Brahmi (Centella asiatica), also called gotu kola, is one of the most powerful brain tonics in the Ayurvedic apothecary. This adaptogen supports restful sleep, calms emotional turbulence, and simultaneously improves concentration and alertness.
Brahmi Benefits and Uses
Named after one of the highest states of consciousness (Brahman or God consciousness), Brahmi (Centella asiatica), or Gotu Kola, is one of the most powerful brain tonics in the Ayurvedic apothecary. The leaf of the plant resembles the cerebellum and is traditionally used to promote memory and intelligence and to relax the central nervous system.
Brahmi, in Ayurveda, is known as a brain tonic and may actually work on the brain through its effect on the gut microbiology. Recent studies suggest that brahmi supports healthy skin, lymph, and circulatory functions.
In particular, this herb seems to balance the inner skin that lines the digestive tract where healthy skin supports healthy microbes; these make neurotransmitters that support healthy and stable mood and cognitive function.
Sometimes used topically, Brahmi is known to support the body’s natural healing process and healthy blood circulation.
Brahmi is an Adaptogen
Brahmi is neither a stimulant nor a sedative—it is classified instead as an adaptogen, a unique type of herb that helps manage the body’s natural response to stress and maintain homeostasis of energy levels. Because of these qualities, it is a deeply rejuvenating herb.
Brahmi supports restful sleep, calms emotional turbulence, and simultaneously improves concentration and alertness.
The test of a true adaptogen is if it can give you energy during the day while still helping you sleep at night. When taken before bed, brahmi can support the ability to fall asleep more naturally and to sleep deeply. Conversely, if you are slow to rise in the morning, you can take brahmi upon waking to support your body’s natural process of awakening both calmly and with vital energy.
Ayurvedic Properties of Brahmi
- Taste (Rasa): Astringent, bitter, and sweet
- Energy (Virya): Cooling
- Post-Digestive Quality (Vipaka): Sweet
- Quality (Guna): Dry, light
- Tissue (Dhatu): Blood, bone, fat muscle, and nerve
- Channel (Srotas): Circulatory, digestive, and nervous
[optin-monster-shortcode id=”pnza0n8ifhy3qlvppjhd”]
Brahmi Supplements
Brahmi Brain: Via its cooling and rejuvenating properties, brahmi supports energy and mental clarity while simultaneously encouraging deep, restful sleep. Famous as a tonic for nerve and brain cells, cerebral circulation, memory, intestinal health, and sleep, brahmi is revered as one of the most powerful and spiritual herbs in Ayurveda. Our formula is a clinically proven blend formulated by Dr. John Douillard DC, CAP based on over 30 years of clinical experience and thousands of years of Ayurvedic tradition.
Happy Caps: Designed to support a healthy stress response and optimal cognitive ability, Happy Caps is a proprietary blend of five traditional herbs: Bacopa, Gotu Kola (Brahmi), Shankpushpi, Skullcap and Passion Flower. By tonifying the nervous system, it encourages stabilized mood, cognitive function, healthy sleep cycles, and the balancing of other stress-related concerns.*
Sleep Easy is a proprietary blend of traditional Ayurvedic herbs that soothe, calm, and support the nervous system.* Although Sleep Easy is calming, it is not considered a sedative. It is important when balancing sleep that we support natural rejuvenation of the nervous system so that the body can sedate itself in the evening, allowing for a deep and restful sleep.*
Sleep Easy is a formula designed for vata-induced sleep issues, which are often connected to stress and exhaustion. According to the rhythms of nature, the nervous system starts to excite around 2:00 a.m. If you do not have the energy needed to sedate yourself during this early morning activation, you will wake up without the energy needed to get back to sleep. The key here is deep rejuvenation.*
Articles About Brahmi
>>>Read more articles about Brahmi
Need Support?
- Have Dr. Douillard design an herbal program for you with a phone consultation.
- Get started healing with the 28-Day Ayurveda Challenge eCourse
- Shop by Health Topics in the LifeSpa Store