Bacopa monnieri (L.) (family: Scrophulariaceae) is a perennial creeping annual plant found throughout the Indian subcontinent in wet, damp and marshy areas. Commonly known as Brahmi, the plant has been used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners in India for almost 3000 years and is classified as a “medhyarasayana”, a drug used to improve memory and intellect (medhya).

Common names

Brahmi, Thyme leaved gratiola.

Synonyms

Bacopa monniera L., Herpestis monniera Linn., Monniera cunefolia Michx.,Graticola monnieri L., Lysimachia monnieri L. Cent.

Traditional uses

Brahmi is an important ‘Medhya’ (Brain tonic) in Ayurveda for improvement of intelligence,memory and revitalization of sense organs. It is also capable of imparting youthful vitality and longevity. It clears voice and improves digestion. It is reported to be cold, bitter, sweet, cooling, laxative, intellect promoting, annodyne, carminative, digestive, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, depurative, cardiotonic, bronchodilator, diuretic, emmenagogue, sudorific, febrifuge and tonic. It is useful in biliousness, neuralgia, inflammations, epilepsy, insanity, tumours, ulcers, splenomegaly, ascites, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, asthma, bronchitis, skin diseases, leprosy, leucoderma, syphilis, hoarseness, elephantiasis, dysmenorrhoea, sterility, fever and general debility. It helps to regain general mental health through its rejuvenative effect.