Brahmi Herb Benefits and How to Use for Ayurveda

As one of the oldest herbal remedies known to man, Brahmi has a proven track record for efficacy that is countless generations long.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India, this natural herb (also known as Bacopa Monnieri) has been used for a variety of ailments, running the gamut from insomnia to dandruff.

Today, many modern advances in nootropic therapy for cognitive enhancement are built upon what we learn from the natural world.

In fact, the entire science of brain-boosting supplements is concerned with enhancing the natural functions of biochemistry which are already in place. Plant-based remedies such as Brahmi, are naturally of keen interest.

Let’s take a look at the chief cognitive uses for this ancient herbal therapy. We’ll explore Brahmi’s history, uses, side effects, and contemporary alternatives.

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

Top Bacopa Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

An Ancient Remedy for Stress

Many herbs used in traditional medicine like Ayurveda have multiple uses.

It’s common to see a single herb prescribed for a wildly disparate set of symptoms, some mental, some physical.

The word Brahmi translates into “herb of grace.” This name relates to Brahmi’s use as an early anxiolytic drug.

In Ayurveda, Brahmi is used to calm excess “pitta” energy. This can manifest as stress related physical and mental reactions, like inflammation, headache, or most importantly, anxious thoughts.

The herb, known to botanists as Bacopa Monnieri, is used today for the same reason – to calm stress. We see Bacopa employed in nootropic stacks like Alpha Brain to serve this exact purpose, adding a note of calming stress relief to other cognitive benefits like increased concentration and enhanced memory.

In some texts, these focus and memory benefits have also been attributed to Brahmi itself.

How Brahmi Works

Brahmi powder is extracted from the raw leaves of the herb. It is then typically ingested, though some ancient traditions distill the herb into an oil which can be applied topically.

It is thought that Brahmi’s main mechanism of action is the stimulation of a few key neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine and serotonin. This pair simultaneously brings about feelings of mental peace and calm, clear energy. The result is a focused mental state, free from distractions.

Brahmi improves brain communication with one of its components, Bacoside A. This compound improves the efficiency of synaptic communication, and enhances memory formation. Brahmi also regulates HP70, a biomarker related to stress.

Brahmi does not act instantly. The effects described above can take 2 – 3 months of daily use to kick in. Some users have reported that Brahmi effects take a full year of use to manifest. In our modern fast-paced culture, not everyone can wait a full year to see results from a health regimen.

There are several other nootropic supplements on the market which accomplish many of these same mechanisms. In fact, the original group of modern nootropics – the racetams – are famous for improving neural communication, stimulating pleasure and calming receptors, while boosting focus and memory.

Aniracetam manifests results almost immediately and is often stacked with Bacopa Monnieri.

Brahmi’s Benefits

Once Brahmi effects have begun to manifest, they can truly improve the quality of mood and cognition.

Brahmi is a good long term antidote to symptoms of clinical anxiety. It soothes and calms anxious thoughts and panic attacks.

Brahmi is excellent for generating mental focus, and for that reason has been used for ADHD-like symptoms.

Brahmi has shown promise as part of combined nootropic strategies for treating Alzheimer’s Disease. When paired with other powerful memory-enhancing nootropics, it can help reduce the intensity of memory loss connected to aging and age-related disorders.

It is also frequently used to enhance libido and solve sexual performance issues for both men and women. Of course, Brahmi also has many purported benefits outside of cognitive issues, such as soothing digestive disorders and calming allergies.

Is Brahmi Safe For Daily Use?

Brahmi has been used safely since well before the time of modern medicine. However, some people may find slight stomach sensitivity to the herb when it is taken in large quantities.

Generally, a lower dose of Brahmi (or Bacopa Monnieri) is ideal for cutting stress and anxiety, and does not cause stomach upset. Brahmi can be too calming or sedative-like for some people. Again, this has to do with dosage.

At very high doses, Brahmi can cause the heart rate to slow to unsafe conditions. If you are trying Brahmi and experience an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness, or faintness, discontinue use, and perhaps try again on another day with a lower dose.

The kind of dosages of Bacopa we see in nootropic stacks like Alpha Brain (combined in blends with Huperzine A and Alpha GPC) are perfectly safe and do not cause side effects.

How To Super-Charge Brahmi Effects With Nootropics

If you want to explore the effects of Brahmi but don’t want to wait a year to experience benefits, try exploring one of the many other nootropic supplements which deliver similar results. Our understanding of the biochemistry of the brain has led to stunning advancements in neural supplementation.

Effects that were once attributed to mystery herbal cure-alls now have demonstrable basis in science. Herbs like Brahmi can still be used to augment more modern approaches, creating a harmonious and productive boost to all brain functions.

Rate This Article

(14 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5, rated)