Like neem, brahmi (bacopa monnieri) is a cornerstone of Ayurveda, one of the world's oldest medical systems. It is traditionally known as a "brain food" and is used to consecrate newborn babies and open their minds. More recent research shows that it can help improve learning and memory in both humans and mice. It also is a potent source of antioxidants,which may help protect the brain from age-related oxidative stress or environmental damage. Finally, brahmi has constituents that calm the nervous system, making it easier to learn.
Brahmi is very easy to grow in a sunny window – in fact, it’s known as water hyssop and grows wild in some parts of the country where it is the host plant for white peacock butterflies. It can also be grown in aquariums. These plants are shipped in potting soil but can be easily grown in water. We're having baby butterflies! White peacock butterflies visited our greenhouse and laid eggs on the bacopa. We'll treat part of it with neem and put part of it outside so there's habitat for the next generation. We should be able to start shipping again in a couple of weeks. |