INTRODUCTION
Brahmi means “God-like,” an indication of the respect for this spectacular herb,1 and is derived from the word “Brahman.” Brahman is the combination of un-manifested pure potential and pure consciousness that existed prior to creation and is said to have no attributes. “Brahma means Cosmic Consciousness.”2 Brahman is also described as; “The Supreme Being; the Absolute Reality; Godhead” 3 Of the three gunas (quality or the state of the mind); Sattva (clear, pure), Rajas (Active), and Tamas (Dark), Brahmi is of the Sattvic quality.4
The remarkable herb Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is considered to be “one of the best sattvic herbs known,” and is a top ten best Ayurvedic herbs for health. 5 One of the extraordinary properties of this herb is that is it is applicable to all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, & Kapha). In short the three doshas are constitutional types. Although far more in depth and wisdom, physically they can be likened to the three body types ectomorph, mesomorph & endomorph respectively. They are representatives of the elements: earth (Prithvi), water (Apas), fire (Tejas), air (Vayu), and ether/space (Akasha). Vata dosha consists of the air and ether/space elements.
Vata governs motion and controls circulation, the movements of nerve impulses, the movement of thought, and the movement of the joints. Pitta dosha consists of the fire element and a little water. Pitta governs metabolism and digestion. Kapha dosha consists of the earth and water, and governs the structure of the body. While all three doshas exist within each person, the percentage of each dosha present in each person. 6-7 In Ayurvedic medicine all diseases and conditions are treated with respect to the clients’ constitution or balanced state (Prakruti) in mind along with the current state of imbalance (Vikruti) that is present. Hence, the accuracy of pathology and treatment become more precise.
Historically, Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) has been a traditional Ayurvedic herbs since at least the sixth century A.D.8
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