History and Traditional Use

Figure 1. Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, is a creeping plant originating in India, but found throughout the world in areas with wet tropical environments: damp soil, shallow water, and marshes¹. Because it is a medicinal herb that improves the health of the brain, the centre for creative activity, this plant is also known as Brahmi in local communities since the word ‘Brama’ signifies ‘mythical creator’ in the Hindu pantheon. The herb has been classified as a medhyarasayana, a drug that enhances memory and intellect (medhya) and promotes longevity and rejuvenation (rasayana), in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for nearly 3000 years. In fact, the earliest record of Brahmi was from multiple ancient Ayurvedic treatises, including the Caraka Samhita from 6^thcentury A.D., in which it was used for formulations that dealt with a wide range of mental states such as anxiety, poor cognition, and a lack of concentration.

Figure 2. Making an Ayurvedic remedy

Nevertheless, while the herb has been cherished for its revitalizing characteristics and ability to strengthen nervous function and memory in India; in Sri Lanka, Brahmi, otherwise named Loonooweella, was used for fevers; in the Philippines, it was given as a diuretic; in Pakistan, it was prescribed as a cardiac tonic, digestive aid, and to improve cases of bronchoconstriction. Ayurvedic treatments, which used Brahmi, often employed multiple extracts of whole plant parts of different herbs and minerals to yield synergistic effects and eliminate harmful side-effects². A poultice made from boiling Brahmi and resting it on the chest of patients was helpful for cases of acute bronchitis and other coughs, its mashed up leaves were given to those who had asthenia, nervous breakdowns, and other low adynamic conditions, and a mixture given with ‘Ghrita’, animal fat, was useful for cases of hysteria and epilepsy.