Brahmi, also known as Gotu kola, is a plant indigenous to tropical areas, particularly Florida and India. You can usually find it in wet areas, such as marshes or near streams and lakes. The ancient Indian medical practice called Ayurveda includes Brahmi in many therapies. Modern science has further investigated the plant for confirmation of some treatments.
Nervous System Disorders
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, Brahmi increases blood circulation to the brain, which can offer many benefits. Doctors may use Brahmi to treat Parkinson's disease. The herb increases circulation to brain cells that interact with the nervous system. UMMC also notes that Brahmi may effectively treat anxiety. Tests on mice demonstrate that triterpenoids, a key component of the Brahmi biology, improve mental functioning while reducing symptoms typically associated with anxiety. The effects have led to further Western research on the herb for confirmation of its benefits in these areas.
Memory Retention
As you age, memory is often the first noticeable sign of mental impairment. Some diseases, such as Alzheimer's, specifically affect memory retention. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, published a 2006 study that originally appeared in the Oxford University Press regarding a formal study of Brahmi on memory retention. The researchers mixed Brahmi with other herbs from Ayurvedic tradition. They subjected mice to memory experiments and treatment with this Brahmi mixture. Measurements of certain chemical levels in the mice's brains quantified the biological process of learning and remembering an activity. The study concluded that the Brahmi mixture successfully improved learning skills in the mice due to better memory retention.
Anti-Oxidant Properties
The NIH article notes that the researchers in the mice-memory experiment found other benefits from Brahmi. Through their measurements of chemical activities in the mice, the researchers found evidence of increased antioxidant production that led to other related benefits, including anti-inflammatory processes. While the study did not quantify or analyze other health conditions, the researchers did state that Brahmi could treat arthritis and offer other uses, such as relief for some neurological disorders. Additional testing is necessary in these areas to fully understand the use of Brahmi for these purposes.
Hair Loss Treatment
Brahmi is commercially available as an oil or powder designed for direct application to your hair. Dandruff and hair loss are among the specific problems that Brahmi treats. According to Dr. John Anne of "Eat More Herbs," Brahmi strengthens hair roots, which affects overall health of the hair. The October 1999 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives noted that the ancient medical practice of Ayurveda used Brahmi to stimulate hair growth.
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