Quick facts
| Botanical name | Bacopa monnieri |
|---|---|
| Other names | Water hyssop |
| Part used | Whole plant |
| Common forms | Powder, tablets, Brahmi ghrita, Brahmi hair oil. Note: some regions call Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni) “Brahmi”; they are different plants. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Bitter, astringent |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Light |
| Potency (virya) | Cooling |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Sweet |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Vata and Kapha; cools Pitta |
Traditional uses
- Memory and concentration
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Sleep
- Supportive care in epilepsy (Apasmara) — never instead of anti-seizure medicine
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Several randomised trials, mostly in healthy older adults, show small improvements in memory and attention after about 12 weeks. Evidence for anxiety is limited.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Slow heart rate
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Stomach ulcers
Possible interactions
- Sedatives, sleeping pills, antidepressants — added drowsiness
- Thyroid medicines
- Medicines that slow the heart
Side effects
Nausea, stomach cramps, loose stools and tiredness are the most common side effects; taking it with food helps.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Brahmi is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.