We’re all familiar with what a strong cup of coffee can do for mental energy and focus, but the ancient remedy Brahmi Tea may offer some benefits that even the strongest cup of Joe can’t touch.
A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, herbal Brahmi teas are thought to be natural stress-reducers that simultaneously sharpen focus.
Without the jitters of traditional caffeine beverages, Brahmi gently stokes dopamine and serotonin levels to produce uniquely calming, yet still energetic effects.
Let’s find out how this Indian tea works to improve brain function, and see if there are any drawbacks to daily use. We’ll also look at complementary brain supplements that go even further towards delivering mood support and mental focus.



- Increases communication between neurons
- Supports memory, focus & cognition
- Reduces anxiety & stress
Brahmi Tea in Ayurveda
Related Topics
The Brahmi plant is a leafy vine that is native to Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, and many parts of India.
Its name literally translates to “the herb of grace.” Used for thousands of years in Indian folk medicine, Brahmi is known as a soother of Ayurvedic “pitta” energy.
In Ayurveda, pitta is quantified as the regulator of heat, energy, excitement, and passion. Pitta imbalances are reflected as over-heated, over-agitated, inflamed conditions. This applies to both body and mind.
Today, we would label these symptoms as stress or anxiety. Pitta-like disturbances can even be thought of as the root of attention disorders like ADHD. Brahmi tea is a frequently prescribed therapy for all of these conditions, as well as for epilepsy and nervous stomach disorders.
Also known by the botanical name Bacopa Monnieri, this herb has recently found its way into very modern cognitive supplements, such as the popular mental focus pill Alpha Brain.
How Brahmi Calms the Mind
Brahmi leaves have a few mechanisms for creating a sense of calm and focus. Compounds within Brahmi known as bacosides and bacopasaponins cause the bioactivity of the plan when ingested.
These compounds are thought to boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters which relate to mood and focus. While serotonin is associated with peaceful, calm satisfaction, dopamine generally spurs ambition and drive.
The presence of Brahmi in the brain has also been shown to increase levels of GABA, the important inhibitory neurochemical which quiets over-firing nerves. Brahmi tea is also a pain relieving analgesic.
Is Brahmi Tea Potent Enough For Significant Cognitive Enhancement?
One issue that prevents Brahmi tea from achieving the ubiquity of coffee or the popularity of more serious brain boosters is slow/weak efficacy. While Brahmi leaves absolutely provide benefits in the long term, a regular dose may need to be taken for at least several months before effects become noticeable.
This is a stark contrast to other dopamine-boosting medications for mental focus, such as Adderall. Still, many people are wary of the possible side effects of amphetamines like Adderall.
For many years, the primary target of focus-enhancing supplements and drugs has been dopamine and the catecholamine hormones that regulate energy levels and emotional drive. More modern approaches to natural cognitive enhancement lean more heavily on the work of acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter which is involved in executive function. This neurotransmitter helps to boost efficacy of nerve cell signaling and promotes better attention span by limiting distractions.
Brahmi tea has been found to inhibit the effects of acetylcholinesterase which is a negative enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.
This method of action means that Brahmi or Bacopa Monnieri can further help to boost cholinergic activity and lead to enhanced concentration and memory.
Again, these effects are quite modest which is why many prefer to use Brahmi in a stack with other nootropics like Piracetam which supports acetylcholine function. This supplement helps to protect the brain from certain forms of damage, improves oxygen supply to neurons and facilitates faster communication between cholinergic neurons.
Safety of Brahmi Products
While Brahmi Tea may not produce strong enough effects for many people, it remains a safe supplement with very high tolerability. Brahmi is non-toxic in moderate doses. Although it remains listed in the FDA’s Poisonous Plant Database, the extract is also considered safe by the FDA as a dietary supplement.
In modern applications, Brahmi is often successfully and safely implemented as part of more sophisticated nootropic stack products, such as Alpha Brain. In a harmonious pairing with Huperzine A, Alpha Brain’s use of Brahmi/Bacopa Monnieri contributes to an overall calming stress reduction, without over-sedating or over-working hormone glands.
This may be the best way to safely explore the ancient Indian leaf, while maximizing its stress-relieving, focus-enhancing benefits.
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Article last updated on: April 26th, 2018 by Nootriment