Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri , is an ancient plant that has been used in Indian Ayurveda for centuries. Today, it's gaining increasing popularity as an ingredient in some nootropics. In this article, you'll learn exactly what Brahmi is, how it works, and where you can best buy it.
Table of contents
1. What is Brahmi?
Brahmi enjoys a reputation as one of the best botanicals . This semi-aquatic plant grows in tropical wetlands and swamps throughout the world. However, it is primarily native to South and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and India.
It can be recognized by its fleshy and round leaves, rich green color, and small white flowers. This popular Ayurvedic plant has been used in Ayurvedic tradition for over 3,000 years and is highly regarded.
Brahmi was also used thousands of years ago by scholars and students when they wanted to memorize long texts.
Botanists around the world also use the plant's leaves to produce various types of preparations. Today, the market for nootropics and dietary supplements containing Brahmi has grown significantly .
How Brahmi and the human body interact has been researched in numerous studies, but many more clinical studies are needed to make therapeutic and medical statements, which is why no general health-related statements can be made yet.
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2. The effect of Brahmi
The effect of the plant (also known as small-leaved stonecrop) on the regulation of nerve and brain cells, the ability to concentrate and mental clarity was studied.
A study conducted by the School of Health and Human Sciences in New South Wales, Australia, examined the effects of Brahmi on mental performance. [1] In the study, 136 elderly subjects suffering from memory lapses took Brahmi. After a 12-week trial period, an improvement was observed .
Another study from the Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University of Victoria used a similar research design and found the following: [2] In the double-blind study, one group of healthy adults was given a placebo and the other group was given Brahmi.
After 12 weeks, the Brahmi group showed significant improvements in processing visual stimuli , comprehension and learning ability , and memory . The study also demonstrated a positive impact on both short-term and long-term memory.
Furthermore, the nootropic 's effect on memory in older people was examined. A study conducted by the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland specifically addressed this topic and examined the effects of Brahmi on older patients. [3]
The results showed that the test subjects' overall mental performance improved , as measured by a learning test. Thus, Brahmi can counteract the natural cognitive aging process and help prevent memory loss in older people.
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Finally, researchers were curious about the effects of Brahmi on children. Brahmi is a purely plant-based substance, and a study with children between the ages of 6 and 8 reported that it also had positive effects on them. [4] The significant improvement in the children's reaction time was particularly significant.
There seems to be no shortage of clinical studies on Brahmi and its diverse effects. The topic of Brahmi and stress has also been studied in more detail.
A study by the Department of Pharmacy at Banaras Hindu University examined the relationship to stress and investigated the extent to which Brahmi can relieve anxiety and reduce stress. [5]
The study revealed that the plant substance is a so-called adaptogen . Adaptogenic natural substances, by botanical definition, support the body's resistance to stress by helping to correct the body's imbalance in homeostasis.
Homeostasis is often disrupted by stress. Roughly speaking, the body's homeostasis encompasses various regulatory processes related to body temperature, hormone balance, blood circulation, and so on. Adaptogenic herbs, by botanical definition, possess the power to counteract these disruptions.
Brahmi is one of these herbs. This is especially beneficial if you struggle with a stressful office or study routine.
3. The correct use of Brahmi: What should be considered when taking it?
Brahmi can be used in several ways, whether as a capsule, powder, or directly in its original plant form. There are no official guidelines yet regarding how much Brahmi should be taken daily.
However, most scientific studies use a dosage of 300 mg , although this always depends on the specific bacoside content. In any case, it is important to note that the effect only begins after 8-12 weeks.
Therefore, if the full potency of Brahmi is to be realized, intake should not be interrupted before this period. Taking it as a powder is relatively laborious, as it must be taken several times a day with a glass of water.
Experience with the powder has shown that the taste can be a particular hurdle, as Brahmi is quite bitter. Those who prefer a completely natural product can also buy a Brahmi plant directly.
However, the plant is extremely impractical to use and care for, making it suitable only for serious botanists. Therefore, the best way to take it is in capsule form .
The important active ingredients remain intact, and application is extremely straightforward . Most user reports also favor taking the capsules, which already contain the correct dosage, and nothing else needs to be taken into account.
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4. Side effects of Brahmi
Brahmi is one of the oldest nootropics. Generally, no side effects are known as long as the recommended dosage is adhered to . The average recommended daily dose is approximately 300 mg.
However, side effects can occur if Brahmi is taken in combination with other nootropics that are not properly coordinated .
This can lead to headaches , stomach pain, and even diarrhea. Therefore, it's always advisable to choose a product in which the various micronutrients and plant substances are already optimally balanced.
Experience has shown that further side effects may occur if antidepressants or other prescription medications are taken in combination with Brahmi.
Therefore, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the supplement in combination with such prescription medications.
If these dosage restrictions are observed, Brahmi can best develop its positive effect on cognitive performance.
5. Buy Brahmi
Anyone who decides to buy Brahmi should pay close attention to how the product is offered. Most often, combination products are offered for sale, in which the power of the plant substance is ideally complemented by the power of other natural nootropics.
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6. Conclusion
Brahmi has a reputation as one of the best botanicals and has been an integral part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. Several studies have already shown positive effects on mental performance in all age groups. Furthermore, Brahmi functions as an adaptogen in the body, supporting your body in restoring homeostasis.
7. Sources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20590480
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11498727
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18611150
[4] http://bacopin.com/funchtionchild.htm
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10815010
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