Using Brahmi Leaves Benefits, Preparation & Recipes

Brahmi plant leaves have been used as a staple in Indian folk medicine traditions for countless generations. Why?

This creeping vine known as Bacopa Monnieri, native to marshy and tropical climates throughout Southeast Asia, is purported to instantly soothe the mind, providing stress relief and a host of other cognitive benefits.

Today, modern nootropic science looks at how natural compounds like those found in Brahmi leaves interact with complex neural biochemistry. In this review of Brahmi’s uses, benefits, and side effects, we’ll take a look at how this ancient herb can be applied to modern cognitive enhancement.

We’ll also look at some effective brain supplements which employ many of the same mechanisms.

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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Historical Use of Brahmi Plant Leaves

In Ayurvedic medicine, personality traits, emotions, and physical bodily conditions are organized into three general categories known as doshas.

Medicine, in the form of herbal therapies, is prescribed according to dosha type. Brahmi is used as an antidote for excessive pitta dosha energy.

This category includes physical conditions like metabolism, body temperature, and digestion. It also covers emotional conditions such as stress and anger.

In Ayurveda, when pitta is out of balance, a person might feel hot – both physically and emotionally. The Brahmi herb is one strategy for “cooling off” a stress-related emotional imbalance.

It has a sedative quality which can soothe nerves and restore calm emotions. Brahmi plant leaves can be chewed for these effects, or prepared in a topical oil.

Brahmi Mind Effects

There was little scientific literature available for Ayurvedic remedies like this for countless thousands of years. Today, we have a more complex understanding of how herbs like Brahmi work.

Now we know that Brahmi stimulates the release of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which trigger feelings of mental focus and emotional calm. Brahmi plant leaves can also improve synaptic transmission efficacy through the release of the compound Bacoside A.

Better brain communication overall can make it easier for the body to manage chemical stress triggers. None of these effects, are instant, however. Brahmi leaves are not an extremely efficient method for managing brain chemistry, and may take weeks, months, or even a year of use for its effects to take hold and become noticeable.

This may have been acceptable in more slower-paced ancient cultures, but waiting a year for effects to manifest is not an option for modern society. For this reason, many people look for Brahmi-like benefits through other brain supplements which are more fast-acting.

Brahmi Benefits for Stress Reduction

Given enough time, Brahmi plant leaves will produce noticeable stress reduction. Its physical benefits include calming inflammation of tissues and reducing fever. Mentally, Brahmi leaves can reduce nervous or anxious patterns of thought. They provides a note of mental focus and sharpened thoughts.

We sometimes see Brahmi used as a folk remedy for ADHD symptoms for this reason. Brahmi can quiet many conditions in the body which manifest physically but are rooted in psychological stress. These include digestive issues, sexual performance problems, and some allergic reactions.

Do Brahmi Plant Leaves Have Side Effects?

Brahmi plant leaves are safe for use in moderate doses. As already stated, effects are not necessarily dramatic if Brahmi is the only brain supplement being taken.

One of the worst side effects that people experience from large doses of Brahmi is excessive sedation – the herb can simply be too calming.

While it has not been formally approved for use by the FDA, it is included on the list of safe dietary supplements on the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.

What Modern Brain Supplements Use Brahmi Plant Leaves?

Brahmi plant leaves are often used a component of larger nootropic supplement stacks. The most famous example of this is the popular cognitive enhancement product Alpha Brain.

Alpha Brain is primarily taken for a range of cognitive enhancements like better concentration, enhanced memory and recall, and improved mood. Brahmi, (listed on packaging as its formal botanical name, Bacopa Monnieri) is included for general stress relief.

If you are able to find Brahmi plant leaves for sale on their own, they are best employed as a very light stress reliever and sedative. Leaves can be brewed into a tea which will have similar effects to a cup of chamomile tea.

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