Satyori — Brahmi (Brahmi) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Brahmi
Brahmi · Bacopa monnieri
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita places brahmi at the pinnacle of medhya rasayana herbs, devoting specific passages to its use for enhancing buddhi (intellect), smriti (memory), and dhi (comprehension). Charaka prescribes brahmi swarasa (fresh juice) with honey as a medhya rasayana protocol, recommending its regular use for promoting cognitive function and preventing mental decline. It is described as a key remedy for unmada (insanity/psychosis), apasmara (epilepsy), and kampavata (tremors/Parkinson's-like conditions).
Preparations
Brahmi Ghrita (medicated ghee): the supreme preparation for mental and nervous conditions, 5-10 grams twice daily. Brahmi Swarasa (fresh juice): 10-20 ml with honey, considered the most potent form. Brahmi Churna (powder): 1-3 grams with warm milk, ghee, honey, or water.
Dosage
Powder: 1-3 grams per day, divided into 1-2 doses. Fresh juice: 10-20 ml once or twice daily.
Dosha Guidance
For Pitta types, brahmi is an ideal herb. Its cooling virya and bitter-sweet taste profile directly pacify Pitta, particularly in the mind and nervous system. Pitta individuals prone to mental intensity, irritability, burnout, and overheating of the intellect will find brahmi exceptionally calming and clarifying.
Synergistic Combinations
The classic medhya combination is Brahmi with Shankhapushpi for comprehensive cognitive enhancement -- brahmi strengthens memory while shankhapushpi calms anxiety and enhances focus. Combined with Ashwagandha for the complete neuro-rejuvenative pair: brahmi clarifies and sharpens the mind while ashwagandha calms and strengthens the body.
Contraindications
Brahmi is considered one of the safest herbs in Ayurveda, with a very favorable safety profile even in long-term use. However, its cooling and somewhat drying nature may cause digestive discomfort in individuals with very weak or cold digestion (mandagni). In such cases, taking it with warm milk, ghee, or ginger tea helps.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Majja (nerve/marrow), Rakta (blood), Shukra (reproductive), Rasa (plasma)
Srotas: Majjavaha (nervous), Manovaha (mind), Raktavaha (circulatory)
Where to Buy
Ensure you are purchasing Bacopa monnieri, not Centella asiatica (gotu kola/manduka parni), as both are sometimes sold as 'Brahmi.' Bacopa has small, succulent, oblong leaves and white to pale purple flowers, while Centella has distinctive round, kidney-shaped leaves. For powder, look for a fresh green color and mildly bitter taste.
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Herbal Profile
Brahmi is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.