How to Take Brahmi

You might be interested in taking the herbal supplement brahmi (Bacopa monniera), but you don't know where to start. Historically, brahmi is a brain tonic thought to improve the brain's function, especially with learning, memory and recall. There are several brahmi products available on the market; some products contain only brahmi, while others are formulations containing various herbs. Some brahmi products are standardized to contain a certain amount of an active constituent (bacosides), while others are not. Depending on your intended use, you may want to choose one product over another.

Instructions

• 1

  Speaking with your health care provider can help you decide which supplement to choose.

  Consult with a health care provider to discuss whether brahmi will interact with any other medications you might be taking. Your health care provider may be a general medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, doctor of osteopathy or other healer who can help guide you in your decision process.

• 2

  Many brahmi products are available in your local health food store.

  Visit your local health food store and look for brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in the dietary supplements section. Brahmi is often found in the memory or brain enhancement section, along with ginkgo biloba.

• 3

  Reading the packaging is important in choosing the best product for you.

  Read the packaging information and the educational health claims on the packaging. Determine whether the intended effects match your needs.

• 4

  Make sure to drink a full glass of water with your brahmi supplement.

  Follow the directions on the product packaging to determine the specific amount you will need to take. This may be based on how much you weigh. Based on a review of the brahmi literature at Pubmed.gov, you will generally need 12 weeks of supplementation to notice effects on memory and learning tasks.

• 5

  Assess brahmi's effectiveness by paying attention to your body and mind. If your mind is feeling sharper and you are thinking more clearly, you may be on the right track. If you are feeling worse or the same, then this brahmi product may not be right for you.