Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical science in India. According to Ayurveda, the mind and body are interdependent and interconnected. As a result, Ayurveda has a holistic approach to treating all the issues related to mind and body from the root.
Regarding Ayurvedic treatment for stress and anxiety, no other herb can be better than Brahmi.
Stress and anxiety have almost become epidemics in today’s digital age. No matter whom you talk to, you will always agree that they are dealing with some stress. Brahmi is a reliable Medhya Rasayana that helps bring balance to our lives.
It helps to maintain peace and harmony, thereby treating stress and anxiety.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Ayurvedic Viewpoint of Stress and Anxiety
- 2 Why is Brahmi a Popular Extract?
- 3 Benefits of Brahmi for Anxiety and Depression
- 4 How does Brahmi Improve Mental Health?
- 5 Brahmi Benefits for Different Diseases (Ayurvedic Viewpoint)
- 6 Tips to Use Brahmi to Lower Stress and Anxiety Issues
- 7 Summary
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
The Ayurvedic Viewpoint of Stress and Anxiety
Ayurveda is an age-old science that has been treating different conditions. It is primarily based on the principle of dosha balancing. Ayurveda has three types of dosha- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ayurvedic experts suggest that when our body sees a sudden rise in Vata dosha, it leads to stress and anxiety. When the Vata dosha in the body increases, it affects the Mano Vaha Srota of the mind. Therefore, opting for Ayurvedic medicines will help control the condition.
Why is Brahmi a Popular Extract?
The various benefits of Brahmi contribute to its effectiveness for the mind and body. Brahmi can contribute significantly to coping with anxiety and stress as a powerful adaptation. It also plays a key role in improving the cognitive functioning and memory of the brain.
Brahmi has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries owing to its property of maintaining tranquillity and mental clarity. Furthermore, Brahmi helps boost the nervous system and improve mood.
Brahmi is a natural antioxidant that treats inflammation and protects the body from free radicals. Since Brahmi has so many benefits, there is no doubt that it is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs today.
Benefits of Brahmi for Anxiety and Depression
Times can get rough for you when you suffer from anxiety and depression. You must opt for different treatments. However, you must know that other forms of medicine cannot always work on your condition. On the other hand, Ayurveda takes a more holistic approach to treat the condition.
As an Ayurvedic herb, Brahmi is often said to be one of the best for treating anxiety and depression. Contrary to the popular belief that it will take longer, you will be able to notice the changes soon after you start the medicine.
There are different ways in which you can consume Brahmi: as a syrup or powder. Each way will have a positive impact on treating your condition, depending on how soon you want to treat it.
Whether you’re suffering from any mind ailments or body ones, Brahmi can help treat it all. However, Brahmi, as an Ayurvedic herb, is more effective in treating anxiety and depression. Some of the key benefits of starting Brahmi for treating anxiety and depression are as follows:
1. Reduces Anxiety
According to Ayurveda, there are three different states of mind: inertia, agitation and balance, and clarity and calmness. All three must be under control for better mental health. Any disruption can lead to stress and anxiety. The use of Brahmi can help trigger the third quality of the brain, clarity and calmness.
It helps to bring a balance of clarity and calmness to the brain. If you are suffering from anxiety, you must consult the doctor about Brahmi consumption. These have been backed by scientific studies as well. Studies based on ancient wisdom suggest that using Brahmi helps reduce anxiety over time. While you may struggle to get this from other medicines, you can eventually observe the change with Brahmi. 1
2. Promotes Sleep
One primary reason why people get anxious or agitated is when they do not get enough sleep. Mental problems often prevent us from having a good sleep or even sleeping at all. It is important that you find ways to promote sleep, especially during the night.
If you get at least 8 hours of sleep during the night, you are likely to be relaxed throughout the day. Well, Brahmi can help in promoting sleep.
All Ayurvedic practitioners suggest using Brahmi to lower anxiety and stress. Brahmi helps in calming the mind as it helps the body to follow a natural circadian rhythm. As a result, you will be able to sleep as per the normal timing and get good rest. When you sleep properly, there is no risk of stress or anxiety in the long run. 2
3. Better Memory Growth
One of the significant benefits of Brahmi is that it helps to promote memory. It fosters memory growth and prevents any negative impact. One placebo-controlled trial of Brahmi was conducted on the Wechsler Memory Scale for participants.
The results showed that participants who took Brahmi had an improvement in their memory score.
Furthermore, it is also suggested that the use of Brahmi can also help in enhancing learning. It can also increase the speed at which you understand any visual information. Brahmi usage also allows you to improve the speed of processing memories. 1
4. Lowers Stress Level
Brahmi is a major adaptogenic herb that helps you lower any kind of stress and strain on your mind and body. This Ayurvedic herb helps lower cortisol levels in the body. As a result, it can play an important role in improving the overall mood.
Cortisol is a stress-causing hormone. Therefore, reducing cortisol levels in the body can eventually help in overcoming stress.
The lower the cortisol level in the body, the lower will be stress. With Brahmi, you can focus on deeper spirituality. As you focus on spirituality, you will be able to overcome trauma, which can be a major trigger for your stress. 3
5. Treats Children with ADHD Symptoms
Brahmi is very helpful for children who suffer from the symptoms of ADHD like mood swings, irritability, or lack of coordination. Children suffering from ADHD also have a hard time concentrating.
However, consuming Brahmi for a longer period of time for these kids can help in controlling the symptoms of ADHD. In many cases, it can also help to reduce the symptoms. However, a doctor’s advice is important to understand how much Brahmi dosage is preferable for children. 4
How does Brahmi Improve Mental Health?
Brahmi is a popular Ayurvedic medicine that has a long-term impact. Not only does it help to boost mental power, but it also helps in relieving stress and anxiety. The increase in Vata creates a negative imbalance in the body. It paves the way for more air and space in the body, thereby causing roughness and dryness.
Brahmi, as an Ayurvedic ingredient, has some of the essential components that make it effective for mental health.
However, it is important to use Brahmi as per the recommendations of the doctors. Some of the key components of Brahmi that help to treat mental health are as follows:
1. Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is one of the most common responses of the body for fighting and healing diseases. Nonetheless, if our body becomes victim to chronic inflammation, it can suffer significantly, especially if it has various deadly diseases. Chronic inflammation occurs in the body because of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. On the other hand, Brahmi has anti-inflammatory properties. The use of Brahmi can therefore help in curbing down these proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
2. Impacts the Dendrites
Dendrites are one of the most important parts of our nerve cells. Using Brahmi can have a positive impact on the dendrites as it promotes their growth. When the branching and length of Brahmi improve, it brings some changes in the cells of the body. As a result, the mental wellness of an individual will significantly improve.
Brahmi Benefits for Different Diseases (Ayurvedic Viewpoint)
Brahmi, as an Ayurvedic herb, can cure a number of diseases. While there are scientific benefits to it, one must also understand the Ayurvedic viewpoint for extreme benefits. It is plant-based and should be consumed only as per the recommendation by the doctor. The Ayurvedic viewpoints through which Brahmi treats different conditions are given below:
1. Age-Related Memory Loss
As humans age, their brains lose a lot of abilities. It becomes prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The regular use of Brahmi can help to control these age-related memory losses. It is advisable to use Brahmi on a regular basis for it to show impact.
The Ayurvedic system suggests that Vata influences our nervous system. When our body goes through a Vata imbalance, it can lead to weakened mental awareness and memory.
However, using Brahmi can improve memory and also bring a positive spike in mental awareness. Brahmi has Medhya (intelligence improvement) and Vata balancing properties that cater to this impact. 2
2. Depression
Brahmi helps to control Vata and maintain its balance. This, in turn, helps to treat the causes and various symptoms of mental illness like anxiety and depression. Owing to its Medhya properties, Brahmi also contributes to healthy brain functioning. 3
Tips to Use Brahmi to Lower Stress and Anxiety Issues
If you’re planning to use Brahmi for lowering stress and anxiety, it is important to reach out to your doctor. However, there are some prominent ways through which you can include Brahmi in your day-to-day diet. These include:
1. Use as Supplement
Brahmi supplements are easily available in the market. You can purchase those supplements and start with them. However, it is advisable to reach out to an Ayurvedic practitioner to understand how much dosage would be beneficial.
Working with a practitioner helps you understand the benefits and potential risks you may be prone to. They can help you get the maximum benefits by starting these.
2. Brahmi Ghee for Cooking
It may be quite surprising for many, but Brahmi ghee is one of the most popular ones available in the market. This ghee plays an important role in improving immunity of the body. One of the easiest ways to include Brahmi ghee in your diet is to use it directly for cooking.
3. Spinach and Brahmi Stir Fry
Give this ayurvedic herb a Chinese twist by including it in stir fry. Spinach and Brahmi stir fry is not only delicious but also healthy. To reap off the maximum benefits, you can use Brahmi ghee itself for the frying process. You can enjoy the spinach and Brahmi stir fry all by itself or with some rice and lentils.
4. Brahmi in Daal (Lentil Soup)
Warm lentil soup is one of the favourites in every Indian household. You can add half a spoon of Brahmi ghee to your daal to make it delicious and tasty. Enjoying this Brahmi with daal once or twice a week can help to promote mental stability.
Brahmi Oral Consumption Dosage
Brahmi consumption dosage significantly depends on the form you’re consuming it in. If you are consuming Brahmi in powder form, 3-5 gm is considered to be a safe dosage. In terms of syrup, around 10-30 mL is said to be safe. If you’re taking Brahmi infusion, 8-16 mL is considered to be a safe dosage.
The physical and psychological factors also have an impact on terms of Brahmi dosage. Therefore, before starting Brahmi dosage consumption, it is advisable to reach out to an Ayurvedic practitioner. They will help you understand the safety dosage amount and concerns.
Summary
Brahmi is one of the key or magic ingredients that helps in treating a lot of conditions. It has a significant impact on anxiety and stress. Furthermore, it also helps to build the body’s resistance to stress. With the use of Brahmi, you can focus on enhancing your condition and treating any negative impact.
Since Brahmi targets the stress hormone cortisol, it reduces stress. As it helps to boost the immunity level of the body, the strength increases as well. It is advisable to check with your doctor before including Brahmi in your diet in any form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brahmi reduce stress and anxiety?
Brahmi promotes relaxation by regulating cortisol levels, enhancing serotonin production, and reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
Can Brahmi be used alongside other stress-relief medications?
Brahmi is generally safe to use with other medications, but it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Are there any side effects of using Brahmi for stress and anxiety?
Brahmi is well-tolerated, but in rare cases, it may cause mild digestive issues or drowsiness. It’s best to start with a low dosage.
References
- Stough, C., Lloyd, J., Clarke, J., Downey, L. A., Hutchison, C. W., Rodgers, T., & Nathan, P. J. (2001). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481–484.[↩][↩]
- Calabrese, C., Gregory, W. L., Leo, M., Kraemer, D., Bone, K., & Oken, B. (2008). Effects of a Standardized Bacopa monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 707–713.[↩][↩]
- Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Kumar, A., & Ghosal, S. (2000). Antioxidant Activity of Bacopa monniera in Rat Frontal Cortex, Striatum and Hippocampus. Phytotherapy Research, 14(3), 174–179.[↩][↩]
- Sumathi, T., & Niranjali Devaraj, S. (2014). Long-term effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human cognitive functions. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 11(2), 137–145.[↩]
