Brahmi: The Indian Pennywort

NT Features

One of the most highly acclaimed herbs in India and around the world is the Indian Pennywort. Commonly known as Brahmi or Jla Brahmi, it’s one of the herbs that do not need an introduction as it is almost magical in its vast usage. It has originated from the wetlands of Asia, mainly China, India and Pakistan. However, the exact traces are unknown as it has been grown around the globe, a vine that sports fleshy leaves and bright green foliage. Plant enthusiasts love this plant as having one of these at home basically means having a quarter of the pharmaceutical store around. When are you getting yours?

Why will you love it?
Brahmi has several health benefits — reduces blood sugars, boosts immunity and power, improves skin health, serves for respiratory benefits, is ideal for patients of gout and arthritis, treats insomnia and deals with mental disorders, helps in cognitive boost, treats epilepsy.

Bright or dim?
Some indirect light and partial shade, both in proper amounts, benefit the plant. A lack of complete sunlight can cause spots on the plant as well as invite diseases.

Where to place it?
Brahmi requires minimal light and hence can be placed across the house in spaces that receive shades of sunlight for a few hours a day.

How to be a good Brahmi parent?
Water daily. Brahmi can be seen growing in paddy regions naturally, indicating that they require plenty of water to thrive. Thus keeping the soil soggy and damp all the time is necessary. You can even choose to grow this vine in water alone. 

Trivias of the plant
Ayurveda has been known to treat innumerable ailments for centuries and continues to do so by its age-old practice of balancing the various systems in our body t h r o u g h herbal treatments. One such unique herb is Brahmi which has often been regarded as a brain booster. The whole plant including the flowers can be used for medicinal purposes.