Change is a natural part of life, but it can be stressful at times, depleting our reserves.
WHAT IS BRAHMI?
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is an Ayurvedic herb that has been traditionally used to support memory, reduce anxiety and build stamina. It's action is targeted especially to the nervous system.
I love all ancient healing approaches, and also love to see how science supports what the ancient sages and barefoot healers knew long ago.
So, how does Brahmi work? Two viewpoints are in harmony:
The Western view: Brahmi contains neuroprotective substances that help to protect the brain from free radical damage
The Traditional Ayurvedic view: In Ayurveda, the sense of agitation and feeling mentally scattered that we associate with stress, is due to excessive upward energy of Vata (air/ether) accumulating in the brain. Herbs have a directional action (as one aspect of their multidimensional qualities) and this effect is to move this vata energy downward to it's "home" which creates a sense of balance and naturally reducing accumulated toxins.
Now, would you like to try Brahmi?
Here is a summary of 5 benefits of taking Brahmi:
Adaptogen: Improves energy and vitality during times of prolonged stress
Antioxidant: Contains bacosides that have been shown to protect tissues from damage by free radicals
Sedative: Has calming properties, beneficial for anxiety, agitation and insomnia
Neuroprotective: Has been shown to protect brain neurons from damage, and to protect the hippocampus (memory processing area) of the brain in animal studies
Detoxifying: Ama, or toxic matter, accumulates in the body with prolonged stress. Brahmi helps to reduce this accumulation of ama.
HOW TO TAKE BRAHMI
Brahmi is commonly used in these forms:
To get the best benefits from Brahmi, take 3 times daily for 2 weeks or more.
Extract: Use per bottle instructions
Capsules: Be sure to use whole herb
Herbalized Ghee: Brahmi herb is infused in ghee. Ayurvedic principle say that this oily base helps the herb target the fatty tissue of the nervous system
As with any type of healing intervention, you will receive the best benefits by incorporating more restful and restorative lifestyle changes, even a small change like getting more sleep or a short walk everyday, can help.
Sources:
Dispensing with Tradition, by Anne McIntyre
Evaluation of antioxidant activity of two important memory enhancing medicinal plants Baccopa monnieri and Centella asiatica