Indian Pennywort (Barami)
Also known as
Latin : Centella asiatica
English : Indian Pennywort
Sanskrit : Brahmi, Sarasvati
Hindi : Barami
Marathi : Brahmi
Tamil : Nirpirami
Telugu : Sambranichettu
Malayalam : Brahmi
Kannada : Nirbrahmi
Brahmi is now a widely publicised brain tonic, thanks to Ayurvedic companies highlighting its use in amentia, dementia, hysteria etc. It occupies a place of pride in the Ayurvedic
materia medica owing to its multifarous applications.
How it looks�It is a slender herbaceous creeping perennial with heart shaped toothed leaves and pink flowers. The fruits are compressed sidewards with ridges.
What we use�Whole plant
What it does�It is cooling, cardiotonic, nervine tonic, stomachic, carminative, diuretic and febrifuge.
How we use it�
As
a brain tonic�Chew 2-4 fresh green leaves along with some sugar on empty stomach every morning. This practice enhances memory and rectifies speech disorders apart from providing
concentration and retention capacity.
In
mental disorders�In schizo phrenia, hysteria and stress related psychoses, give a tsp of freshly expressed juice of the leaves with a tsp of honey everyday for calming the nerves
and tranquilising the mind.
In
skin disorders�Brahmi was reported to be an important adjuvant for treating obstinate skin disorders like psoriasis in clinical trials at Hyderabad. 80% of patients reported
remarkable reduction of symptoms and signs within 40 days of treatment. Commercially available Brahmi vati was used.
In
respiratory disorders�Brahmi is an important adjuvant in the treatment of all spasmodic respiratory disorders as it relaxes the airways and allows restful slumber.
Modern Studies
1. It was shown that bacosides from Brahmi extract augmented both cognitive function and mental retention capacity in experimental studies in Lucknow.
2. Relaxant effect of Brahmi extract in trachea, pulmonary artery and aorta was found in experimental studies on rabbits and guinea pig in Karachi.
3. Wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of brahmi was observed in normal and diabetic animals in Lucknow.
