Bacopa Monnieri Uses: Medicinal, Traditional and Nootropic

The many Bacopa Monnieri uses for overall wellness are well-established in Ayurveda medicine.

Even though it has been long prescribed as an antidote for various physical conditions like joint aches and pains and epilepsy, Bacopa Monnieri is mainly known as a memory enhancer.

In fact, Indian children are routinely given Bacopa to ensure their success in school.

Is there science to back up this tradition? It looks like there is. As Bacopa Monnieri products like Alpha Brain gain in popularity, research is stacking up to prove that Bacopa can indeed enhance cognitive function, while also improving anxiety, stress, and depression-related conditions.

Let’s take a look at how to use Bacopa Monnieri to improve memory and quality of life.

Bacopa Monnieri

Natural Nootropic

Brain Function

Memory

Stress

How It Works:

• Increases communication between neurons
• Supports memory, focus & cognition
• Reduces anxiety & stress

Dosage:

Between 50 - 500mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Traditional Bacopa Monnieri Uses

You’d have to sort through a long list of Bacopa Monnieri uses before finding the main reason that the remedy has endured from its ancient origins to today.

As a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, it has had many physical applications relating to both chronic pain and acute wounds.

Its noted ability to cut stress and anxiety place it in a category of medicines called adaptogens, which are known to block stress messages in the brain before they trigger responses.

It has also been used to improve bowel problems, and boost sexual health. The most common use for this herb is as a cognitive booster, by giving the brain the chemical building blocks it needs to maintain and operate the structures required for long and short term memory.

How Does Bacopa Improve Memory?

What’s the chemistry that fuels the many Bacopa Monnieri uses? Much like the nootropic Piracetam, Bacopa improves the brain’s ability to communicate via neurons and synapses. Aiding this network of trillions of structures, all connected by elaborate pathways, Bacopa infuses neural tissue with several key chemicals which help this network thrive.

Bacopa’s main component is Bacoside A. This compound works to improve the rate of synaptic communication, or synaptogenesis, encouraging information to flow more efficiently. By stimulating the hippocampus, Bacoside A assists in the formation and retrieval of long-term memories.

Bacopa also leads to increase release of serotonin in the brainn. This key hormone is known to induce feelings of calm, pleasant focus – the opposite of high strung stress reactions. Dopamine loss is also regulated, creating a more balanced flow of mental energy.

Dopamine, in addition to creating feelings of euphoria and mental energy, can cause hyperactive mental “spikes” when its amounts are too erratic. Bacopa helps to curb this phenomenon.

Bacopa promotes the release of the enzyme Tryptophan Hydroxylase (TPH2). This compound is related to the amino acid Tyrptophan, which is well-known for reducing symptoms of anxiety. The TPH2 enzyme is necessary for the conversion of Tryptophan into serotonin. By increasing levels of serotonin, Bacopa promotes a feeling of relaxation for the user, reducing the effects of anxiety attacks.

Is Bacopa Monnieri Use Safe?

The primary side effect associated with all Bacopa Monnieri uses is stomach upset. This light nausea or stomach pain is a mild condition which should pass quickly.

It does not seem to occur in formulations like Alpha Brain when Bacopa is stacked with other nootropics.

If you are currently taking prescription anti-depressants like Zoloft or Lexapro, you should not take Bacopa as it may interfere with your medication.

Also, if you have gastrointestinal issues, a liver condition, or heart arrhythmias, you should abstain from Bacopa use. In rare cases, Bacopa has caused blockage of the GI and urinary tracts through secretions.

If you are concerned about any of these risks, perhaps consider trying another nootropic supplement to enhance memory, such as a racetam.

The racetam most commonly taken for anxiolytic effects is Aniracetam. Another excellent nootropic for anxiety symptom support is Noopept, however this supplement is recommended for people who are looking for a more relaxing, restful break from anxiety effects, as opposed to when anxiety is interfering with work and busy activity.

Best Dosage

No matter which of the uses of Bacopa Monnieri you are interested in, the correct dosage for this herbal remedy remains the same. At 300 mg per day, Bacopa is safe and effective for all people of all ages, including children. There will be some variation in how long it takes for you to feel the full effects of the supplement, based upon your individual body chemistry.

If effects are delayed by an hour or so, do not take more Bacopa, simply be patient and the supplement’s many benefits will soon arrive.

When Bacopa is added to other nootropics in a stack, such as in the product Alpha Brain, total onset of effects is reported to occur much more quickly. Whichever route you choose, anxiety-free relaxation and improved memory will soon be yours.

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