Brahmi Powder
Select sizeThe plant
Milled from the dried aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri, a creeping succulent of shallow water and wet mud across India and the tropics. Gotu kola, Centella asiatica, is also called brahmi in parts of India — a completely different plant in the carrot family. Ours is bacopa. The powder is dull green and smells faintly of hay.
What's in it
Bacopa is graded on saponins named after the plant.
Bacosides
Triterpenoid saponins. The marker compounds, typically standardised to 20-55%.
Bacopasides
A related saponin group, catalogued more recently.
Alkaloids
Including brahmine, named from the Sanskrit.
Sterols
Present in the aerial parts in small amounts.
How it works
Saponins are surfactants — they lower surface tension, which is why bacopa preparations foam when shaken and why the powder tastes soapy and bitter. That taste is the marker compounds announcing themselves rather than a fault in the batch. Bacoside content varies enormously with growing conditions, so a stated standardisation figure is the only way to compare two products meaningfully.
In the tradition
Named in the Charaka Samhita and classed as a rasayana associated with study. The classical preparation is with ghee, as brahmi ghrita; in Kerala the fresh plant is cooked as a green.
Two different plants are sold under one name.
- 1Stir ½–1 tsp brahmi powder into warm milk, water or a smoothie.
- 2Take once daily.
- 3Bitter and green. Traditionally taken with a little fat or oil.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Best used within 12–24 months.
- Not suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Speak to your doctor before use if you take thyroid or sedative medication.
- May cause stomach upset if taken without food.
- On thyroid medication: may affect hormone levels.
- Slow digestive transit: may slow gut motility further.
- Children under 5.
A food supplement, not a substitute for a varied diet. Speak to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.
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