Bacopa monnieri is, hands down, one of the most important Ayurvedic medicines that you can find. Bacopa has a number of different uses and applications. In this article, we will explain some of the most powerful benefits of bacopa monnieri in Ayurveda.
Essential Facts about Bacopa Monnieri
Names
- Botanical: Bacopa monnieri
- Sanskrit & Hindi: Brahmi (named after Brahma, the deity which presides over the local universe)
- Other: Thyme leaved gratiola, Water hyssop, Indian pennywort, Herb of grace, Cosmic Consciousness
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Astringent, bitter and sweet
- Guna (qualities): Light
- Virya (action): Cooling
- Vipaka (post-digestive effects): Sweet
- Dosha (constitution): Balances pitta, kapha and vata (when taken in proper dosage)
Habitat
Bacopa is native to the wetlands of Southern India. It has numerous branches that grow especially in wet and marshy places.
Description
Bacopa is a perennial herb that can grow up to 6 inches in height with branches that creep along the ground. Bacopa has small, coin-shaped green leaves that grow in clusters and small white and purple flowers.
Parts Used
Whole plant, although the leaves are often used
Medicinal Uses of Bacopa Monnieri in Ayurveda
Enhances Cognitive Ability
One of the most widely known uses for bacopa is its ability to help boost cognitive ability. In fact, it’s been nicknamed Cosmic Consciousness for its reputation as the most powerful natural nootropics – substances that help to expand the faculties of memory, reasoning, logical thinking, and other cognitive abilities.
Bacopa has been used to enhance cognitive health for hundreds of years in Ayurveda, and western science has proven its efficacy in a number of studies.
Fights Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s initial response to a perceived threat or an infection. It signifies to the immune system that a certain area is at risk and needs attention.
Unfortunately, in the case of chronic inflammation, people experience inflammation even when it is not needed. This can lead to the development of illnesses and disease.
Fortunately, bacopa monnieri has been shown to be quite useful for helping to ward off inflammation. It does this by preventing your body from releasing cytokines that cause inflammation.
Fights Anxiety
Another one of the most popular bacopa leaf benefits is the reduction of anxiety. Brahmi has shown fantastic potential for helping people to reduce the stress and anxiety of daily life, and it has even been reported to be great for helping people who struggle with more serious generalized or social anxiety.
One of the ways that it does this is by reducing the amount of cortisol produced by the body. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for causing stress.
Increases Focus and Fights ADHD
Bacopa is able to help increase an individual’s focus, and could potentially be useful for combatting symptoms of ADHD. The enhanced focus could also increase your capacity to meditate or perform yoga for extended periods of time.
Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Chronic high blood pressure can lead to a number of cardiovascular concerns, and over time can increase the risk of developing serious heart disease.
Fortunately, Ayurvedic herbs like bacopa can help your body regulate blood pressure. The herb helps to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, an important compound that helps to expand the body’s blood vessels.
May Fight Cancer
Bacopa is loaded with antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative damage and disarm free radicals. Free radicals and oxidation can both contribute to cancer.
Bacopa can also directly affect cancer cells that have already begun to attack the body. Some of the active compounds in Brahmi, known as bacosides, have been shown to slow or kill cancer cells.
Usage and Dosage of Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa is one of the most powerful Ayurvedic medicines, and the list of bacopa leaf benefits confirms this. If you’re looking to incorporate Bacopa into your diet, consider taking 1-2 teaspoons of Chyawanprash each morning. This powerful ancient Ayurvedic tonic contains Bacopa leaf as well as many other nutrient dense herbs and spices.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
