What Are the Benefits of Brahmi Oil?

Brahmi (Bacop monnieri), also known as water hyssop, is grown along the wetlands of India and in some parts of Florida. It is considered an important brain tonic in Ayurvedic Medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners use the leaves of this plant as an enhancer of memory, a boost to mental alertness and clarity and as an anxiety-reducer.

Memory Enhancer

• Considered a powerful brain refresher and tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, brahmi is believed by Ayurvedic practitioners to reduce forgetfulness and help heal temporary memory loss.

  Ayurvedic practices include using brahmi in treating the elderly to prevent or treat Alzheimer's. Ayurvedics believe that brahmi removes beta amyloid deposits they think are related to slower functioning of the brain and forgetfulness in the aged.

  Kerala Ayurvedics, practiced in the Kerala region of India, consider brahmi to be beneficial to students and young children, helping in the proper development of memory.

Boost to Mental Alertness

• Brahmi is considered an energy booster in Ayurvedic medicine and is an herbal brain tonic that refreshes and enhances mental clarity.

  After research on human subjects in 2001, Stough C., Lloyd J. and others at the Neuropsychology Laboratory, School of Biophysical Science and Electrical Engineering, Victoria, Australia reported that brahmi "significantly improved speed of visual information processing measured by the IT task, learning rate and memory consolidation."

  Brahmi's medicinal properties are thought to derive from two alkaloids, brahmine and herpestine. These, together with several acids, esters and substances called saponins, are believed to make brahmi nootropic, or a drug that increases cognitive ability and intelligence.

  Brahmi is also considered in Ayurvedic medicine to improve mental concentration because it is thought to increase blood circulation in the brain. It is believed to reduce mental fatigue and promote mental freshness.

Stress Reliever

• Ayurvedic practitioners use brahmi to treat imbalances in the nervous system because they believe the chemicals such as the flavanoids and saponins in brahmi help nerve impulses transmit signals faster and more smoothly.

  Brahmi is prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine to calm the brain and help cure nervous tension. They believe brahmi reduces anxiety, panic and social anxiety. It is given to students and children to relieve stress, nervous exhaustion and support their self-confidence.