Brahmi Oil

Brahmi oil is a herb infusion of the Brahmi herb in any base oil. Actually, there are two herbs which are known as Brahmi. Generally both of them are used to make this herbal oil. Brahmi oil has been used since ancient times to boost hair growth. It is also a nervous tonic for the brain and the nervous system when massaged onto the scalp. Brahmi oil offers many powerful health benefits.

Composition

This herbal oil is prepared from one or both the Brahmi herbs.These are :

• Bacopa Monnieri - This herb improves memory and cognitive function. It also has neuroprotective effects. Brahmi Essential oil is an essential oil obtained from steam distillation of Bacopa monnieri leaves. It is a much stronger oil, and can be used as a few drops in base oils, like olive, sesame and coconut oils.
• Centella Asiatica - This herb is commonly known as Gotu Kola. It may have health benefits in preventing cancer and life extension, but they haven’t been proved.
• The herb Amla is also used in some products to make Amla – Brahmi oil. Amla, or Indian gooseberry is a common Indian fruit renowned for preventing the hair from hair fall and premature greying.

The herb leaves are collected and boiled in a base oil. Due to slow heating, the oil soluble nutrients pass into the oil. It is filtered after some time to create Brahmi Oil. These are the commonly used base oils.

• Butter Oil – Ghee is traditionally used to extract Brahmi oil.
• Sesame Oil – This oil is revered in Ayurveda and is commonly used to make Brahmi oil.
• Coconut oil – This oil is also used for producing Brahmi Oil.

Special Precautions of Brahmi Oil

• This oil is only for topical application and not meant for oral consumption. Brahmi oil can mild side effects, like nausea and vomiting if ingested. However, the oil may be fatal in large doses. The herb Bacopa monnieri has an LD 50 of 2400 mg/kg which is the lethal dose.
• Brahmi oil should not be pregnant women, nursing women and children. There is no data about the interactions of medication with brahmi, or its oil. So, one should consult the doctor before using this herbal oil during a treatment period.

Health Benefits and uses of Brahmi Oil are

Brahmi oil possesses the therapeutic properties of the base oil and the healing properties of Brahmi herbs. This makes it quite powerful.

• As a Hair Oil : Brahmi oil is one of the best natural remedies for slow hair growth and other hair conditions. It can be applied directly on the hair as a leave in conditioner, or as a hot oil scalp massage. When this oil is applied, it cools the scalp and provides relief from itching and irritation. It soothes the scalp and improves the condition of hair in a few weeks.
  • It prevents hair fall. Regular application of Brahmi oil can boost hair growth. This is helpful for people who want to accelerate their hair growth.
  • It prevents premature greying of hair, especially in combination with Amla.
  • It strengthens hair roots by providing them nutrition and antioxidant protection from free radicals.
  • Reduces dandruff and flakiness on scalp.
• As a Natural Sleep Remedy : People who are unable to sleep or suffer from insomnia can get relief by using this oil. There are two ways to use Brahmi oil to induce sleep.
  • Add few drops of Brahmi essential oil to bath water and take a warm water bath.
  • Massage the scalp with warm Brahmi oil. Continue the scalp massage for about 10 minutes to experience a sleepy, relaxed state of the body.
• Calms Anxiety : Brahmi essential oil can be used to calm anxiety. It can be diffused in the air inside using a vaporizer or an oil burner. Alternatively, one can deeply inhale brahmi essential oil to relieve anxious feelings.
• Treat an Ulcer : The herb Bacopa monnieri has the ability to relieve a mouth ulcer. If an ulcer breaks out, apply a small amount of brahmi oil on it. This oil protects it from the sting caused by food and also promotes healing of the ulcer.
• Scalp Massage Health Benefits : A scalp massage using Brahmi oil has many more health benefits than just for the hair.
  • It reduces stress and mental exhaustion.
  • It promotes sleep.
  • It improves concentration and memory power. The person is able to remember much more information. It can help adults deal with memory related conditions like dementia.
  • It alleviates epilepsy. Regular massage with this oil tones the nerves and the brain. Frequency of epileptic seizures are reduced.
• Joint Pain Relief : Brahmi oil is strongly anti-inflammatory. One can apply it to alleviate pain and inflammation in a joint, or in other parts of the body. One can massage it to alleviate common pains like joint pain, back pain, headache and the like. It also has an analgesic effect which provides temporary relief from pain.
• Alzheimer’s disease : Brahmi herb has shown promise in Alzheimer’s disease as it boosts cognitive function. However, it is not certain whether the simple technique of scalp massage can provide this health benefit.
• Alertness : Brahmi herb boosts blood flow to the brain. This is a long term process in which the brain regularly gets more blood supply when Brahmi oil is massaged. Although the oil induces a calming sensation during the scalp massage, it improves the alertness of the person during the day, or when needed.
• Abdominal Massage : Applying brahmi oil on the abdomen can help a person pass intestinal gas. This alleviates gas pain, indigestion and upset stomach.