Bacopa monnieri, aka Brahmi

Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for longevity and cognitive enhancement. The herb is believed to help improve memory formation, as well as reduce anxiety. And with the nickname that means "herb of grace," you can imagine that it has a few good things going for it. It is considered to be an adaptogen herb, and a good overall tonic because adaptogens help the body adapt to new or stressful situations. It has been found to be a useful herb in the treatment of mental illness, by helping to balance the general psychological state and supports brain health. It has various other applications in traditional medicine, as an anti-inflammatory to help ease chronic joint pain and muscle pain. It has also been used successfully for epilepsy, tumors, headaches, or migraines and for decreasing high blood pressure. The herb has been studied effects on addicts, as it reduces the high from morphine based drugs and may very well be a good treatment for the disease that is affecting all of our lives, in one way or the other. The herb may be useful for balding, or alopecia, and dandruff. It has a high antioxidant value that helps to protect against vascular injury and the development of arterial disease. Bacopa is also believed to help regenerate nerves that have been damaged, making it a particularly good herb for recovering from a stroke. Because it is a calming herb it is useful for respiratory distress, that often comes with asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. 

Modern science has confirmed its traditional use for improving study subjects' ability to retain new information, as well as visual processing, in as little as three weeks time. In addition to its short-term cognitive benefits, it may also prevent long-term cognitive decline. Studies have shown it to be a valuable support herb for rapid degeneration, often associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The work that has been done has shown that the compounds found in Bacopa monnieri positively influence brain cells that prompt regeneration of brain tissue. The herb has been used to increase brain function and memory, and may even help to prevent the onset of the disease.  The reason for this may be the use of the herb for its ability to protect the body from the build-up of toxins between brain cells, especially from aluminum. It has been shown recently that long-term exposure can increase your risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 60 percent. 

Bacopa has been used in conjunction with a couple of other herbs, such as Hawthorn and Holy Basil, or tulsi. And it has been found to be very helpful for attention deficit disorders. In India, it is actually given to infants starting in the first month of life, to encourage optimal brain development. And, studies have shown a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, may reduce impulsivity and psychiatric problems, a reduction of ADD and ADHD symptoms, such as improved self-control. This may be the reason it is also being studied for its use in mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. This condition is marked by several defining characteristics, but one of those is unstable chemicals in the brain. Brahmi has recently excited modern herbalists and scientists alike. By regulating these chemicals, it may be very helpful some of the cognitive impairment, that is common in this particular psychosis. In one study the herbal extract of Bacopa was reported to make a noticeable change, in the subjects studied, when taken in doses of 500 mg. per serving for one month. 

The herb has been used traditionally for other mental illness as well, by balancing general psychological state and for brain health. Bacopa has been found to promote new nerve production and helps to mend damaged nerve cells. This may be the reason it is such a great herb for those who are feeling tension and nervousness. And when you are more relaxed, the adverse symptoms of insomnia are lessened, which can help to make falling asleep that much easier of a proposition for you.

Bacopa, or Brahmi, has long been used to treat epilepsy. Seizures happen when the brain cells send out the wrong electrical signals. As stated above, Bacopa can help to mend damaged nerve cells, improving nerve signals. Some studies have found that the use of Bacopa may help to reduce the frequency of seizures. You should always check with your health practitioner before using any herbs or supplements. 

The brain is not the only organ that may benefit from the use of Bacopa extracts. The liver, the body's detoxifying organ, may also be improved, as the herbal extract of Bacopa has been shown to have hepatoprotective activity. It has become a popular herbal supplement against morphine-induced liver and kidney toxicity, as shown in animal studies. 

Bacopa extract has been used to relieve inflammation and pain in the body. Specifically, it rescues the redness and swelling caused by auto-immune disorders and chronic disease, including arthritis. One study suggests that it is as effective as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and without the stomach upset. 

Bacopa monnieri extract has also been used to address inflammation of the digestive system. Preliminary studies suggest that Bacopa, along with Bael fruit, may treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It does this by relaxing muscles which control digestion and circulation. It does this by adding support to the production of beneficial mucus in the gastrointestinal tract, which may help to guard the body against stomach ulcers and constipation. It also helps us to absorb valuable minerals and vitamins. from all the natural food you should be adding to your diet. 

The herb has been shown to be helpful for low thyroid function, along with diet modification and some changes in lifestyle. because the herb is rich in antioxidants, it increases by 41% of the concentration of Thyroxine, while T-3 levels do not change. This research suggests that the bacosides, work directly on the thyroid gland with a stimulant effect. That being said, if Bacopa does, in fact, work with thyroid function it may be an important herb to add to your list for helping to counteract issues with weight gain and fatigue. These two conditions are most often associated with an underactive thyroid. 

Bacopa monnieri is also known as a mild diuretic, and a known hyperaccumulator of cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead, as well as aluminum. The increased urine flow, which is helpful for purging the heavy metals from the system. This feature makes the herbal tincture useful for those who want to lose some weight. This action eliminates fluid from the tissues, and has been found to be helpful for athletes' and bodybuilders'. The use of a diuretic, however, can be very dangerous, so if you use them, make sure you drink plenty of pure water. This will help to replace some of the water that is lost and will help to prevent retention. 

Because the liver usually shows toxicity in the form of skin disease, Bacopa may be helpful for regaining clear skin. Also known as water hyssop, it has recently caught the attention of the cosmetic companies, for its potential as a skin-saving, free radical fighter. The herb is also believed to prevent hair loss, a condition known as alopecia, and has shown benefits for dandruff, and dry scalp, Bacopa cools the head, and the antioxidant properties of the herb enable the production of healthy hair roots. This may be the reason this wonderful herb has been used for centuries and still used today, for its pampering bioactive nature that has been said to boost beauty from head to toe. 

Non-Alcohol: Bacopa monnieri, Structured Water, and Vegetable Glycerin.

All of our ingredients are Certified Organic, Kosher, or Responsibly Wildcrafted. No genetically modified organisms (GMO's) are involved. All other products that are distributed by us meet our high-quality standards.  

Instructions: Use 6-30 drops in mouth, juice or water. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in a cool dry place. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindications: Bacopa extract is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth appropriately and short-term, up to 12 weeks. Common side effects include increased bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue. Bacopa monnieri appears to be able to cause an upset stomach in large doses over 300 mg. Bacopa might increase secretions in the stomach and intestines, and could worsen ulcers. Bacopa might increase fluid secretions in the lung and should be avoided in conditions such as asthma or emphysema. Bacopa might increase levels of thyroid hormone and should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications. Bacopa might increase secretions in the urinary tract, this could worsen urinary obstruction.

Nothing more has been noted for the herb aside from the adverse taste. No other significant case studies exist at the time of this writing. 

Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.