Know the Ayurvedic Importance & Benefits of Brahmi

2022-01-04 18:50:07

Brahmi has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for centuries. As the name suggests, the word Brahmi is derived from Brahma, named on the basis of the deity who is known for the origin of the universe. Brahmi is a perennial herb and grows spontaneously in aquatic places such as near rivers, streams, ponds due to which Brahmi is also known as Jalanimbu. White colored unisexual flowers bloom on its plants in clusters. The botanical name of Brahmi is Bacopa monnieri. 

Importance of Brahmi in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda,  Brahmi is a wonderful herb and is also mentioned in various religious and ancient Ayurvedic books. Many diseases are treated with its help. It is bitter in taste. Due to its bitter taste like neem, it is also called Jalneem. It is especially beneficial in brain related diseases. The leaves of Brahmi are mentioned in Charaka Samhita to cure many diseases and to increase one's intelligence and strength. Hence, Brahmi is known as a brain booster. It helps to balance the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha but most of it is used to cure diseases caused by phlegm i.e, Pitta. According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Brahmi is used for various purposes such as providing nourishment to the hair, eyes, nose diseases, throat diseases, cough, blood disorders and heart related diseases. Brahmi leaves are bitter and also beneficial in bronchitis. It improves metabolism and digestion.

Benefits and uses of Brahmi

Brahmi increase Memory Power-

Brahmi is known as a natural antioxidant. It plays a neuroprotective role in brain development and is used to increase mental capacity. It helps in increasing concentration, understanding, knowledge and alertness. Therefore, the powder of Brahmi can be taken with milk or ghee. 

Remove Alzheimer's with Brahmi-

Alzheimer's is a brain disease in which the memory of the person becomes weak. In this case, consuming Brahmi powder proves to be effective because it has antioxidant, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties improve brain function. For this, regularly boiling one to two spoons of Brahmi powder in milk and drinking it after cooling it provides relief in brain disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia. 

Brahmi removes insomnia-

Brahmi removes the problem of insomnia and improves night's sleep. It contains the substance melatonin, which enhances sleep. It is very beneficial for people suffering from irregular sleep problems. Apart from this, consumption of brahmi oil also helps a lot in increasing the efficiency of blood vessels. 

Use of Brahmi to relieve anxiety, depression, stress-

The powder and leaves of Brahmi help in reducing headache due to anxiety, fatigue, tension etc. because active ingredients are found in Brahmi which have a positive effect on the hormonal balance of the body. As a result, there is relief in anxiety, tension, fatigue, headache etc. and it also helps to subside the side effects of traditional medicines. For this, 2-3 leaves of Brahmi should be chewed at any time of the day. Apart from this, consuming Thandai made from Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Badamgiri and Cardamom provides relief from anxiety and fatigue.

Helpful in preventing hair fall-

Brahmi oil is beneficial in any type of hair problem. The nutrients present in it work to make the hair healthy and strengthen them. Apart from this, brahmi oil is easily absorbed in the scalp and helps in improving blood circulation and hair growth which makes it easy to treat hair fall. Regular use of it reduces hair fall and makes hair thick and strong. 

Uses of Brahmi for skin-

Brahmi is very good for the skin. It works to take care of the skin's health. The antioxidant present in it removes skin related problems. Along with this, the antifungal and antibacterial properties present in it are also very beneficial for the skin. By applying Brahmi oil on the skin, the problem of fine lines, acne, wrinkles and aging is removed. This oil improves the elasticity of the skin and maintains its moisture level. 

Beneficial in pain and swelling-

Brahmi has analgesic and antispasmodic properties which helps to relieve muscle spasm and pain. Therefore, massaging the affected muscles with Brahmi oil reduces the feeling of fatigue and the muscles also feel relaxed. Apart from this, the antinociceptive property found in Brahmi works as a pain reliever due to this property, Brahmi is used as a treatment for neuropathic pain conditions.

Beneficial for respiratory health-

The extract (rasa) of Brahmi is rich in antioxidants and adaptogenic properties with the effect of which Brahmi helps in relieving ailments like bronchitis, sinus and asthma. Bronchitis causes irritation and inflammation of the trachea which causes difficulty in breathing. Brahmi removes the problems in breathing by opening the blocked nose. It increases the ability of the lungs to take in oxygen. Apart from this, the muscles of the respiratory system are strengthened by the use of Brahmi oil that is why Brahmi is used in inhalers and medicines for cold.

Helpful in eliminating toxins-

Brahmi helps the body to eliminate toxins. Massaging with brahmi oil is a great way to remove harmful toxins and dirt from the skin. This oil works as a detoxifier and skin cleanser. 

Effective in promoting immune health-

Antioxidants and nutrients present in sufficient amounts in Brahmi help the body's immune system to fight against many diseases. In addition, brahmi extract (juice) or tea made from the leaves acts as an antioxidant activity. It also protects the body from oxidation due to which the immunity of the body improves.

How to use Brahmi?

• Its leaves can be boiled in water and used as a decoction.
• The paste of Brahmi leaves also helps in reducing inflammation.
• Brahmi oil is used for joint pain and headache.
• Paste of Brahmi leaves applied on the neck and chest is very effective in cough and pneumonia.
• The juice of Brahmi leaves is given under the supervision of a physician to relieve diarrhea in children.
• Drinking tea made from Brahmi leaves containing honey has a positive effect on the mind.

Take these precautions while using Brahmi-

• People with sensitive skin should use Brahmi oil only after doing a patch test on the face and hair because they may be allergic to this oil.
• Excessive consumption of Brahmi can cause problems like abdominal cramps and nausea along with diarrhea.
• Pregnant women and those planning to start a family should use Brahmi only on the advice of a specialist.