   at bed time. It cures sleeplessness.

2. Memory Boster: Take 1 part of dry
   Brahmi, 1 part almonds as well as
   1/4th part of black pepper. Grind
   all of them in water and prepare
   tablets of 3 gm each. Give 1 tablet
   twice daily with milk. It increases
   the memory power and intellect.
3. Acne: Mash few leaves of Brahmi
   along with lemon juice and
   turmeric powder. Make the paste
   and apply on face, once per week.
   It erases all of the scars and acne.
   
4. Anxiety: Grind 3 gm Brahmi along
   with few black pepper in water.
   Strain the solution and provide
   this to the patient 3-4 times a day.
   It cures long-term headache and
   also decreases anxiety.
5. Hair fall: Brahmi oil massaged on
   the scalp promotes hair growth
   and also good for the brain, the
   nervous system, and also the
   mind.

Vernacular names

Assamese : Brahmi
English : Thyme Leaved Gratiola
Gujrati : Neerbrahmi, Bamanevari
Hindi : Manduka Parni
Kannada : Nirubrahmi, Valabrahmi,
Ondelaga, Mandukaparni
Malayalam : Bhahmi
Marathi : Jalnam, Brahmi, Birami
Oriya : Brahmi
Punjabi : Brahmibuti
Tamil : Nirabrahmi, Brahmi vazhukkai
Telugu : Sambarenu, Sambrani
Urdu : Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a revered Ayurvedic herb, primarily used as a cognitive-enhancing, neuroprotective brain tonic to sharpen memory, improve focus, and reduce anxiety. It acts as an adaptogen, helping manage stress, while also supporting hair growth, skin health, and lowering blood pressure. 

Key Uses of Brahmi

• Cognitive Enhancement: Enhances memory, attention, and learning ability, frequently used in Ayurveda for age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s, and to improve focus in children with ADHD.
• Mental Health & Stress Reduction: Acts as a nervine tonic, calming the mind, reducing anxiety, and decreasing cortisol levels (stress hormone).
• Neurological Support: Used to manage epilepsy and seizures due to its calming effect on the nervous system.
• Hair & Scalp Health: Applied as oil to stimulate hair growth, prevent premature graying, treat split ends, and reduce dandruff.
• Physical Health Benefits: Used for anti-inflammatory properties, managing high blood pressure, improving digestion, and treating skin conditions.
• Respiratory Support: Helps relieve chest congestion and asthma by clearing mucus. 

Side Effects & Precautions
While generally safe, excessive consumption of Brahmi may cause: 

• Nausea and stomach upset
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• It is not recommended during pregnancy for long periods, for those with slow heart rates (bradycardia), or for individuals with ulcers.