Adaptogenic Herbs - Brahmi
Botany has entered our lives for good. A walk to the pharmacy and we will find various products of plant origin such as powders & superfoods for the morning smoothie, herbal tinctures to strengthen our body, toothpastes with antibacterial herbs, therapeutic recipes for skin diseases and cosmetic beauty creams for daily body care. Recently we hear more and more often the term adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogenic herbs help the body to increase its adaptability to the new conditions it may face and increase the mechanism of self-healing. In this category of adaptogens, there are herbs that may offer us seemingly opposite benefits, e.g. to relax and aid sleep at night while giving energy and clarity during the day.
Below we will explore two important herbs that belong to the category of adaptogens herbs.
Brahmi – The Power of Cosmic energy
Bacopa Monieri
Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica
Those who deal with herbs of Eastern origin will have often heard of the herb Brahmi and under it will be mentioned the name bacopa or gotu kola. So let's clarify what herb it is. Under the name Brahmi, we come across two herbs.
-Brahmi – Bacopa Monieri
-Brahmi – Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica
Although they share several common qualities, they are actually about
two different morphological plants.
Bacopa Monieri
The Bacopa Monieri plant has a very small and thin root system, dense foliage with white flowers. It grows in many countries, likes water and partial shade
parts. It is a low plant and spreads easily in its environment. May
cultivated or we will find it in wild form, throughout the year, mainly
in Asia, on the banks of rivers, around wells and wherever else it exists
water. It is said, that it is the right herb to maintain his sugar
blood within ideal limits.
It has traditionally been used as a brain tonic, brain enhancer
memory, cognitive ability and concentration (1). Many studies have
prove that this medicinal plant defends the nervous system, the
brain stimulation and that it can be used to treat the of
mental illnesses.(2). The active substance responsible for the creation of new ones
synapses, but also for the reproduction of damaged neurons is the
bacosides A, B. (3).
In one study, 61 adults of both sexes were divided into two groups. The first
group consisted of 28 elderly people who were in the initial stage of decline
cognitive ability and memory loss. The second group consisted of 33 elderly people with normal levels of cognitive performance for their age. And the
two groups took organic Bacopa Monieri extract in therapeutic doses for
duration of 6 months. The results received after 6 months in the first
group, was the increase in the duration of the concentration, the improvement of the memory, of
social behavior and the overall picture of personality presented
positive change. The second group presented a better picture of health on
above processes (4).
Bacopa can be used externally based on sesame oil as a topical
oil in anti-anxiety massage. We'll see it, too, on supplement labels
nutrition against hair loss and strengthening of hair growth.
This specific herb is also mentioned, since ancient times for the
its positive effect on hearing, tinnitus, vision, speech problems (mainly in
children), hypertension and depression. Finally, it is important to mention that
increases the feeling of inner peace and tranquility.
Taste = bitter, astringent
Action = cool
Postprandial effect = sweet
It balances the = element of fire, air and earth
How to use: 1/4 tsp. diluted in plant milk or other milk, in juice or in
lukewarm water.
Centella asiatica – Gotu kola
Gotu kola grows in warm climates and loves shade and water.
It is widely used in China, India and Indonesia. It is small and low
plant with its foliage that looks like a frog's leg. It tends to
spreads on the earth and gives the image of the green carpet.
The part of the plant used is the foliage, which is either extracted and consumed diluted in water or ground and consumed as a powder.
The herb has the ability to increase intelligence, longevity and memory.
It contains protein, iron, vitamins of the B complex, vitamin A, C and
calcium.
It significantly benefits hair and skin, has significant healing properties and prevents scars where there is a wound. It is a key ingredient in acne treatments and skin healing creams.
It protects the stomach membrane from hyperacidity, relieves them
leg pains from phlebitis (5). It also has hepatoprotective effects, reduces free radicals and oxidative stress as it acts protectively on brain neurons with an anxiolytic effect. It strengthens the reflex property of the nervous system (6) and significantly improves the digestion and absorption of food. It has detoxifying properties and lowers cholesterol.
In Ayurvedic literature it is mentioned in the ancient texts Charaka Samhita
Chikitsa stanam 1:30 – 31 “ .... the juice of the plant enhances longevity, strengthens the body and aids recovery, improves intelligence, skin and voice”.
Taste = bitter, sweet, astringent
Action = cool
Postprandial action = spicy
It balances the = element of earth and fire
How to use: 1/4 tsp. diluted in plant milk or other milk, in juice or in
lukewarm water.
Precautions!
Due to its relaxing and anxiolytic properties, the herbal powder or the
capsules should be taken for a specific period of time. THE
prolonged use may cause nausea, stomach upset,
headache and drowsiness. To be avoided by pregnant, lactating women
liver diseases and from people following medication.
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