BRAHMI

Kingdom :Plantae
Division:Magnoliophyta
Class:Magnoliopsida
Order :Lamiales
Family :Scrophuariaceae
Genus :Bacopa
Species : B. monnieri
Zoological name :Bacopa monnieri

Other names :

Bacopa, Babies tear, Bacopa monnieri, Hespestis monniera, Nirbrahmi, Indian Pennywort, Jalanevari and water hyssop are the other names that are used for Brahmi. In English it is commonly called as the 'Herb of Grace'. Description : Brahmi is the small creeping herb with the numerous branches. It grows to a height of 2 -3 feet and its branches are 10 -35 cm long. It has oval shaped leaves that are 1-2 cm long and 3- 8 mm broad. Leaves are formed in pairs along the stems. Small- tubular, five petaled flowers are white- purple in colour. Its stem is soft, succulent, and hairy with the glands. Roots emerge out of the nodules and directly go to the soil.

Other Species :

Herpestis monniera, or Moniera cuneifolia is the other specie of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).

The salient botanical features are described below:
Stem: Prostrate, (sub)succulent, herbaceous.

Leaves:Decussate, simple, oblong, 1 x 0.4 cm, (sub)succulent, punctate, penninerved, margin entire, apex obtuse, (sub)sessile.

Flower(s):Axillary, solitary, bracteate (2 bracteoles), linear, pedicel to 0.5 cm., purple in color.

Calyx:5 lobes (unequal); outer 2 lobes larger, ovate, 7 x 3.5 mm; inner 2 lobes linear, 5.5 x 0.7 mm; median 1 lobe oblong, 5.5 x 2 mm, imbricate, (sub)succulent, punctate, obtuse, acute.

Corolla:White with violet and green bands inside the throat, 0.8 cm across, 5 mm tube; 5 lobes, obscurely 2-lipped, 2+3, (sub)equal, obtuse or emarginate.

Stamens:4, didynamous; filament pairs I and 2.5 mm anthers oblong, contiguous, 1. 5 mm.

Ovary:Oblong-globose, 2 mm; style slightly deflexed, 5.5 mm; stigma flat capsule, oblong-globose, 5 x 2.5 mm, septicidal or locilicidal, or 4-valved.

Seeds:Oblong; testa striate.

Location :

Brahmi is found in marshy areas near streams and ponds throughout India especially in the North eastern regions. It is found at an elevations from sea level to altitudes of 4,400 feet. It is found in `Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Foot hills of Himachal Pradesh & Uttaranchal. It is also widely grown in the Bandhavgarh National Park in India.

Cultivation methods :

Brahmi is propagated by seed, cuttings and also by the root division. Before establishing the plant cutting the field should be ploughed properly ans must be made free of weeds. The cuttings should be 4-5 cm long and must contain roots and leaves. Hand weeding is required in every 5 -20 days. It grows faster in the high temperature (33- 42 Degree celcius) and humidity (65 -80%). It prefers wet spots. It is grown in the pots in the house garden. It can grow in both the sun and shade. It requires water from time to time as its roots are shallow. It also requires regular organic fertilizer for its growth. It gives flowers ans fruit in the summer season. It requires moderate to high lightening to grow well.

Irrigation & Harvesting:
The plant requires adequate water. The irrigation requirement depends upon the soil's moisture content. Weeding is done periodically. The whole plant can be removed after 120-150 days. The planting material for the next crop is ensured by retaining 24" x 24" patches of the cultivated crop. Good quality final produce is green in color. The method of drying affects the final quality. The plants should be washed properly before drying. For bulk drying, the harvested crop should be immediately spread in thin layers in well-ventilated shaded areas. In order to ensure quick and uniform drying, the produce should be stirred at least twice a day. The drying process takes about 8 to 10 days.

Medicinal uses :

Brahmi is used in traditional Indian medicines for centuries. for the treatment of bronchitis, chronic cough, asthma, hoarseness, arthritis, rheumatism, backache, fluid retention, blood cleanser, chronic skin conditions, constipation, hair loss, fevers, digestive problems, depression, mental and physical fatigue and many more. It is used to treat all sorts of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, abscess and ulceration. It stimulates the growth of skin, hair and nails. Brahmi posses anticancer activity. It is taken to get relief from stress and anxiety. According to the Ayurveda Brahmi has antioxidant properties. It has been reported to reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Brahmi is considered as the main rejuvenating herb for the nerve and brain cells.

Other uses :

Brahmi is rich in Vitamin C and can be used in the salads, soups and sandwiches. Brahmi oil restores and preserves the memory. In India it is given to the infants to boost memory power intelligence.

Cultural importance :

Brahmi is the name derived from the Lord Brahma. It is said that the use of Brahmi for the memory goes back 3000 years or more in India. Brahmi represents the creative energy of this earth.