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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.

A 225 mg tablet of Bacopa taken up to 3 times daily is recommended by many health practitioners, although consultation with a qualified herbalist is advised to determine your ideal dosage. To be most effective, Bacopa extract is usually taken in the recommended dosage daily for 12 weeks.

In low doses, Bacopa is mild and non-addictive. Although overdose is uncommon, Bacopa has been known to be toxic in very high doses, so caution is advised. However, it is reported that any symptoms of toxicity will immediately subside once Bacopa supplementation is discontinued. Bacopa is relatively inexpensive and can be found at health food stores and through a variety of online retailers.