Materia Medica: Brahmi
Société Apothecary
]( http://click%20here%20to%20see%20our%20societe%20products%20with%20bacopa/ ) Brahmi, also known as Bacopa, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic tradition, cherished for its ability to calm the mind, sharpen memory, and restore the nervous system. As a medhya rasayana (brain tonic), it supports cognition, mental clarity, and emotional resilience—earning its place as a treasured ally for both students and sages. “Brahmi softens the turbulence of the mind, cooling fiery thoughts and weaving peace into the fabric of awareness.” MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Bacopa monnieri Common Name(s): Brahmi (in the south of India), Water Hyssop, Bacopa TCM Name: Shui Fei Ji (not widely used) Ayurvedic Name: Brahmi (*Note: also used for Centella asiatica in some regions) Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae) Physical Description of the Plant: A creeping, succulent perennial with small oblong leaves and pale purple or white flowers. Often found in wetlands and marshy areas. Habitat: Native to India and Southeast Asia. Grows in tropical and subtropical wetlands worldwide. Harvest and Collection: Harvested during the growing season (typically spring through fall). Aerial parts used fresh or dried. Parts of the Plant Used: Aerial parts—leaf and stem Qualities: Bitter, sweet Energetics: Cooling, calming, slightly drying Dosha: Balances Vata and Pitta; may mildly increase Kapha in excess Chemical Constituents: Bacosides A & B (saponins with neuroprotective activity) Alkaloids (brahmine, herpestine) Flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin) Polyphenols Sterols Actions: Nervine tonic Nootropic (cognitive enhancer) Anxiolytic Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory (especially neuroinflammation) Adaptogen Mild anticonvulsant Hepatoprotective Indications: Cognitive decline, poor memory, or learning difficulty Mental fatigue or lack of concentration Anxiety and nervous tension ADHD and hyperactivity Insomnia and stress-related sleep issues Recovery from head trauma or stroke (adjunctively) Epilepsy (traditional use, under supervision) Diagnostic Picture: Ideal for those with scattered thoughts, poor memory, mental restlessness, or Vata-type anxiety. Often used to soothe mental heat and tension while enhancing clarity and grounded focus. Contraindications/Cautions: May cause mild gastrointestinal upset or nausea in some individuals Use cautiously in hypothyroid individuals (some studies suggest thyroid stimulation) Avoid during pregnancy unless guided by a practitioner Drug Interactions: May potentiate effects of sedatives, thyroid medications, or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Use caution with antiepileptic or antidepressant medications Dosage: Powder (Churna): 1–3 grams daily, often taken with ghee or warm water Tincture: 2–5 mL, 1–3x/day Capsules/Tablets: 250–500 mg standardized extract; 1–2x/day Tea/Infusion: 1–2 tsp dried herb; steep 10–15 min; drink 1–2x/day Combinations: With