Bacopa monnieri is a plant that thrives in moist environments found in various regions around the globe. It goes by names like water hyssop, Brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, and is employed in traditional Ayurvedic practices. It has a mild odour, and the plant’s foliage is dense, elongated and full of moisture that measures between 4 and 6 millimeters in width.
The leaves are elongated with a broader tip and are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. The flowers are small and white, each with four to five petals that are of the same shape. It can thrive in slightly saline water as well, and cuttings often propagate plants.
After discussing all the characteristics of Brahmi, let’s move on to understand its medical effects on kids.
Is Brahmi good for children?
Brahmi is one of the very potent Ayurvedic medicines or supplements that you can give to your kids to improve their memory, intellect, and brain power or retain power. The best time to consume it is the night after you have dinner. Just one teaspoon or less than a teaspoon is fine.
If the baby is having more heat issues and digestive issues, try to reduce the dosage to a quarter teaspoon every night, but don’t give it for more than two months.
Personally, I am not in favour of medicines and supplements for kids. I strongly believe in the power of food as medicine. If your baby eats light digestive food and has good Agni, they don’t require supplements as the body will be able to absorb nutrients well from the food itself.
There was so much discussion recently about Swarnaprashana. But I don’t recommend as there are stringent protocols, dosages and purification processes to be followed to make it safe for babies – giving gold to babies is no joke. Imagine how much the tender liver, kidneys, etc., need to work to detoxify it. Never give it without consultation from an Ayurvedic doctor. Brahmi Ghrita is a much, much, much safer herbal medicine for boosting brain functions in kids. This is way better than giving metal-based heavy drugs (even if it has gold) to kids.
Make sure you give half a glass of warm milk or warm water after you give Brahmi ghee!
You can buy Brahmi Ghrita from any of the Kerala-based brands like Vaidyaratnam, Sitaram or Kerala Ayurveda. If you are outside India, you may find it on Distacart.
Brahmi, a powerful plant, has been utilized for many years to enhance brain function and memory retention. It can also boost the immune system, reduce children’s anxiety and stress, and improve their ability to concentrate. Including Brahmi in your child’s meals can promote better health and well-being.