Benefits Of Brahmi And Its Uses For Kids

Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, has been treating innumerable ailments for centuries and continues to do so through its age-old practice of balancing the various systems in our body through herbal treatments. One such unique herb is Brahmi, which has been used for fighting stress and improving memory.

Brahmi’s benefits for the brain are innumerable. It has many phytochemicals that are good for our brains and is known as the “brain booster.” It grows in wet and tropical environments. Plus, its ability to thrive underwater makes it popular for aquarium use. Here’s everything you need to know about brahmi leaves.

What Is Brahmi?

Brahmi is a creeper and a perennial herb that has been in usage for generations and is widely beneficial in treating various health conditions as recommended by Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other alternative medicines across the world.

Also known as bacopa monnieri, water hyssop, thimare, and ondelaga, brahmi is a plant that is extensively used for its numerous medicinal properties.

A class of powerful compounds called bacosides in the brahmi leaves is believed to be responsible for these benefits.

The Nutritional Value of Brahmi

Nutrients         Value (in 1 tbsp)

1. Dietary fibres   2 g

2. Carbs         5 g

3. Sodium         21 mg
4. Sugar           0 g
5. Polyunsaturated  0 g
6. Fat                       0 g
7. Protein                1 g
8. Saturated          0 g

6 Benefits of Brahmi for Kids

Brahmi for kids has a host of benefits. Some of the benefits of brahmi include:

1. Treats cognitive disorders: Brahmi stimulates the mind, especially in terms of concentration and memory, and increases retention and focus.

The cognitive pathways are stimulated by some of the organic compounds found in brahmi and thus boost cognitive ability. It is also used to treat cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

2. Contains powerful antioxidants that help in the overall development of kids: Thimare leaves are a hub of antioxidants, substances that help protect against cell damage caused by potentially harmful molecules (free radicals)).

According to medical research, damage caused by free radicals is linked to many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers later in life.

Bacopa leaf contains powerful compounds that have antioxidant effects that neutralise free radicals and prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals.

3. Boosts the immune system: Ondelaga leaves can also help to improve your little one’s immune system if consumed on a regular basis.

The antioxidant chemicals found in it enhance the nutrients and result in a faster immune system response to bacterial and viral illnesses, as well as other pathogens.

4. Treats digestive issues: Brahmi for kids is a tranquil and calming herb, and regular use can help with a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers, because it is anti-inflammatory.

5. Helps prevent hair fall: Brahmi leaves for hair are a great remedy. You can apply brahmi oil on your little one’s scalp, which can treat dry scalp and prevent hair fall.

The Brahmi benefits for hair are numerous. The antioxidants in brahmi promote hair growth and treat other hair problems like dandruff, itchiness, or split ends.

6. Improves skin health: Brahmi benefits for skin are endless. The released components from rubbing brahmi leaves on the problematic areas of your little one’s body can help reduce discomfort, and even inflammation inside the body.

These are some of the brahmi benefits for kids.

How to Include Brahmi In Your Diet

Now that you already have knowledge on the benefits of brahmi uses, we are sure that you will like to include it in your diet too.

You can make tea with brahmi leaves as it has calming properties. It can relieve stress and anxiety. Here’s how to make brahmi tea:

Ingredients

• Water (250 ml)
• Brahmi leaves (3-4 stalks)
• Tablespoon of honey (2)

Instructions

• You can place the leaves in a teapot infuser and add some honey to the teapot.
• You need to add boiling water in it.
• Close the lid of the teapot and allow the leaves to steep for about 10 minutes.
• Then, remove the infuser. The leaves can also be squeezed to get the brahmi juice.
• You can pour this tea into a cup and enjoy this healthy and calming tea.

Brahmi Leaves Recipe for Babies

Here’s a simple South Karnataka recipe for Brahmi Tambuli that you can try for your little one:

Ingredients

Brahmi dry leaves (3-4 stalks)

Tablespoon of cumin (3)

1/2 cup grated coconut

Salt to taste

A cup of water 

A cup of buttermilk

Tablespoon of oil (1)

Tablespoon of mustard seeds (1/2)

Recipe

• Wash and clean the brahmi leaves along with the stem properly and coarsely chop them into pieces. 
• Put the chopped brahmi leaves in a mixie jar.
• You need to add 3 tablespoons of cumin, 1/2 cup of grated coconut, salt to taste, and add 1/2 cup of water and grind into a smooth paste.
• Once it becomes a smooth paste, you can transfer it to the bowl. 
• Add a cup of buttermilk or whisked curd to it and adjust the consistency by adding water or buttermilk.
• For the seasoning, in a tadka pan, you can add a tablespoon of oil. 
• Once the oil is heated, you can add the mustard seeds. 
• After roasting them, you can switch off the flame. 
• Take a bowl and mix well.

You can serve it with white rice.

The Recommended Dosage of Brahmi

The recommended brahmi dosage is :

• Children: It is advisable to give a child brahmi ghrita rather than brahmi powder or capsule if the little one is below five years of age.

Brahmi ghrita is a herbal ghee made with brahmi and a host of ingredients. It is a requirement for your child’s brain development and immunity.

For children between the ages of five and 12 years, it can be given in the form of a capsule or powder in a dose of 250 mg per day.

• Adults: Brahmi has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-600 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

It is advisable to consult a doctor as he/she can guide you on what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Are There Any Side Effects of Brahmi?

Are you thinking about the brahmi side effects?

Brahmi herbs are typically safe, but excess consumption might lead to stomach disorders. It is also advisable for pregnant women to avoid brahmi leaves as it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

It should be avoided in the following circumstances:

• If you are taking phenothiazine, a drug used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders.
• If you are on birth control pills.

In addition to these, brahmi leaves should be avoided during oestrogen replacement therapy.

Are you wondering the fact that, “how long does brahmi take to work?” Well, it takes four to six weeks to work.

FAQs

Are Brahmi leaves good for hair growth?

Brahmi leaves are extremely good for hair growth and reduce dryness, itchiness, and flakiness and fight dandruff.

Can brahmi be taken daily?

Certified Ayurvedic doctors recommend that it is safe to consume two to three grams of brahmi powder daily along with meals.

Does Brahmi make you sleepy?

Brahmi promotes restful sleep and calms you down during periods of emotional turbulence.

Are ashwagandha and Brahmi same?

Ashwagandha and Brahmi are not the same. The former is an adaptogen, a stress buster and a revitaliser.

Brahmi is a wonder herb and can stimulate memory and cognitive ability.

How do you make Brahmi tea?

To make brahmi tea, you need fresh leaves, honey, and water. You can place the leaves in a teapot infuser and add some honey and boiling water in it.

After removing the infuser, the leaves can also be squeezed to get the brahmi tea.

Is Brahmi acidic or alkaline?

Like most medicinal herbs, brahmi has an alkaline effect on the body. It is cooling and has a calming effect.