Potential use of Bacopa Monnieri for the Brain:
The bacosides in Bacopa monnieri are said to sharpen cognitive function by improving transmission of nerve impulses, which makes it promising for the treatment of ADHD
Also known as Brahmi, bacopa is used to treat a broad range of mind-related health concerns, including Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, anxiety, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD Symptoms), epilepsy and as a general tonic to fight stress.
Improves Cognitive Functioning:
Shankhpushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Being a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhpushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective elements in the plant prevent loss of memory and relieve tension from the brain
ADHD Support’ Pros
- Not addictive
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Shown to improve anxiety and depression
- Shown to support focus, attention, learning and memory
- Shown to enhance brain communication
- Positively regulate dopamine and serotonin
ADHD Treatment
The bacosides in Bacopa monnieri are said to sharpen cognitive function by improving transmission of nerve impulses, which makes it promising for the treatment of ADHD. ADHD often begins in childhood and is a chronic condition that involves attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
In a 12-week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, children with ADHD who took 50 milligrams twice a day showed significant improvement over children receiving a placebo in tests of mental control, logical memory and paired associated learning. Evaluation of study subjects did not occur until four weeks after stopping bacopa usage, indicating that the supplementation had a lasting effect.
Another study published in 2022 conducted on boys aged 6–14 who exhibited inattention and hyperactivity revealed that “may have cognitive, mood and sleep benefits in children aged 6 to 14 years” though cautioned that “further study is required to support the findings presented here.”
Overall, it makes sense why it would be helpful for the symptoms of ADHD. Bacopa creates a sense of calm and peace, which is very helpful for the hyperactive and impulsive tendencies of those with ADHD. It also has a unique ability to invigorate mental processes while reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety, which is a perfect combination for an ADHD sufferer’s attention difficulties.
Bacopa: The Brain-Boosting Alternative Treatment to Psychotropic Drugs
- Bacopa has been a star of traditional Ayurvedic healing for centuries. Modern-day research continues to confirm bacopa’s abilities to improve and positively change not just mental abilities like memory and learning, but also mental health like depression and anxiety.
- ADHD is on the rise globally and so is the use of conventional treatment like the drug Adderral, but bacopa extract is a natural substance that has the potential to significantly help ADHD without all of the scary side effects of conventional treatment. If you think that you or someone you know could benefit from bacopa, it’s worth considering this water plant for its incredible medicinal abilities.
- Don’t forget, in addition to treating ADHD, bacopa is an adaptogenic stress reducer, anti-anxiety and antidepressant agent, memory enhancer, potential Alzheimer’s disease and dementia treatment, epilepsy treatment, chronic pain minimizer, and blood pressure regulator — making it a safe, healthy alternative to potentially remedy and/or prevent a host of health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there any side effects of using Bacopa monnieri for children with ADHD?
Some children may experience mild side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, dry mouth, or fatigue when using Bacopa monnieri, although these are typically temporary.
How does Bacopa monnieri work to alleviate ADHD symptoms?
Bacopa is believed to enhance neurotransmitter function in the brain, which can help improve attention, cognitive processing, and calmness in children with ADHD.
How long does it take for Bacopa monnieri to show effects on ADHD symptoms?
Improvements in ADHD symptoms with Bacopa monnieri can vary, but many users report noticeable benefits within 3 to 6 weeks of consistent use.
Can Bacopa monnieri be taken along with prescription ADHD medications?
While Bacopa is generally considered safe, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other ADHD medications to ensure compatibility and safety.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Bacopa is possibly safe when used in doses up to 600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects include stomachcramps, nausea, and dry mouth.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if bacopa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Bacopa is possibly safe when taken by mouth by children 6-14 years old for up to 6 months.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia): Bacopa might slow down the heart rate. This could be a problem in people who already have a slow heart rate or other heart disease. If you have a heart condition, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.
Gastrointestinal tract blockage: Bacopa might make GI tract blockage worse. If you have a GI tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.
Ulcers: Bacopa might make stomach ulcers worse. If you have stomach ulcers, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.
Lung conditions: Bacopa might make asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. If you have asthma or COPD, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.
Thyroid disorders: Bacopa might increase levels of thyroid hormone. Bacopa should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.
Urinary tract blockage: Bacopa might make blockage of the urinary tract worse. If you have a urinary tract blockage, check with your healthcare provider before using bacopa.
Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for the Brain:
Potential Use of Shankhpushpi for Memory and ADHD
Shankhpushpi may have nootropic potential i.e., it may have potential effect on memory, learning capacity and concentration in the person consuming it. It may be able to have some effect on conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is usually seen in children, wherein the child has trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors or is overly active. However the studies available are insufficient to validate such claims and the exact effects on humans. You must consult a qualified doctor for proper advice and prescription.
Potential Use of Shankhpushpi in Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia
- Shankhpushpi may have neuroprotective potential, this indicates that it may have some beneficial effects on mental functions.
- Its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory potential may have possible benefit over brain functions like learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision making, and attention. You must consult a qualified doctor for proper advice and guidance.
Potential Use of Shankhpushpi in Depression
Due to its potential anti-depressant activity, shankhpushpi may be able to enhance the mood of the person consuming the herb. You must always take advise from a professional Ayurvedic doctor before consuming the plant preparations in depression-like conditions.
Precautions:
Follow general precautions for any herb as per your doctor’s advice. Kindly do not self-medicate and do not substitute, alter or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own. Other precautions to be followed are:
- Long term diseases– In patients who are on medication(s) for long term diseases like chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, sugar disease etc. Shankpushpi should be consumed only after consulting his or her doctor who is treating the chronic disease.10
- Pregnancy and breast feeding– Even in pregnancy and during breast feeding, a doctor must be consulted before starting intake of herbal plant or its compounds.10
- Low blood pressure– Caution must be exercise before starting the herb in a person with low blood pressure. Due to its blood pressure lowering activity, shankpushpi combined with existing prescription medicines may cause low blood pressure and dizziness.10
Interactions of Shankhpushpi with other drugs:
Mostly shankhpushpi is considered reasonably safe, but while using it the drugs mentioned below is to be avoided due to their interactions with the herb. 10
- Blood pressure lowering drugs– Due to its possible effect on blood pressure lowering shankhpushpi consumed with these drugs may lead to hypotension, that is a condition with very low blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness in patients already on blood pressure lowering drugs.
- Phenytoin- It is seen that when shankhpushpi is given together with phenytoin, it reduces the antiepileptic activity and blood level. It therefore reduces the ability of phenytoin to control the seizure.
Thus, patients taking blood pressure and seizure management medicines must consult their Ayurvedic physician before taking it.
Moreover, Before consuming shankhpushpi for any health effects, talk to your doctor or physician about any precautions you might need to take. Consulting with your doctor will help you make better choices and avoid adverse health effects.
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