Brahmi
Brahmi is widely reputed to improve such mental functions as memory and alertness or to lessen or prevent damage to brain cells.
Brahmi is universally acknowledged for relieving nervous congestion and strain, as it possesses ushan virya potency; thereby it reduces vata dosha, which is main culprit in causing such problems. Due to presence of tickt rasa, brahmi easily penetrates into the tissues thus gives a soothing feeling.
The leaves of this plant can be suitably described as tender and juicy and comparatively more solid. The leaves are inversely lance-shaped but broadest above the middle and tapering toward the base. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals.
Owing to its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant. It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries where it is grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.
Health Benefits
Brahmi means that which gives knowledge of a Brahman i.e. Supreme Reality. Brahmi is perhaps the most important nervine herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It revitalizes the brain cells, removing toxins and blockages within the nervous system, while at the same time have a nurturing effect upon the mind. It improves memory and aids in concentration. Himalayan Brahmi is an important food for Yogis and improves meditation. A small amount of the fresh leaves is eaten daily for its rejuvenating effect upon the mind. Brahmi helps awaken the crown chakra and balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It calms the heart and helps guard against heart attacks.
Brahmi helps us give up bad habits and addictions of all types. It aids in recovery from alcoholism or drug abuse, and also helps us kick the sugar habit. For this reason it is added to many Ayurvedic formulas as a nervine and antispasmodic agent. It has a cleansing effect on blood, improves the immune system, allays excessive sexual desire, and is excellent for venereal diseases.
Brahmi has a wide range of medicinal uses but few of the most salient benefits are mentioned below:
* It improves intelligence level and mind alertness.
* It helps in maintaining mental calmness and has an appetite for stress.
* It helps in improving mental performance and increasing learning capacity.
* It is helpful in increasing mental concentration levels.
* It has a good effect on patients suffering from insomnia.
* It helps relieving all stress and gives a sense of feel-good and relaxed.
* It helps in decreasing anxiety, mental fatigue and promotes freshness of mind.
* It is also very effective in depression related problems.
* It helps in rejuvenating lost energies and makes one feel good and relaxed.
* It helps in maintaining low blood pressure to the normal level.
* It is very useful in maintaining normal body temperature.
* It relieves the body from hyperthermia and fevers.
* It is also very effective in treating menstrual disorders and painful menses.
* Brahmi also finds its application in cough and cold related problems.
It is used to attain long life while retaining youthful energy. Brahmi works as an antioxidant and retards aging.
