Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Penn.

Family: Scrophulariaceae

 Introduction:

The controversy on Brãhmi and Mandükaparni is never ending. both used as brain tonic. Usually South Indians Bacopa as brahmi, North Indians using Centella asiatica 

Names in different Indian languages

Synonyms

Aindri, Nirbraahmi, Kapotavankaa, Bhaarati, Darduradalaa, Matsyaakshaka, Shaaluraparni, Mandukaparni

 Herpestis monnieria (Linn.) H. B. & K.

Moniera cuneifolia Michx

Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata

Varieties & adulterants - (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants) 

 Centella asiatica  [CV]

Morphology

A glabrous, punctate. succulent creeping annual herb.

Leaves- simple, sessile, obovate or spathulate, entire, fleshy

Flowers- solitary. axillary, white; bracteoles linear.

Fruits- ovoid, acute, acute capsules included in the persistent calyx.

Flowers and fruits almost throughout the year (mainly between February—April)

 
Distribution & Habitat

Common in moist places throughout India.

Chemical Constituents

 
monnierin, hersaponin, bacosides A and B. Bacosides A and B , Ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, brahmine, herpestine. alanine,
hentri-acontane, octacosane. monnierin (saponin), hersaponin, bacoside A & B, bacogenins A1-A4 (Sapogenins). 13-sitosterol etc.

Properties—

Rasa Tikta, Kasäya

Guna Laghu

Virya sita

Vipaka Madhura

Karma Kapha-pitta hara, Medhya, Rasãyana , kandughna,arsoghna, vranahara

Cooling, laxative, intellect promoting, anodyne, carminative, digestive, anti inflammatory, depurative, bronchodilator, diuretic, cardiotonic, febrifuge

Part Used— Whole plant

Dosage— Fresh juice 10-20 ml

Indications— Apasmãra, Prameha, Kustha, Pandu, Prameha, Sotha, Jvara, Kãsa,gulma

neuralgia, epilepsy, insanity, insomnia, dementia,  tumors, ulcers, splenomegaly, ascites, constipation, sterility.

Internal uses

Nervous system : Brahmi is a valuable plant for brain and entire nervous system. Mania and epilepsy are two conditions which require brahmi. It also helps in depression and mental retardation. by enhancing intelligence.

 
Digestive system Brahmi is slightly astringent and hence useful in diarrhea. Brahmi may suppress appetite, hence deepan medicines should be given along with it.

Respiratory system : Specially in children, for cold and cough. 1 teaspoonful of brahmi juice is given to induce vomiting and gives relief. When hoarseness of voice results from excessive talking, pills made from the leaves of brahmi. vasa, pippali. haritaki and vacha are chewed which gives relief.

Cardiovascular system: In small doses, it has cardiotonic property, It leads to an increase in blood pressure.

Urinary system : Diuretic.

Temperature : In Srilanka, brahmi is used for fever,
Satmikaran : Brahmi is a brain tonic. It enhances memory, intelligence and longevity.

Srotogamitva

Dosha : Vataghna, pittaghna, kaphaghna, tridoshanashak
Dhatu: Meda (demulcent). strengthens all seven dhatus (anaemia, urinary disorders).

Mala : Urine (diuretic), keshya (hair growth).
Prabhava : Antidote.

Important Yogas or Formations

Brahmi prash: Saraswatarishta, Brahmighmta, Brahmitaila. Brãhmi rasãyana, Brãhmighrta

Descriptions on  Ayurveda books / Nighandu:

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