Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

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Brahmi, also known as Water Hyssop or Indian Pennywort is a long creeping perennial herb that produces sweet, delicate white or violete flowers that will generally bloom for 4 to 6 months continuously throughout the year and succulent, oblong green leaves. This is a wetland plant that primarily grows in super moist environments near ponds, marshes, or bogs. Brahmi is an excellent plant for hydroponic grow operations, aquariums, or water gardens/ponds! 

In India the plant is known locally as 'Brahmi', named after the Hindu deity Brahma, the God of Creation. Brahmi is a highly regarded rejuvenating herb in Ayurvedic ethnobotany. You can find Brahmi as a common ingredient in many herbal supplements marketed for "providing focus, energy, and enhancing memory." These modern claims are based on traditional understanding and usage of the herb.  

Plant Type
Perennial Creeping Herb

Harvest Season
Blooms: Summer - Fall
Leaves: Year-Round

Mature Size
Reaches a height of 6 in. but can spread or hang 2-3 ft.

Soil & Moisture
 Rich, moist, sandy soil. Loves water!

Light Requirements
Full Sun (with ample water), Part Shade, Shade

Self-Fertile
Yes

Growth Rate
Fast

Zone Hardiness
Outdoors 8-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+

Propagation

View Full Size Guide Here 

How to Grow Brahmi

Plant Type: Perennial Creeping Herb

Harvest Season: Blooms Summer - Fall and can be harvested year-round.

Mature Size: Reaches a height of 6 in. but can spread or hang 2-3 ft.

Soil & Moisture: Rich, moist, sandy soil. Loves water!

Exposure: Full Sun (with ample water), Part Shade, Shade

Zone Hardiness: 8-11 can be grown as an Annual in colder climates. 

Brahmi in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi has been used to support the optimal function of the nervous system, including enhancing memory, learning, and concentration. It  It is said that the ancient Vedic scholars would utilize Brahmi to help them memorize and recite the ancient prayers, and songs contained with the Hindu religious texts. Brahmi also has a cooling effect on the physiology, in contrast to herbs like cinnamon or ginger which provide 'internal warmth' for the body.  Other uses of Brahmi include as a mood regulator, to alleviate anxiety, to help with depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, respiratory issues, and other cognitive issues. 

The main chemical constituent worth noting in Bacopa monnieri are the saponin bacosides. These chemicals are hypothesized as providing the neuroprotective and nootropic effects of the plant. Current pharmacological research is assessing Bacopa monnieri's potential use in treatments for Alzheimer's and Dementia patients. 

Brahmi as a Nootropic

Neurotransmitters. Bacopa affects brain levels of acetylcholine which is important for memory and cognition.

Cognition. Bacopa has antioxidant effects which enhances cognitive function. Bacopa extract helps prevent arterial plaque that can lead to heart attack, stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Anxiety and stress. Bacopa has a significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. It appears to modulate brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This has an effect on mood regulation. 

(from nootropicsexpert.com)

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