Ayurvedic Herb Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi)

Brahmi is also called Centella asiatica, particularly in north India. It has been reported that the plant is used a traditional Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy and asthma

Parts used – whole plant

Uses – The whole plant of Brahmi is used in the form of juice to treat insanity, epilepsy, paediatric diseases, pox and as a rejuvinative.

Biochemical Analysis– Its many active compounds include: alkaloids (brahmine and herpestine), saponins (d-mannitol and hersaponin, acid A, and monnierin), flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin). Also in significant amounts: betulic acid,

stigmastarol, beta-sitosterol, bacopasaponins (bacosides A, bacosides B, bacopaside II, bacopaside I, bacopaside X, bacopasaponin C, bacopaside N2 and the minor components were bacopasaponin F, bacopasaponin E, bacopaside N1, bacopaside III, bacopaside IV, and bacopaside V). In rats, bacosides A enhance antioxidant defenses, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. (source wikipedia)

How it is used in different disease-

 Mental disorders

Brahmi, kusmanda(Benincasa hispida ) and sankhapuspi ((convolvulus microphyllus ) separately mixed with kustha (Saussurea lappa) and  honey is used in mental disorders (10-15 gms) (VM.20.3; SG.2.1.18)

Epilepsy

Old ghee processed with brahmi juice, vaca(Acorus calamus) , kustha (Saussurea lappa) and sankhapuspi (convolvulus microphyllus  alleviate insanity, inauspiciousness, and epilepsy (10-15 gms) (CS.Ci.10.25)

To promote intellect

Juice of Brahmi, or mandukaparni(Centella asiatica) are be taken with honey and ghee to promote intellect (10-15 ml) (KS.P.5)