برہمی · Bacopa monnieri, water hyssop
Mixed evidence
Best evidence is for memory, not calm — and it takes months to do anything.
This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.
A creeping marsh plant used in Ayurveda as brahmi, traditionally for memory and mental clarity.
The more consistent trial evidence is in memory and information processing, where several studies found modest improvement after about twelve weeks. Anxiety findings are secondary and less consistent. Anything promising a quick calming effect is not describing what the trials found.
Trials used 300 to 450 mg daily of standardised extract for at least twelve weeks. It is slow, and short courses show nothing.
Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.
Stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea are common, and less likely with food. Can slow the heart rate, thicken airway secretions - care with asthma - and may affect thyroid hormones. Adds to sedatives.
Sold as brahmi by pansaris and in Ayurvedic preparations. As with other loose powders, heavy-metal contamination in unregulated traditional products is a real concern.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.