Brahmi Oil

Brahmi 

Scientific name: Bacopa Monnieri, Ayurveda name: Brahmi 

Grown in India, Australia, and African countries, brahmi is one of the most prized herbs in Ayurveda. Within India, this herb grows in places with a moist climate. Claimed to improve intelligence and memory, this herb has benefits for the skin as well in terms of anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Ayurveda classifies brahmi under:

• Balya – herbs that aided improving immunity 
• Prajasthapana – herbs that help strengthen the fetus in pregnant women 

Brahmi is often used to refer to as Gotu Kola because they have similar qualities, but these two herbs are not the same and should not be used interchangeably. 

Benefits of brahmi:

• Using this herb can prevent speech disorders in children because it helps improving brain activity and co-ordination between the tongue and brain. 
• People who experience anemia can consume this herb to improve their haemoglobin levels (panduhara). 
• Brahmi can reduce blood sugar levels and helps diabetes patients to control the same. Their antioxidant properties also help the improvement of cells and tissues in diabetes patients and help them remain healthy. 
• One of the qualities of brahmi, according to Ayurveda, is unmada vinashini. This means that they help in psychiatric problems like anxiety and nervous breakdowns. 
• Shvasahara is another quality that is associated with brahmi. This means that it helps avoid respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. 
• Brahmi is one of the best natural detoxifiers and can be used for removing poison and toxins from the body.
• Using brahmi oil can help pacify pitta which helps prevent inflammation, sleeping problems, and stress-related issues. 

How can brahmi be used?

Brahmi is often used found in powders, capsules, and oils. While using the capsule for consumption, ideally 250 mg can be used. If the powder is consumed, 1 gram is ideal for children while up to 3 grams can be consumed by adults. Mixing the powder with honey/ghee makes the powder more effective and easily consumable.

The oil made from brahmi herb is often infused with sesame or coconut oil before being used for topical applications or massages. This oil can be applied on the scalp and different parts of the body for healthier skin and hair and to prevent problems like dandruff, alopecia, and epilepsy. This oil is only for external use and must not be consumed. 

Side effects:

There are no drastic side effects while using this herb or the oil if the person is not allergic to it. However, some people might experience using the brahmi oil might itchiness and redness on the area the oil was applied. 

When the herb is consumed as a powder or a capsule. it might not bode well with people who have weak digestive systems and ulcers. For them, it is advisable to take the powder with ghee. Others have reported that consuming the capsules or powders have resulted in dizziness. It is always advisable to consult a trained Ayurveda physician before consuming this herb.