What if a cup of tea can make you smarter? Sounds ridiculous, but with brahmi tea, it’s not impossible! Brahmi, or Bacopa monnieri, is a highly valued plant in ayurveda. It’s named after Lord Brahma, the creator of ayurveda.
Brahmi is also known as the “Herb of Grace” or water hyssop.1 When consumed as a tea, this herb is both delicious and rejuvenating. Here are 7 ways it can help boost health.
[expert_opinion expertname=’toddcaldecott’ opinion=”Translated as “consort of the divine” from the original Sanskrit, Brahmi is described in ayurveda as “medhya rasayana,” which means that it helps enhance cognition, concentration, and memory. Brahmi is also a very good herb taken before bed in vata conditions to promote a restful sleep.”]
1. Improves Brain Function
Brahmi made its claim to fame with its effect on brain function. It strengthens neurons while enhancing the communication between them.
The best part is that this happens in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for learning, feelings, and memories. All of these areas will flourish as the hippocampus improves and consequently, the cognitive speed gets better.2
2. Enhances Memory
Since brahmi makes the hippocampus stronger, you can reap the benefits of a better memory with this tea. Long-term, short-term, and spatial memory will get a boost.3
Drinking brahmi tea will also reduce the cell density of neurons. This reduces the decline in learning and memory, keeping your mental health in check.4
3. Relieves Depression
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. If you’re dealing with this condition, consider brahmi tea. The tea exhibits antidepressant effects, making it a possible alternative to prescription drugs.5
4. Lowers Stress Levels
Feeling anxious? Brew a cup of brahmi tea. Aside from improving cognitive function, it will also help you relax. A study in Phytotherapy Research found that brahmi can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. The participants also experienced a significant improvement in their mood. Both these benefits can kick stress to the curb.6
5. Prevents Brain Damage
From stress relief to neuron production, brahmi tea protects your brain. Your risk for neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and dementia, will decrease.7 It can even make age-related cognitive decline take a backseat.8
Of course, you can’t just depend on brahmi herb tea. It can serve as a complement to regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental activities.9
6. Boosts Immune System
When it comes to immunity, echinacea usually steals the spotlight. However, according to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, brahmi has greater benefits.
Compared to echinacea, brahmi does a better job at promoting antibody production. It does this by positively controlling T helper cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune system.10 This means your body will get an extra dose of protection.
7. Protects Heart Health
Drinking brahmi tea will relax your arteries and heart muscles. In fact, the overall health of your blood vessels will improve. It may even reduce damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack.11
Here’s a recipe to help you reap the benefits of this powerful drink.
Tulsi Brahmi Tea Recipe
Yields: 2 cups
Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon dried organic tulsi leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried organic brahmi leaves
- 2 cups water
Directions:
- In a saucepan, boil 2 cups of water.
- Add the tulsi and brahmi leaves.
- Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- For more flavor, add honey or lemon and mix well.
- Strain and serve.
Brahmi pairs really well with tulsi (holy basil), which is known for its energizing yet calming effect. Together, these herbs will help you take on the day!
References
