Brahmi
Common Name:
Indian Pennywort, Gotu Kola (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name:
Mandukaparni- Means its leaves are shaped like a sitting frog- the manduka
Manduki- Means it is found in the same habitat where the frog is also found i.e. the moist areas
Brahmi- Represents the creative energy of this universe. The plant Brahmi stands for the personified energy of Brahma, which includes all creativity, especially those of sensory organs in the body.
Saraswati- As it blesses the person with knowledge as Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) blesses the one
Lt. Name:
Centella asiatica- Umbelliferae
Bio energetics:
Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Characteristics)- Laghu (Light)
Veerya (Potency)- Sheeta (Cool and calm)
Vipaka (Post digestion effect)- Madhura (Sweet)
Prabhava (Specific action which cannot be explained on logical parameters)- Medhya (Nervine rejuvenator)
Effect on Tridoshas (Three bio humors):
It pacifies Pitta and Kapha i.e. it is useful in management of diseases resulting from the aggravation of Kapha/ Pitta or both.
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Medhya- Nervine rejuvenator
Praja sthapana- Improves quality of both the male and female reproductive cells ensuring a good progeny
Vayah sthapana- Delays the signs of ageing
Hrudya- Cardiac tonic
Aayushya- Increases longevity
Rasayani- Rejuvenates the body
Swarya- Improves voice
Besides this it is also useful in management of skin diseases, urinary disorders, respiratory discomfort, toxicities and edematous conditions.
Medicinal value:
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Gotu kola is a mild adaptogen, is mildly antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory. anti-ulcerogenic, anxiolytic, a cerebral tonic, a circulatory stimulant, a diuretic, nervine and vulnerary.
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The isolated steroids from the plant have been used to treat leprosy.
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Preliminary evidence suggests that it may have nootropic effects. Centella asiatica is used to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration, and combat ageing.
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Centella asiatica also has anti-oxidant properties. It works for venous insufficiency.
Useful part:
Whole plant
Doses:
Powder- 2-4 gm; Juice- 10-20 ml
Some important combinations of Brahmi:
Saraswatarishta; Saraswata ghruta; Brahmi tail; Brahmi panaka
Special notes about Brahmi:
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According to Charaka, Brahmi is one of the best nervine rejuvenators.
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In acne and boils applying paste of Brahmi is very useful.
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