Adaptation herbs - Brahmi
Herbalism has entered our lives for good. A walk to the pharmacy and we will find various herbal products such as powders & superfoods for the breakfast smoothie, herbal tinctures for strengthening our body, toothpastes with antibacterial herbs, therapeutic recipes for skin diseases and cosmetic beauty creams for everyday use body care. Lately we have been hearing the term adaptogenic herbs more and more often. adaptogenic herbs help the body increase its adaptability to the new conditions it may face and increase its mechanism self-healing. In this category of adaptogens, there are herbs that may offer us seemingly opposite benefits, e.g. relaxing and they help with sleep at night while at the same time providing energy and clarity during during the day.
Below we will explore two important herbs that They belong to the category of adaptogen herbs.
Brahmi – The Power of Cosmic Energy
Bacopa Monieri
Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica
Those who deal with herbs of Eastern origin will have often heard of the herb Brahmi and under it the name bacopa or gotu kola will be listed. So let's clarify what herb this is. Under the name Brahmi, we find two herbs.
-Brahmi – Bacopa Monieri
-Brahmi – Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica
Although they share several common properties, they are actually
two different morphological plants.
Bacopa Monieri
The plant Bacopa Monieri, has a very small and thin root system, dense foliage with white flowers. It grows in many countries, it likes water and semi-shade
places. It is a low plant and spreads easily in its environment. It can
cultivated or we will find it in wild form, all year round, mainly
in Asia, on the banks of rivers, around wells and wherever else there is
water. It is said that it is the right herb to maintain blood sugar
blood within ideal limits.
Traditionally it has been used as a brain tonic, a stimulant of
memory, cognitive ability and concentration (1). Many studies have
prove that this medicinal plant defends the nervous system, the
brain stimulation and that it can be used to treat
mental illnesses.(2). The active substance responsible for the creation of new
synapses, but also for the reproduction of damaged neurons is the
bacosides A, B. (3).
In one study, 61 adults of both sexes were divided into two groups. The first
The group consisted of 28 elderly people who were in the initial stage of decline
cognitive ability and memory loss. The second group consisted of 33 elderly people with normal levels of mental performance for their age. And the
two groups took organic Bacopa Monieri extract in therapeutic doses for
duration of 6 months. The results obtained after 6 months in the first
group, was the increase in concentration time, improvement in memory,
social behavior and the overall picture of personality presented
positive change. The second group also presented a better health picture in the
above processes (4).
Bacopa can be used externally with sesame oil as a special
oil in the anxiolytic massage. We will also see it on supplement labels
nutrition against hair loss and strengthening hair growth.
This particular herb has also been mentioned since ancient times for its
its positive effect on hearing, tinnitus, vision, speech problems (mainly in
children), hypertension and depression. Finally, it is important to mention that
increases the feeling of inner peace and tranquility.
Taste = bitter, astringent
Action = cool
Post-meal action = sweet
Balances the element = of fire, air and earth
How to use: 1/4 tsp diluted in plant-based milk or other milk, in juice or in
lukewarm water.
Centella asiatica – Gotu kola
Gotu kola grows in warm climates and loves shade and water.
It is widely used in China, India and Indonesia. It is small and low
plant with foliage that looks like a frog's leg. It has a tendency to
spreads out on the ground and gives the image of a green carpet.
The part of the plant used is the foliage, which is either extracted and is consumed diluted in water or ground and consumed as a powder.
The herb has the property of increasing intelligence, longevity and memory.
It contains protein, iron, B vitamins, vitamin A, C and
calcium.
It significantly benefits hair and skin, has significant healing properties and prevents scars at the site of the wound. It participates as a basic ingredient in acne treatments and skin healing creams.
It protects the stomach membrane from hyperacidity, relieves
leg pain from phlebitis (5). It also has hepatoprotective effects, reduces free radicals and oxidative stress as it acts protectively on neurons of the brain with anxiolytic action. It enhances the reflex property of the nervous system (6) and significantly improves digestion and absorption of food. It has detoxifying properties and reduces cholesterol.
In Ayurvedic literature it is mentioned in the ancient texts Charaka Samhita
Chikitsa stanam 1:30 – 31 “ .... the juice of the plant enhances longevity, strengthens the body and helps in recovery, it improves intelligence, skin and voice”.
Taste = bitter, sweet, astringent
Action = cool
Post-meal action = spicy
Balances the element = earth and fire
How to use: 1/4 tsp diluted in plant-based milk or other milk, in juice or in
lukewarm water.
Precautions!
Due to its relaxing and anxiolytic properties, herbal powder or
capsules should be taken for a specific period of time. The
prolonged use may cause nausea, stomach upset,
headache and drowsiness. Avoid by pregnant women, nursing mothers, in
liver diseases and by people taking medication.
Leave a comment