Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) Benefits, Dose, Side Effects, Research

Brahmi is one of the famous gifts of Ayurveda to the world. There is no herb that can improve intelligence naturally, better than this. Though it is more commonly known for its benefit in improving intelligence and memory, it is also an excellent anti aging, anti diabetic and anti oxidant herb.

Botanical Name – Bacopa Monnieri (Linn) Pennell (Bacopa monnieria(L) Kunth; Gratiola monniera L)
Family- SCROPHULARIACEAE (katuka kula)

Chemical constituents

Bacopa monneiri chemical constituents
Ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, Brahmine, Herpestine, Alanine, hentri- acontane, Octacosane, Monnierin (saponin), Hersaponin, bacosid A&B, bacogenins A1-A4 (Sapogenins) B- Sitosterol etc.(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)

Uses

Bacopa is useful in –
Double vision due to weakness of nerves, dizziness, confusion, lack of mental composure.
Depression, anxiety, nervousness, phobia, manic depressive psychosis
sleep disturbances, insomnia, feeling sleepy all the time.
A study was conducted by Department of Physiology and Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand on – Effects of 12-Week Bacopa monnieri Consumption on Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, and Functions of Both Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems. The study concluded that Brahmi is effective in these activities. (Research)

Brahmi is useful in –
Lack of memory, loss of concentration
Hearing and vision loss
As a memory and confidence booster ahead of exams.
Tinnitus, neuropathy – Brahmi is a very good nerve tonic.
Speech problems in children – Brahmi promotes brain growth and improves coordination between limbs, tongue and brain.
Hypertension – Bacopa is very useful in high BP. It controls stress and anxiety. It is also a very good antioxidant. Hence, it protects nerves, heart and blood vessels.
Antioxidant and DNA damage prevention activities of Brahmi were studied in Biochemistry & Nutrition Discipline, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore, India. The study found that the highest polyphenol content was found in methanol extract followed by water extract. This clearly indicates the Brahmi is a very rich in antioxidants (related)

Bramhi for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder –

For all psychiatric disorders like MDP, OCD, depression etc, Brahmi is useful. But if the disease is there for a very long time or if the symptoms are very severe, then this one alone might not be effective enough. It might be required to make combinations with other herbs such as Vacha, Shankhapushpi, etc.

A randomized controlled clinical trials review was conducted in the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia. The evaluation was done on cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri. The study concluded that there is some evidence to prove that Bacopa is efficient in this regard.

Traditional Benefits

Brahmi Benefits as per Ayurveda –
Shophahara – good anti inflammatory herb
Panduhara – useful in anemia
Jvarahara – useful in fever
Deepani – improves digestion power
Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases.
Kandughna – relieves itching, useful in pruritus
Pleeha – useful in spleen disorders
Vayasa sthapani, Ayushya – improves life quality, anti aging
Unmada vinashini – useful in psychiatric disorders
Medha – improves intelligence
Vak – improves speech, helps in speech related development problems in children.
Svarya, Svarada – improves quality of voice
Hrudya – good for heart, acts as cardiac tonic
Shvasahara – useful in asthma, chronic bronchial disorders
Meha – useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes
Diabetes – Brahmi is very useful in reducing blood sugar levels. Due to its antioxidant property, it is also useful in improving the cell and tissue health in diabetic patients.
Read related: Diabetes: Ayurvedic Treatment, Remedies

Kasajit – useful in cough, cold
Visha hara – natural detoxification herb, useful in poisoning.
Its paste is put on a hot pan, heated to a little higher temperature and applied over the chest of children to relieve chronic cough and asthma.
In case of fever due to Vata and Kapha imbalance, it is heated along with onion, tied in a pocket and heat is applied over the chest.
Bacopa monneira is extensively used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.
It is also used in Irritable bowel syndrome, allergic skin and respiratory conditions, and as an anti stress tonic.

Medicinal properties

Brahmi – medicinal properties
Rasa (taste) – Tikta – Bitter, Kashaya (astringent)
Guna (qualities)—Laghu (light to digest)
Vipaka – taste conversion after digestion- Madhura – sweet
Veerya – Sheeta – cold in potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Pitta.
Prabhava – Medhya (improves intelligence)

According to Bhojana Kutuhalam twelfth chapter, Brahmi is cold in potency, astringent and bitter in taste, alleviates vitiated vata, rakta and pitta dosha. It imparts wisdom, knowledge, memory and thereby increases lifespan.

There is another variety of brahmi with small and unctuous leaves and grows in water. This variety is bitter in taste, hot in potency, strengthening in nature, treats vitiated vata dosha and disorders caused by ama.

Sanskrit verse

Part used, dosage

Part used- whole plant
Dosage-
Fresh juice of Brahmi – 10-20 ml,
Brahmi powder – 2 – 3 grams in divided dose per day, is the adult dose.
Bacopa monneiri extract capsules in 25 mg – 500 mg size are also available. The dose of such capsules vary from 250 mg to 1 g per day.
In terms of leaves – leaf juice – 5 ml once or twice a day is the adult dose.

Brahmi dose as per age:
Your doctor is the best judge about this. 
From infants up to 5 years of age, rather than giving Brahmi in powder or capsule form, for children up to 5 years of age, it makes sense to give them Brahmi ghrita – an herbal ghee made with Brahmi and other ingredients.  Read more about Brahmi Ghritham. 
For this reason, Brahmi Ghrit is used as a part in boosting children’s immunity and for a brain improvement program called Swarna Bindu Prashana. 

For children from 5 – 12 years of age, Brahmi ghritham can be administered or
Brahmi powder / capsule can be administered in a dose of 250 mg per day.
Brahmi powder – 1 gram per day, after food at night. along with honey or ghee and water.

For 12 – 18 years of age –
Brahmi extract capsule – 250 mg, once or twice a day, after food, along with ghee or honey.
Powder – up to 2 grams per day.

For adults, 2500 – 500 mg, once or twice a day of Bacopa extract.
2 – 3 grams, once or twice a day after food.

Its decoction is advised in a dose of 25 – 50 ml per day. Its decoction is prepared by adding 1 tablespoon of powder to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to half a cup. Filtered. Consumed when hot.

Brahmi for children:

Is it recommended to use brahmi in any form to 1 year old and above children as a supplement to enhance cognitive power? If yes, suggest dosage and best method.
Brahmi – Bacopa monnieri is not usually administered directly in children. It is administered in the form of a soothing polyherbal combination such as –
Swarna Bindu Prashana – an immunity and brain power boosting Ayurvedic remedy 
Saraswatarishta – a fermented tea preparation, more suited for children above 3 years of age 
Brahmi ghrita or Saraswata ghrita – suitable in smaller doses of just a pea size per day. 

When is the right time to take Brahmi?
It is a tricky question. If you have sleep disturbances, consider taking it at night, after food
Some people with normal sleep feel disturbed sleep by taking Brahmi at night. They can take it along with half a teaspoon of ghee or it can be taken in the morning.
For improving alertness and concentration, it can be taken in the morning.

Usage duration:
Brahmi is safely used for a period of 3 – 4 months.

Brahmi with milk

Can a Brahmi capsule / tablet be taken with milk? If so, should it be taken with hot milk or cold milk?
Brahmi – is a rasayana herb. It has anti-aging properties. It is considered as medhya – improves brain functions such as memory, concentration, cognition etc.

Milk, containing a small amount of fat, is also explained to have anti aging properties.
So, Brahmi with milk is a good combination.

Brahmi is a coolant herb. Milk is also naturally cold. Taking Brahmi with cold milk will increase the coldness in the body. This is ideal for Pitta body type people, who feel hot all the time. But for Kapha and Vata dominant persons, Brahmi with hot milk is more suited. The hotness of the hot milk slightly decreases the natural coldness of the milk.

Other alternative co-drinks for Brahmi are –
Ghee, which is neither hot, nor cold, but it improves digestion strength
Cold or lukewarm water
Honey. Honey is slightly hot in nature and it ensures quick absorption and assimilation of Brahmi.
Ideal dose of a 250 mg Brahmi capsule or tablet is – 1 – 2 tablets – 1 – 2 times a day, before food.
It can be continued for a period of 1 – 2 months, based on the patient’s needs.

Research

Research on Bacopa monnieri:
When the proteins in our body malfunction – in the formform of misfolding or aggregation, it may result in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Diabetes type 2 or systemic amyloidosis depending on where the aggregation takes place.
A new research by Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) has claimed that Brahmi, can be very effective in preventing and repairing the misfolding and aggregation of proteins (source)

Brahmi and Gotu kola

Both have been told to have similar benefits. When it comes to improving memory and intelligence, Brahmi is better, but Gotu kola does not cause Pitta increase, as much as Brahmi.

Difference between Brahmi and Gotukola

Action on Pitta dosha

Does Brahmi increase Pitta Dosha? How can it increase Pitta, being a coolant? 
Dhanwantari Nighantu says, Brahmi is Saumya – coolant, Tikta – bitter, Deepana – improves digestion strength. Balances Vata and Kapha Dosha. Bitter herbs can improve appetite, when conditions are favorable, just like wind can ignite fire.

Shodala Nighantu says Brahmi is Tikta – bitter, Katu Vipaka – undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion. swarapittada – improves taste and improves Pitta. He further says that Gotu Kola is similar to Brahmi, but gotu kola does not increase Pitta to a great extent. With these, it can be concluded that, Brahmi can mildly increase Pitta Dosha.

But its action on Pitta or agni is not as intense as spicy sauces like Sambal. Here, Pitta increase should be understood as mild Pitta stimulation. That’s all.

Safety

Children, Pregnancy and lactation:
It is safe to take during pregnancy for a very short period of 2 – 4 weeks. It is safe to take  during lactation and in children above one year of age, in lower doses.

Side effects

Brahmi side effects:
It is best avoided in low heart rate conditions (bradycardia).
Because it acts as Deepana – digestive, it may not be tolerated well with people with sensitive stomachs or ulcers. For them, it is best to take it along with ghee.
Some people have reported dizziness after taking brahmi as a single herb in the form of capsule / tablet.

Does Brahmi cause excess heat?
It is a coolant. It does not cause any heat.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Diet to follow

Diet while taking Brahmi –
Ghee, coconut oil, Sunflower seed, almond, taro root, flaxseed oil, soyabean, pistachio,
Broccoli, carrots, chard, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers
Flax seeds, walnut, tofu, brussel sprout, cauliflower, winter squash, fish oil, egg oil, krill oil, chia seeds, Canola, camelia are fine to take.
There are no diet restrictions. Please avoid all types of junk foods and Sodas. Please prefer homemade food wherever possible. 

Ayurvedic medicines

Ayurvedic medicines with Brahmi as ingredient:
Brahmi Vati, Brahmi Ghrita, Saraswata Churna, Smriti Sagar Ras – are used in improving learning skills, memory, concentration and to treat depression.
Balark Ras – used in cough, fever, intestinal worm infestation in children
Krimi Kuthar Ras – used in intestinal worm infestation and anorexia
Saraswatarishta – useful as an all purpose anti aging tonic for all ages.

Brands –
Himalaya Brahmi – Is a decent product. Usually administered in a dose of 1 tablet 2 times a day after food for 1 – 2 months time.
Patanjali Brahmi Churna – is usually administered – half a teaspoon once or twice a day with water for 1 – 2 months time.

Brahmi juice for infants

Q: How to make brahmi juice for infants?
Dr Hebbar:
First of all, for any medicine or home remedies, especially for infants, please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly. Following online advice is potentially dangerous.
Brahmi fresh leaves – is crushed and juice is extracted. This can be used in a dose of 3 drops in the morning after the baby is at least 9 months old.

If you are not sure about the quality of brahmi juice (if it is infested, it can cause fever and other complications in children), then prepare a decoction – 1 teaspoon of crushed leaves of brahmi + 1 cup of water. Boil and reduce to half a cup. Give this – 10 drops in the morning.
Any of the above 2 can be continued for 2 – 3 months time, based on your doctor’s advice.

FAQs

Can this be taken without consulting a doctor?
No. It is always best to consult your doctor before taking any herb

How long does it take to start showing results?
Depends on the dosage and other products suggested with this. Usually 1 – 2 weeks time.

Can this product be taken along with Allopathic medicines (English medicines)?
Usually it is well tolerated with allopathic medicines. However, consult your doctor for the right advice. When English and Ayurvedic medicines are advised together, it is best to take English medicine first, give a gap of half an hour and then take Ayurvedic medicines.  

Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But an eye should be kept on the blood sugar level. Your doctor should help you in this regard. This product can reduce blood sugar levels.

It is sold in plastic bottles. Is it fine? 
If the quality of the bottle material is very good, it should not be a problem, if stored for a short period of time.

Can one take non vegetarian food while taking this medicine?
Yes, unless your practitioner has asked to avoid it.

Sanskrit Synonyms

Brahmi – the word is derived from the word Brahman, the Deity responsible for creation of the universe.
Saraswata / Saraswati – named after Goddess Saraswati – Deity for learning. This is because the herb is useful in improving learning skills and intelligence.
Aindri or Endri – grows in moist places, improves strength
Kapotavega,
Matsyakshi – Flowers of Brahmi resembles eyes of fish
Somavalli – Brahmi filled with good qualities
Vayastha – Brhami is very good rejuvenator
Toyavalli,,nirabrahmi – Grows near water resources

Vernacular Names

Hindi name – Barmi/ Jalanima
Telugu name – Sambarenu;
Bengali name – Birami
Tamil name -Neera Brahmi
Kannada name – Jala Brahmi
English name – Thyme leaved gratiola, Thyme leaved gladiola, water hyssop, Indian Pennywort, Herb of grace
Marathi name – Ghola

Sthanika karma (Action on Different Systems)

External application – Relieve edema, pain, and has anti poisonous effect
Internal administration
Nervous system – Improve intelligence, anti convulsive, Indicated in Epilepsy, Insanity etc.
Circulatory System – It is Bitter in taste so act as Blood purifier, Because of its hot potency it stimulate heart
Respiratory System – Because of its Bitter taste and Hot potency it alleviates kapha dosha and is good for Throat. Indicated in Cough, Hoarseness of voice
Excretory System – Being hot in nature it acts as a good diuretic, indicated in dysuria
Reproductive System- Good in menstrual disorders and aid fertility. Indicated in Dysmenorrhea, and in Infertility.
Skin – Stimulate sweat glands, Relieve itching and other skin disorders
Anti toxic, indicated in fever and in general debility.
Digestive system – Indicated in indigestion and low digestive strength

Classical Categorization

Charaka Sahmita –
Prajasthapana – a group of herbs useful in stabilizing the pregnancy.
Balya – strength and immunity improving group of herbs.

Varieties

Ra . Ni – Brhmi , Ksudra patra brahmi
Often the term Brahmi is also used in relation to Gotu Kola. This is because both have similar qualities. But with the term Brahmi, Bacopa monnieri is the more suitable herb to use. Gotu kola is more commonly called MandukaParni.

Distribution

Common in moist places throughout India, near ponds, riverside etc. Also seen in Srilankha and Singapore

Morphology

Succulent, Spreading, prostrate, creeping, glabrous annual herb
Leaves – Simple, opposite, decussate, fleshy.
Flowers – Axillary, solitary on long slender pedicels of varying lengths
Whitish, or pale bluish in color
Fruits – Capsules Ovoid
Seeds – Oblong, minute and many

Does stopping Brahmi suddenly cause side effects?

Ashwagandha Brahmi and Shankhapushpi

Can Ashwagandha be taken along with Brahmi and Shankhapushpi? 
Dr JV Hebbar 
Short answer is, yes; these three can be combined. 

At the outset, all are useful to improve brain functions, memory, concentration and intelligence. But when we dig deep, this combination is useful in a wide variety of illnesses. 
 

Let us slice and dice this combination to arrive at where exactly this combination is more useful  and where it is not. 
1. Strength and immunity – Ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi are explained as Balaprada and Balada. Ashwagandha is Pushtiprada – improves body nourishment. To fight fatigue, muscle wasting and to improve immunity in chronic disorders, to relieve tiredness due to long illness, this combination is useful. 
Ashwagandha is kshayahara – useful in treating muscle wasting, emaciation, post tubercular treatment to improve muscle mass and strength
Ashwagandha is explained as Vranaan hanti – useful to bring about quick wound healing. After an injury due to a fall or road traffic accident, this combination can be helpful. 

2. Aphrodisiac – Both Ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi are Vrushya and Vaajikari. Ashwagandha is Ati Shukrala – improves semen quantity and quality. 
3. Anti Aging, cell rejuvenation – All three herbs are explained Rasayani, Vayasthapani – These improve life expectancy, anti aging, elixir. After a long term illness, this combination can be very useful. 
4. Anti inflammatory – Ashwagandha and Brahmi are explained as shophahara. Whenever there is inflammation due to injury, or due to chronic illness, chronic respiratory disorders, asthma, this combination is useful. 
5. Cough, cold, asthma – Ashwagandha and Brahmi are explained as Shwasara, kasahara. This combination is useful to relieve inflammation, asthma, cough and cold. 

6. Diabetes and hypertension – All three herbs are useful in both these conditions. 
8. Intelligence: Brahmi and Shankhapushpi are intelligence and memory. 
Shankhapushpi is explained as medhya – Paste of Shankhapushpi improves memory and intelligence
Smrutiprada – improves memory. Hence useful in Alzheimer’s disease,
dementia and in students seeking memory improvement. 
9. Psychiatric disorders: 
Brahmi is Unmada vinashini – useful in psychiatric disorders    
Shankhapushpi is explained as Unmada, Bhutaghna – useful in psychiatric disorders

Manasarogahrut – useful in mental disorders, depression

Summing up: 

Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Shankhapushpi together are: 
Very useful in improving memory, concentration, strength, immunity, muscle strength, to promote life expectancy, to delay aging and to treat irritable bowel syndrome, weak digestion strength, mania, schizophrenia and depression 

Moderately useful in – wound healing, cold, cough, asthma, to improve digestion strength, 
Somewhat useful – to improve sleep, voice, speech and to treat epilepsy, fever, vomiting. 

How to take it?
There are many medicines with these three herbs together. For example, 
Shankhapushpi syrup / Bravobol syrup / Brahmi Power Granules– Adult dose is 1 teaspoon once or twice a day after food with milk or water. 
Divya Medha Vati tablet / Dimag Paushtik Rasayan Tablet / Sunidra Tablet/ Brenkam tablet / Memtone tablet 1 at night after food. 

All these contain the above three, along with many other ingredients. Please consult a doctor before taking any of the above products. 

Side effects: Ashwagandha, in some people may cause diarrhea / constipation, stomach upset or anxiety. 
Brahmi in some people increases alertness and hence, is not useful for some people with insomnia. 

Brahmi for brain power

Which is the best liquid to consume with Brahmi for brain power? 
Dr JV Hebbar 
Brahmi is available in the form of tablet, capsule or powder in the market. If your Ayurvedic doctor has advised Brahmi to you, then below are a few liquids that go well with it. 
The type of liquid depends on the purpose for which Brahmi is advised.  

Sleep problems, memory and concentration – The main purpose for which Brahmi is used is, to improve focus, memory and concentration.The problems with focus and concentration are often caused by increase of Vata and Pitta Doshas and lack of Kapha dosha. Here, you need a stabilizing, calming, brain soothing liquid to go with Brahmi. Ideally this liquid should be having memory and concentration improving effects and also it should balance Vata and Pitta doshas. Ghee is such a liquid. 
Adult dose for this purpose is – 1 tablet / capsule or 2 grams of Brahmi with a teaspoon of ghee, mixed and taken with a cup of lukewarm water, usually at night, 15 minutes before food, usually advised till 1 month. 
Warm milk is an alternative to ghee.  
Read: Ayurvedic Medicines For Memory: When And How To Take?

Intelligence, mental sharpness, mental alertness, laziness, procrastination – These are the circumstances in which you want to have stimulating effect, as opposed to calming effect explained earlier. Here, you need something which decreases Kapha and stimulates some amount of Vata and Pitta. If this is the purpose, then Brahmi is often advised along with a teaspoon of honey or along with 1 – 2 teaspoons of Saraswatarishta liquid. Saraswatarishta is a brain stimulating Ayurvedic tonic. 
Buy good quality Saraswatarishtam from Easy Ayurveda Shop

Sometimes, brain fog, sluggishness in mood, thoughts etc. can also be caused due to very weak digestion strength. If this is the case, then Brahmi can be advised along with spice mixes like Trikatu, a combination of black pepper, ginger and long pepper fruit. 
Read: Ways To Improve Knowledge, Intelligence As Per Sushruta

For example, 2 grams of brahmi mixed with 1 gram of Trikatu, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, paste is made and swallowed with a cup of cold water. But care should be taken as people with sensitive stomach may not tolerate Trikatu well. If that is the case, then cumin can be a substitute for that. 
Read: My Child’s Intelligence Is Decreasing. 9 Tips To Improve 

For speech improvement – Usually brahmi is not advised alone for this purpose. It is often advised along with Saraswata ghrita. Saraswata ghrita contains Vacha as the main ingredient, which is very beneficial in correcting or stimulating speech centers of the brain 

Another opinion about the above question is, rather than using Brahmi alone, it is always best to use a poly-herbal Ayurvedic medicine, based on the specific disease or purpose. 
Read: Role of Vata Dosha And Its Types In Speech And Voice