Bacopa (Bacopa Monnieri), Brahmi (Hydrocotyle Asiatica) and Gotu Kola(Centella Asiatica) are popular herbs in Ayurvedic medicine that has been used in Ayurveda across the world for centuries.
In my opinion, these are the 3 best herbs that can be used in Ayurveda and the Yoga lifestyle to balance the brain and calm the mind. They are great for all constitutions – Vata, Pitta & Kapha
These herbs are renowned for their effects on the nervous system and can be classified as nootropic herbs, which means that they can help repair damaged neurons and improve brain function. They have been shown to help regulate dopamine and serotonin production.
Although Brahmi and Bacopa are used similarly for the same functions and benefits, they are unrelated botanically. Brahmi native to India is often the preferred choice. Bacopa can be grown in many different climates and countries and is therefore more readily available.
Brahmi and Gotu Kola and two herbs closely related botanically and like bacopa also have similar properties. Gotu Kola is stronger diuretic and a weaker nervine. Gotu Kola is also more readily available than Brahmi so it is often used in its place by herbalists, holistic health & ayurvedic practitioners.
Bacopa, Brahmi, and Gotu Kola are known for their simultaneously calming and stimulating affects. Studies suggest that these herbs can reduce chronic stress, anxiety and depression, and support focus, attention, learning and memory. They can also reduce muscular tension and slows the effects of aging.
All three are said to help purify the blood, calm the heart and soothe the liver. Best of all, they are non-addictive and have little or no side effects.
Brahmi is a Sanskrit word that refers to the feminine essence of universal consciousness as well as the creative potential that emerges from pure awareness. Therefore, these herbs are thought to promote balance, clarity and sattva guna (harmony).
Bacopa, Brahmi, and Gotu Kola are most often taken in a capsule form, tablet form, powder form or sometimes in tincture form. Ayurveda recommend tasting the herb to adsorb the qualities.
An excellent way to do this is to make a tea by adding some powder to a warm glass of water or boiling the leaves of the plant. A few of the fresh leaves can also be consumed daily.
Here is a list and summary of some of Bacopa, Brahmi, and Gotu Kola benefits as well as uses. There are many studies and health research on these herbs – see links below.
- Opens and clarify the mind
- Strengthen memory and intellect
- Supports focus and concentration
- Encourages a balanced emotional state
- Promotes daytime alertness and nighttime sleep
- Support healthy blood cells
- Promote healthy skin and hair
- Acts as an adaptogenic Stress Reducer
- Reduces anxiety & deperession
- Helps minimize chronic pain
- Regulates blood pressure
- Helps with ADD
For more information about these herbs and other mind balancing and brain boosting herbs check out my course Yoga & Ayurveda for Stress Anxiety & Depression
Ayurveda & Bacopa, Brahmi, and Gotu Kola for Vata, Pitta & Kapha dosha
Bacopa, Brahmi, and Gotu Kola can be good for all dosha types and constitutions for the benefits mentioned above. It synergizes and work well with other herbs such as Ashwagandha.
Brahmi is one of the most important herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine as it revitalizes the brain cells, removes toxins from the nervous system, improves memory and aids in concentration.
It is an important food for Yogis as it improves meditation. A small amount of the fresh leaves can be eaten daily to rejuvenate the mind and balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Its also used in Ayurveda to get rid of addictions and kick bad habits, so it is helpful in the recovery of alcoholism, drug addiction and sugar addiction.
It’s best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor that can recommend the right dosage and usage for your constitution and lifestyle.
https://store.sacredseedyoga.com/yoga-ayurveda-for-anxiety-stress-depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897008/
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-4019005#hn-4019005-how-it-works
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11498727?dopt=Abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17604373
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23210787
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21762768
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2915594/