Bacopa
Other Names: Brahmi, Bacopa, Bacopa monniera, Bacopa monnieri, Herb of Grace, Herpestis Herb, Herpestis monniera, Hysope d’Eau, Indian Pennywort, Jalanimba, Jal-Brahmi, Jalnaveri, Nira-Brahmi, Moniera cuneifolia, Sambrani Chettu, Thyme-Leave Gratiola, Water Hyssop.
Brahmi is a plant that has been used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Be careful not to confuse brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) with gotu kola and other natural medicines that are also sometimes called brahmi.
See also : Brahmi Oil
Special Precautions of Bacopa
- Be careful not to confuse brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) with gotu kola and other natural medicines that are also sometimes called brahmi.
- Brahmi is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when used appropriately and short-term, up to 12 weeks. Common side effects include increased bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue.
- Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Not enough is known about the use of brahmi during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Brahmi might slow down the heart beat. This could be a problem in people who already have a slow heart rate.
- Gastrointestinal tract blockage: Brahmi might cause “congestion” in the intestines. This might cause problems in people who have a blockage in their intestines.
- Ulcers: Brahmi might increase secretions in the stomach and intestines. There is concern that this could worsen ulcers.
- Lung conditions: Brahmi might increase fluid secretions in the lung. There is concern that this could worsen lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema.
- Urinary tract obstruction: Brahmi might increase secretions in the urinary tract. There is concern that this could worsen urinary obstruction.
The benefits of Bacopa are
Bacopa is a creeping perennial herb that thrives in wetlands and on muddy shores. Its therapeutic use has its origins in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for its adaptogenic, tranquilizing, and antioxidant properties. The herb can be found in Nepal, China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam, and some regions in the U.S. such as Hawaii, Florida, and other southern states. Bacopa (also called Bacopa monnieri or Brahmi) thrives easily around ponds or bog gardens.
Bacopa has been used in India for thousands of years for both traditional and medicinal purposes. Notably, Indians used Bacopa in religious consecration ceremonies for infants, because the herb was believed to open a gateway to intelligence for the child.
Researchers may first have been intrigued by Bacopa monnieri because of the effect they believed it may have on ancient shamans, who reportedly used the herb to help them memorize epic poems. Researchers theorized that perhaps the Bacopa plant enhanced the shamans' brain function and improved their memory, concentration, and recall.
Bacopa is also used to treat:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Epilepsy (Seizure)
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Mental Deficiency
- Bacopa May Also Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
- may also prevent long-term cognitive decline.
- It possesses exhibiting anti-parkinsonian activity significantly by enhancing the dopamine post-synaptic receptor activity.
