special subjects
Bacopa
What is bacopa?
The scientific name of bacopa isBacopa monniera. Bacopa is a small plant that grows in marshy areas all over Asia as well as in South America, Hawaii, and Florida. This plant is also known as Brahmi, Indian pennywort, water hyssop, and herb of grace. that has similar medicinal properties to bacopa. Both plants are considered Adaptogens . The whole plant has been used for centuries as a traditional Ayurveda in India. Bacopa's active ingredients are a mixture of "bacosides," which are believed to protect nerve cells and improve learning. The plant's ingredients are also thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants protect cells against damage by free radicals, which are active by-products of normal cell activity. The plant can be used in several ways: Eaten as an herb Dried and made into a powder that can be mixed with butter Added alone or with other herbs to dietary supplements in pill and capsule forms (See also Overview of Dietary Supplements .) 