Bacopa (Brahmi ) Can Improve Your Cognitive Function ?
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), or moneywort, is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine that has been used in India for over three centuries. The bacopa herb is commonly known as a nootropic herb, which means that it can help repair damaged neurons and improve brain function. Nootropics are usually said to have the ability to "unlock" the brain when it comes to creativity and cognitive drive.
In India, the bacopa herb falls under the category of the "Medhya Rasayana" — herbs that have the ability to improve memory and intellect.
This herb is also called "brahmi," together with the herb gotu kola. This was taken from the name of "Brahma," the creator of the universe in the Indian belief system. While the gotu kola herb shares the ability of the bacopa plant in improving cognition, these two can be easily differentiated based on their appearance.
Knowing Neurons, Hacking your Brain with Smart Drugs
To some extent, the dual use of the name brahmi can be understood by simple geography; in southern India, "brahmi" refers to Bacopa monnieri, and in Northern India,It is Centella asiatica that is commonly known as "brahmi."
In the west, Centella asiatica is also widely known by its Singhalese name, "gotu kola."
To make matters even more complicated, each of these herbs has two Latin binomial names;
Centella asiatica is synonymous with Hydrocotyle asiatica and Bacopa monnieri is synonymous with Herpestes monniera.
The fact that these two herbs have very similar actions only adds to the confusion that exists around them. Hopefully, the information that follows will offer some clarity. In the interest of simplicity, we will refer here to Centella asiatica as "gotu kola" and Bacopa monnieri as "bacopa."
Promotes normal blood pressure. This herb has been observed to help in vascular muscle function and the complete utilization of nitric oxide. These two processes help in normalizing blood pressure.
May improve memory and information retention. In a study, subjects were given placebos and bacopa monnieri supplements.
The individuals who were given the bacopa monnieri showed a higher ability to retain newly introduced information. Improved cognition was also observed in people who took bacopa regularly.
Edward Group, Global Healing Center, 9 Must Know Facts About Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
Bacopa monnieri is a best natural nootropic and cognitive enhancer. Studies also shown that Bacopa protects against alzheimer’s disease:
nootropicsjet.com/bacopa-monnieri-protects-against-alzheimers-disease
Bacopa is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine because of its potential effects on brain function.
The bacopa herb is commonly known as a nootropic herb, which means that it can help repair damaged neurons and improve brain function
Aside from being a nootropic, bacopa is an adaptogen and diuretic as well. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits you can acquire from this herb.
"Brahmi" has been used to describe two distinct Ayurvedic herbs—Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri—and brahmi is a fitting name for both of them.
Brahmi is a Sanskrit word that refers to the feminine essence of universal consciousness as well as the creative potential that emerges from pure awareness. Both of the herbs that bear the name brahmi are thought to promote subtle awareness and sattva (the pure essence of consciousness).
They are also both highly revered for their mind-enhancing properties and their support of the nervous system as a whole. This article highlighting the primary applications of each of these herbs, as well as some useful distinctions between them.
Benefits of Brahmi
· Open and clarify the mind*
· Strengthen memory and intellect*
· Support focus and concentration*
· Encourage a balanced emotional state*
· Promote daytime energy and nighttime sleep*
· Support healthy blood cells*
· Promote healthy skin and hair*
Brahmi for the Mind
Both forms of brahmi are known to rejuvenate the mind, enhance memory, improve concentration, and to directly influence the quality of consciousness. Both are considered sattvic herbs (promoting subtle awareness). In fact, both are often used to support meditation as they increase the clarity and subtlety of mind.
Both bacopa and gotu kola work very directly to improve the quality of sadhaka pitta (which is closely related to the intellect and intelligence) and, as tonics for the mind, they are both indicated in a broad range of mental imbalances—both behavioral and developmental.
Further, because Ayurveda illuminates an intimate connection between the heart and the mind, it is significant that both forms of brahmi are known as heart tonics. While bacopa is generally preferred for vata aggravations and mental debility due to stress and exhaustion, gotu kola is preferred in mental or emotional aggravations involving both vata and pitta.
Modern Research on Brahmi
There has been a fair amount of scientific research evaluating a wide range of beneficial applications for both bacopa and gotu kola. Among other things, studies have looked at their ability to support cognitive function, appropriate mental health, and proper volume and tone in the venous system.
“The Chronic Effects of an Extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Human Subjects.” PubMed Abstract. Aug 2001.
Stough, C., et al. “The Chronic Effects of an Extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Human Subjects.” Psychopharmacology. 156.4 (2001): 481-484. Online. PubMed. 22 Mar. 2012
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11498727?dopt=Abstract
“Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri).” Natural Standard: Professional Monograph. Online. 20 Mar. 2012.
https://naturalstandard.com/databases/herbssupplements/brahmi.asp#
“Gotu kola (Centella asiatica Linn.) and Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA).” Natural Standard: Professional Monograph. Online. 20 Mar. 2012.
https://naturalstandard.com/databases/herbssupplements/gotukola.asp#
Your thoughts …………………?
The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional ayurvedic practioner’s advice .All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensue discussion or debate.
Thank you …It is interesting how different herbs can have different effects on different people. Ayurveda acknowledges the uniqueness of everyone, and t is always encouraged to experiment and find the herb that is right for you. Bacopa in particular, like ashwagandha, is an adaptogen, meaning that it adapts to what your body needs.
Alternatively, as with any herb, food, or beverage, it is possible that brahmi is not agreeable with your constitution. You could instead try bacopa, which is quite similar to brahmi/gotu kola.
Managing Director at DAYALIZE
7 年It happens to almost everyone every now and then: a strange memory lapse, impaired concentration, mental fatigue, or a sensation that a cloud has taken over your sharp minds, leaving you with a foggy brain. It starts with something you can brush off: the standard Where in this mall parking lot did I leave the damn car?! Happens to everyone, no big deal, a memory lapse. Until you realize it wasn't just today at the mall; you've somehow spent most of your week feeling as if you've made major decisions behind a smokescreen. As if those brain farts were fogging up the place.