Bacopa Monnieri and Gotu Kola (Brahmi)

If you need help with enhancing your memory and cognitive ability, concentrating on the tasks at hand, promoting energy levels during the day and sleep at night, boosting libido, lowering stress and inflammation, improving the health of your hair and nails and most importantly, balancing your hormones as well as your emotional state….. then Herb of Grace / Waterhyssop is what you need. Before you go scurrying for this herb and its Hindi name, let us help- it is Brahmi, the herb with a range of therapeutic benefits which you should incorporate into your daily meal plan.
Both forms of Brahmi- Bacopa monnieri and Gotu kola are mind and heart tonics and have amazing effects on the nervous system. While Bacopa monnieri helps with mental issues caused by stress and exhaustion, Gotu kola helps in mental aggravations and emotional turmoil. If constipation brought on by stress is your health issue, then opt for Bacopa monnieri. If you want to relax your mind and slow down the effects of aging, then Gotu kola is what you should use.
Brahmi has the ability to reduce the onset of cognitive disorders as we age, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It helps keep our minds sharp well into our dotage.

Use Brahmi in the following ways:

Chew on 2-3 Brahmi leaves SOS, to relieve stress and induce a feeling of calmness.
Rub Brahmi leaves on affected body parts, to reduce swelling, skin irritation and inflammation associated with arthritis, gouty uricaemia etc
Brew a few Brahmi leaves or 1 tsp of Brahmi powder in water, to boost immunity, relieve upper respiratory infections, liquefy phlegm, decongest the nasal pathway and provide antioxidants.
Apply the juice of a few Brahmi leaves on your skin, to speed up wound healing, disinfect your skin and reduce scars and pigmentation.
Have 1 tsp Brahmi oil/extract with 1 tsp cinnamon powder, to help control blood sugar fluctuations.

A Word of Caution:

Like any other herbal supplement, long-term use of Brahmi is not encouraged. It should only be used SOS when you need it to alleviate a certain symptom or illness. Avoid its use if you suffer from low blood sugar, very low pulse rate, chronic asthma and recurrent urinary tract infections. If you wish to use a tsp of it regularly as a mood enhancer and memory booster, be sure to discontinue its usage for a fortnight after every 2 months.

Stay blessed with good health ….always!!!

Warm regards,

Charmaine D’Souza