Ayurvedic Herb

Brahmi (Bacopa)

SanskritBrahmiBotanicalBacopa monnieriAlso calledBacopa, Water hyssop, Herb of grace

A small, succulent marsh plant that Ayurveda treasures as a medhya rasayana, a herb for a calm, clear and steady mind.

Brahmi is a low, creeping plant that grows along the wet edges of ponds and rice fields, with fleshy little leaves and small white flowers. Its name comes from Brahman, the idea of universal consciousness, which tells you what the tradition reaches for it for: the mind.

Ayurveda counts brahmi among the medhya rasayanas, herbs said to nourish memory, focus and a settled heart. The taste is bitter with a soft sweetness underneath.

A gentle note on names: in parts of India, especially the south, gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is also called brahmi. Both are used for the mind, but they are different plants. This page is about Bacopa; see our gotu kola entry for the other one.

Ayurvedic Properties

RasaTastes
  • Bitter
  • Sweet
ViryaHeating or cooling
Cooling
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Sweet
AgniEffect on digestion
Neutral for agni

Little direct effect on digestion; its focus is the mind.

GunaQualities
  • Light
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: decreases, in moderation
  • Pitta: decreases
  • Kapha: decreases
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Brahmi is often called tridoshic and is especially calming for pitta. Because it is bitter and cooling, vata types tend to take it in warm milk or ghee rather than plain water.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support memory, focus and learning.
  • Traditionally used to support a calm, settled mind during busy or stressful times.
  • Traditionally used to support restful sleep when taken in the evening.
  • Traditionally used to support meditation and study as a sattvic herb.

How People Use It

  • MilkWhisk a pinch to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder into warm milk with a little cardamom in the evening.
  • GheeBrahmi ghee is a classic preparation. At home, a pinch of the powder stirred into a spoonful of warm ghee with honey carries a similar spirit.
  • TeaSteep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. It is quite bitter, so a little honey or licorice root helps.
Try This

Brahmi Evening Milk

A quiet cup for winding down after a full day.

  • 1 cup whole milk or oat milk
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon brahmi (bacopa) powder
  • 1 pinch ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ghee (optional)
  • Honey to taste
  1. Warm the milk over low heat until it steams.
  2. Whisk in the brahmi, cardamom and ghee and keep it on low heat for 2 minutes.
  3. Pour into a mug and let it cool slightly before adding honey.
  4. Sip it slowly, then put the phone away for the night.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Bacopa has not been linked to liver injury, but side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, loose stools, dry mouth and fatigue have been reported.
  • Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, since safety has not been established.
  • Bacopa may add to the effects of sedatives and could interact with other medications. Talk with your doctor first if you take any prescription drugs, including thyroid medication.
  • Herbs sold as brahmi may be bacopa, gotu kola or a mix, so check the botanical name on the label.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using brahmi regularly.

From the Journal

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.