Among the long list of herbal cognitive enhancement remedies which have gained popularity in recent years, the ancient Bacopa supplement is most-often connected with stress relief.
Originally a folk medicine consumed as a soothing tea in India, Bacopa Monnieri can now be found within very sophisticated nootropic wellness stacks, and with good reason.
We now understand how Bacopa is able to support brain chemistry to cut stress symptoms before they become legitimate physical health issues. Bacopa can also improve focus and memory.
Let’s explore how this very old herbal remedy is being applied to very modern neurological conditions. We’ll also cover important side effects warnings, and offer a few safe alternatives to achieve similar results.



- Increases communication between neurons
- Supports memory, focus & cognition
- Reduces anxiety & stress
Why Bacopa Is Hot Right Now – Benefits
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It’s not a big mystery why people are interested in trying Bacopa in modern times.
While this herb has been in use for thousands of years, the benefits of a Bacopa supplement are incredibly relevant to contemporary life.
Bacopa is primarily a stress reliever. It makes stress easier to deal with from both emotional and physical perspectives. Bacopa can soothe agitated emotions, help make sense of chaotic thoughts, and brighten mood considerably.
In addition, Bacopa herbs also soothe the physical ailments which seem to follow mental and emotional stress. These might include an upset stomach, a tension headache, or more severe conditions like high blood pressure. Bacopa can be a part of an effective anti-anxiety and anti-depression therapy – when taken daily.
Unfortunately, all of these benefits can be quite mild if Bacopa is only taken as a standalone supplement. Full benefits may take months or even a year to become noticeable. The best option is to include Bacopa along with other nootropic supplements.
We see this usage quite frequently, and Bacopa has even made it into the ingredient list of popular branded products like Alpha Brain. In Alpha Brain, Bacopa’s stress relieving qualities are strongly amplified by the synergistic combination of other ingredients, such as the Nerve Growth Factor agent Huperzine A.
The total effect of products like this is an extreme boost to concentration paired with a extreme reduction in stress, a very winning formula.
How Bacopa Supplement Effects Work
These great Bacopa supplement effects work via a triple-tiered approach. First, the active components in Bacopa, known as bacosides, work to raise the efficiency of nerve communication by lifting kinase activity.
Next, Bacopa reduces interfering stress signals by activating GABA, the body’s natural mechanism for quelling over-firing nerves.
Finally, Bacopa increases the amount of dopamine and serotonin available in the brain, promoting peaceful, yet energized emotional states. The total effect of all of these mechanisms is lowered stress, and brighter mood.
Bacopa’s Original Use In Ayurveda
Long before scientists understood Bacopa’s mechanisms for improving emotional balance in the brain, traditional cultures employed the Bacopa supplement in much the same way.
In Ayurveda medicine, the Hindu-based alternative medicine system which ties emotion and personality traits to physical conditions, Bacopa Monnieri is known as simply “the herb of grace.” It has been widely dispensed as a mentally soothing, balance-inducing, pain reliever since as early as 5000 BCE.
Bacopa is prescribed within this tradition to ease over-excited levels of “pitta” – the energy category, or “dosha,” associated with inflamed, hot angry characteristics. By cooling and calming pitta energy, Bacopa is thought to bring all systems of the body, including digestion, circulation, and cognition, into a relaxed state.
Today, there are countless medications on the market which seek to calm frayed nerves and help wild thoughts get under control. In fact, ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin make an attempt to help patients collect thoughts in much the same way – by regulating and promoting dopamine. However, these medications do not possess the calming GABA effects that Bacopa displays.
Side Effects Warnings
For the most part, a Bacopa supplement is considered safe. In fact while the FDA has not yet given Bacopa the GRAS generally regarded as safe) rating, it does consider Bacopa to be safe when used as a “dietary supplement” under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.
When taken in very large amounts, Bacopa can become too sedative. This can result in difficulty staying awake, or even low blood pressure problems. It should not be taken in conjunction with other anti-depressants or blood pressure medications.
Best Modern Source of a Bacopa Supplement
The most effective way to consume a Bacopa supplement is within a proven nootropic stack, such as Alpha Brain. There is no danger of overdose, while positive effects are said to onset quickly.
The total effect of products like these is an overall boost to concentration, heightened mental acuity, and a general reduction in the perception of stress along with the physical symptoms that accompany stress. All of these benefits are among the original reasons that people began consuming Bacopa herbs thousands of years ago.
Today, you can have all of those benefits and more, as part of a thoughtful and safe mental health regimen.
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Article last updated on: April 27th, 2018 by Nootriment