9 Benefits of Brahmi for Skin, Hair, and Health

Your grandmother was right about one thing: natural remedies really do work! Brahmi is one of them. The benefits of Brahmi span far beyond a single health concern. This ancient Ayurvedic powerhouse helps enhance your memory, transforms your skin, and promotes hair growth. ^{1 2 3}

But are these brahmi benefits backed by scientific validation? If you are wondering the same, this blog is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the uses and benefits of Brahmi. The blog will also take you through some of the side effects of this herb to ensure safe usage.

What is Brahmi?

Before we explore Brahmi’s benefits for hair, skin, and health, let us first take a look at what this herb actually is. Scientifically, it is known as Bacopa monnieri. It is a small medicinal herb that is commonly found in India, China, and Thailand. It contains powerful compounds like bacosides and flavonoids that add to its therapeutic effects. The herb has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties. ^{1 2}

Brahmi is available in multiple forms to suit different preferences. These include:

• Fresh or dried leaves for teas
• Fine powder for smoothies and face masks
• Standardised tablets and capsules for precise dosing
• Infused oils for topical application. 

9 Key Benefits of Brahmi for Skin, Hair, and Health

The benefits of Brahmi range from preventing acne and premature aging to reducing hair fall and inflammation. Let us learn more about them below:

1. Prevents Premature Ageing

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and lead to premature ageing. Brahmi is packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and phenolic compounds, that neutralise these harmful molecules before they can wreak havoc. Phytochemicals in Brahmi may also help boost collagen production and improve elasticity. This may further help delay visible signs of ageing. ^{1 2}

2. Fights Skin Dryness

Brahmi contains saponins. These compounds help boost skin hydration to prevent dryness. They also improve skin barrier function to improve your overall skin health. ²

3. Reduces Acne

Brahmi has antimicrobial properties. Due to this, it can fight acne-causing microbes to reduce their occurrence. The herb also has anti-inflammatory benefits. These help reduce the redness and irritation linked to acne and pimples. ²

4. Boosts Hair Health

Brahmi is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to strengthen hair roots and reduce hair fall. This may help with conditions like alopecia. It may also prevent premature greying and support overall healthy hair growth. ³

5. Enhances Memory and Cognitive Function

The most celebrated of all brahmi benefits is its ability to sharpen your mind. According to Ayurveda, Brahmi improves multiple aspects of cognitive performance, particularly memory acquisition and retention. This benefit was also observed in a clinical study on elderly volunteers. In it, the participants taking 300-600 mg of Brahmi extract daily demonstrated significant improvements in attention and memory. ^{1 2 4}

6. Offers Mental Health Benefits

Brahmi vati benefits your mental health. A clinical study tested its effectiveness in treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and compared it with another traditional medicine, Manasmitra Vataka. The study involved 56 adults diagnosed with GAD who were randomly divided into two groups and given either Brahmi Vati or Manasmitra Vataka for 45 days. Both treatments led to a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and sleep-related issues, while also improving overall quality of life. Interestingly, Brahmi Vati also helped lower blood pressure slightly. Blood tests showed no harmful side effects, indicating both medicines were safe. In conclusion, Brahmi Vati proved to be an effective and safe Ayurvedic option for managing anxiety. ⁵

7. Combats Inflammation

Brahmi has anti-inflammatory benefits. A recent study explored how its compounds interact with genes linked to inflammation. The study found that a compound called quercetin in Brahmi strongly interacts with these genes. Laboratory experiments confirmed that it can reduce nitric oxide production (a key molecule in inflammation) and suppress inflammatory gene activity in immune cells, demonstrating its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. ⁶

8. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Researchers studied the antidiabetic effects of Brahmi using animal models. In diabetic rats, Brahmi treatment helped lower blood sugar levels, even with single or repeated doses. It also helped the rats regain lost body weight and reduced the levels of harmful substances linked to diabetes. The herb also improved how the body used glucose, showing an insulin-like effect. ⁷

9. Helps Aid Cancer Treatment

Research has shown that Brahmi has strong antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. In one study on liver cancer, animals treated with a cancer-causing chemical showed increased cell damage and liver injury. However, Brahmi supplementation restored normal enzyme levels, reduced oxidative stress, and improved liver health. This suggests its protective role against cancer.

Another study on fibrosarcoma (a type of tumour) showed that Brahmi boosted antioxidant enzyme levels, reduced harmful lipid peroxidation, and lowered tumour marker activity in the blood. These findings indicate that Brahmi not only strengthens the body’s antioxidant defence system but also helps prevent or slow the growth of tumours and cancer-related damage. ⁷

How to Use Brahmi?

Incorporating Brahmi into your daily wellness and natural skincare routine is easier than you might think. Here are the most effective ways to harness this herb's benefits:

• Brahmi Powder: You may consume it as per your doctor’s recommendation or add it to your DIY hair and skin care masks.
• Brahmi Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Brahmi leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy. You can use it as a toner or a hair rinse.
• Brahmi Oil: You can either get a store-bought oil or make your own by infusing dried Brahmi leaves in coconut oil. Use it to massage your scalp before washing your hair.

Potential Side Effects of Brahmi

The benefits of Brahmi are plenty. But what about side effects? Here is everything you should know about them:  ^{8 9}

• Brahmi is generally considered safe. However, it may have mild side effects like frequent bowel movements, nausea, or abdominal cramps.
• It has a mildly sedating effect. Therefore, you should avoid its oral consumption before activities like driving that require alertness.
• The herb may also interact with pain-relief and depression medications like amitriptyline.
• If you are allergic to it, the herb may lead to a skin reaction. To avoid this, always perform a patch test before use. For oral consumption, always consult a doctor before use, especially if you are pregnant.

Conclusion

The benefits of Brahmi make it one of Ayurveda's most treasured herbs. It helps improve cognitive function, calms anxious thoughts, nourishes your hair, and even improves skin health. Whether you choose powder, tea, oil, or supplements, incorporating this herb into your wellness routine could be transformative. However, remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you are pregnant or taking medications.

Frequently Ask Questions