Brahmi- A Brainy Herb
The herb is known by different names. It is known as Brahmi in Hindi, Water Hyssop in English and its botanical name is Bacopa monnieri. It finds mention in a number of ancient Ayurvedic texts like Atharva Veda, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
Brahmi is quite a prominent Ayurvedic herb, mostly famous for its ability to work as a tonic for the brain. Ayurveda classifies the herb as a Medha Rasayana which means herb that provides longevity and improves memory and intelligence.
Brahmi is a perennial creeping herb with soft and non-aromatic and can grow up to 6 inches in height. The herb is sometimes also called a water aquarium plant since it can grow in water.
Panchamrit is an essential requirement for any pooja according to the Hindu religion. It is the divine offering to the deities and used during Abhisheka. The word is a combination of two words, Pancha (five) and Amrut (divine nectar). According to Mahabharta, Panchamrit was one of the ingredients that appeared during the Samudra Mathan also known as Ksheera Saagar mathan (churning the ocean of milk).
Anu oil is one of the best medicines described for Nasya Karma in various classics like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtang Hridaya. Nasya is an Ayurvedic treatment procedure which refers to instillation of oil drops into nasal cavity. Anu oil consists of 27 ingredients such as sandalwood (Chandan), Aegle marmelos (bilva), Terminalia chebula (harde), cardamom and other herbs. Majority of the ingredients of Anu oil have light and sharp properties, and hot potency which facilitate cleansing effect (srotoshodhak) and balances vata, pitta, and kapha doshas.
