Known scientifically as bacopa monniera, Indian pennywort, water hyssop or brahmi as its more commonly referred to as, is a perennial creeping herb that grows floating in the waters and wetlands of India, Florida and Central America. The tops of the plant are used medicinally. Brahmi has medicinal properties that are similar to another important herb in ayurvedic medicine called gotu kola.

Brahmi, among all Indian herbal therapies is regarded as a powerful brain and nerve tonic. The herbs reputation for decreasing senility, increasing intelligence, circulation and longevity of the brain as well as improving both long and short-term memory have earned it the title of the main revitalizing herb for the nerves and brain cells.

In traditional ayurvedic medicine, brahmi has been used to treat a number conditions including a variety of skin problems as well as inflammations, fevers, joint pain and blood cleansing.

Parkinson's disease, memory problems, Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder (ADD) can all be treated with brahmi. Brahmi's proven ability to improve intellectual function by balancing the chemicals gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in the brain make it a recommendation among many for the treatment of conditions involving impaired mental capacity.

Bacosides A and B are the two main active ingredients in brahmi. Both have been shown to increase kinase protein activity and new protein synthesis in regions of the brain associated with long-term memory. Brahmi has been shown, in numerous studies to increase the ability to adapt to new learning, produce faster performance times, improve acquisition and learning retention and reduce errors.

Brahmi has a calming effect, which has no negative affect on normal activities - making it a great choice for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The herb's antioxidant properties enable it to neutralize free radicals in the brain, shielding the linings of cells in the brain from the actions of these free radicals. Additionally, brahmi has the capability of minimizing the production of inflammatory chemicals that interfere with circulation in the brain, which makes it a recommendation among many for the treatment of attention deficit disorder.

One study on brahmi's effect on people with irritable bowel syndrome found it to have beneficial effects, especially if diarrhea was the dominant symptom.

Brahmi has a calm and peaceful effect, which helps reduce the symptoms associated with nervousness. It's unique ability to improve cognitive function make it a great choice for those who live or work in stressful environments.

You can find brahmi available in bacoside extract in tablet form. Brahmi's effectiveness can be increased when it is simultaneously supplemented with inositol and/or a B-vitamin complex. For best results, a 3,000 mg dosage once or twice daily at the beginning of the day and again in mid to late afternoon is recommended for adults.

Cognitive function can be further improved by taking brahmi with ginkgo biloba and lecithin.

Because an interaction between estrogen and increased GABA can cause temporary hearing loss, women with conditions characterized by excess estrogen production should avoid brahmi.