Brahmi Ghrita – Benefits, Usage, Ingredients, Indications and Dosage

Introduction

Brahmi ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic ghee-based herbal formulation. The main content of Brahmi ghrit is Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is a Medhya drug (nootropic drug) and is used in the management of various psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders. It is used as a medicine as well as in preparatory procedures for panchakarma like snehakarma. Brahmi ghrita balances all the three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is used in the management of Unmada (insanity), Apasmara (epilepsy), and Graha rogas (diseases afflicted by evil spirits). It helps to improve intelligence, speech, and learning skills.

Ingredients

The Main Ingredients Are

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)  –  1.536 liters
2. Ghrita (cow’s ghee)  –  768 ml

Other Ingredients Are

12 gm of each of the following herbs

1. Trikatu – pepper (Piper nigrum), long pepper (Piper longum), ginger (Zingiber officinale)
2. Shweta and Krishna Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)
3. Shankhapushpi (Clitorea ternatea)
4. Danti (Baliospermum montanum)
5. Saptala (Acacia sinuata)
6. Nripadruma (Cassia fistula)
7. Krumihara (Embelia ribes)

Description of the Ingredients

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is one of the most powerful and ancient ayurvedic brain tonics. Properties – RASA – Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter),  GUNA – Laghu (light), VIRYA – Sheeta (cold), VIPAKA – Madhur (sweet), and balances Vata and Kapha doshas. Chemical constituents –  monnierin, hersaponin, bacosides A and B, hentri-acontane, octacosane, ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, brahmin, herpestine. alanine. It is considered as ‘Medhya Rasayana’ (herbs god for the brain), ‘Prajasthapan’ (herbs used in stabilizing pregnancy),’ Balya’ (herbs for increasing strength and immunity). It has antioxidants, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anxiolytic properties and is used in the management of Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), IBS, epilepsy, sexual problems, joint pain, anxiety and to boost immunity.

2. Ghrita

In Ayurveda, Ghrita (ghee) is among the four Maha-Snehas (fats). Ayurveda explains the ghrita of 8 animals, out of which cow’s ghee is the best. Properties cow’s ghee (ghrita) –  Rasa – Madhura (sweet), Guna – Guru (heavy), Snigdha (oily), Virya – Shita (cold), Vipaka – Madhura (sweet), Karma- Cow’s ghee pacifies all doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Ghee is considered as Yogavahi –  means it is a catalytic agent which carries the medicinal properties of herbs into the seven Dhatus (tissues) of the body without altering their properties. It is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. It helps digestion, strengthens the immune system, heals and nourishes the body, boosts energy, relieves constipation, boosts memory, lubricates the connective tissues, used in skin disorders (as it is rich in antioxidants), respiratory disorders, and other illnesses.

Other Ingredients are

1. Trikatu– contains three herbs-  pepper (Piper nigrum), long pepper (Piper longum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and has antibacterial, antiviral,antifungal properties. It balances all three doshas and helps to boost immunity and improves digestion.
2. Shweta and Krishna Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) – have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antidiarrheal, cytotoxic properties.
3. Shankhapushpi (Clitorea ternatea) – pacifies tridoshas (Vata, pitta, Kapha), and has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antibacterial properties.
4. Danti (Baliospermum montanum) – Balances pitta and Kapha doshas and has antipyretic anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, hepatoprotective, analgesic, laxative, and immune-stimulatory properties.
5. Saptala (Acacia sinuata)- pacifies pitta and Kapha doshas and is used in various skin disorders.
6.  Nripadruma (Cassia fistula) – has antipyretic, anti-diabetic, antioxidants, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Krumihara (Embelia ribes) – has antimicrobial, antioxidants, antifertility, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties.

Method of Preparation

1. Brahmi Swarasa(juice) was extracted from fresh brahmi.
2. Paste (Kalka) of the rest of the ingredients was made separately.
3. Ghrita was poured into a large vessel and liquified under the moderate flame.
4. Now Brahmi swarasa and paste of all other ingredients were added to the vessel and heated along with ghrita and stirred continuously till the moisture content evaporated and when the paste rolled between the fingers it formed a wick (varti).
5. Now the Brahmi ghrita is packed and stored in an airtight container.

Medicinal Properties of Brahmi Ghrita

Brahmi ghrita is an ayurvedic brain tonic and balances tridoshas. It has anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant properties due to which it is used in nervous system disorders, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disorders, digestive disorders, and skin disorders. It is also used in the Panchakarma procedures as a preparatory medicine for snehan karma.

Classical Indication

• Apasamar (epilepsy)

Indications

1. Epilepsy –  it has anticonvulsant and neurocognitive effects. Brahmi ghrita has ghee as a base that can cross the blood-brain barrier and provide good absorption and assimilation of the herbs.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(Adhd) – Brahmi ghrita is very useful in ADHD as it is medhya Rasayana and has neuroprotective properties.

Other Indications Are

1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Convulsions
4. Mental stress
5. Myalgia
6. Speech disorders
7. Gout
8. Skin diseases
9. Impotency

Dosage

• Dosage in  Adults  – 10 ml, before a meal, once or twice daily with warm water or milk
• Dosage in children and geriatric – 5 ml, before a meal, once or twice daily with warm water or milk or as directed by the ayurvedic physician.

Side Effects

• There are no known side effects of Brahmi ghrita.
• However, it is best to use this under medical supervision.
• People with diabetes, high cholesterol, high bp, and heart disease should exercise precaution. It may cause diarrhea and indigestion if taken in a high dose.

Reference

Conclusion

Brahmi ghrita is a Medhya Rasayana and is one of the powerful brain tonic, widely used in ayurveda.At last, we can believe that the above-mentioned details and Benefits of Brahmi Ghrita will be beneficial for you. So, use this herbal formulation offered by Planet ayurveda and stay safe.