How to Take Bacopa Monnieri

You likely want your mind to be at its best, so you might be interested in using supplements for a mental boost. Bacopa monnieri (also called brahmi) is an ayurvedic medicine that may help improve memory, cognitive performance, and reduce anxiety.[1] [2] However, there’s no conclusive evidence that bacopa monnieri works, and it may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor before you try bacopa monnieri to make sure it’s safe for you to take.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Choosing and Scheduling Your Dose

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    Follow your product's dosing instructions for general cognitive wellness. You might want to use bacopa monnieri to improve your overall mental health, even if you don’t have any memory, cognition, or anxiety problems. Each product is different, so always read and follow the directions on the label. However, you may decide to adjust your dose if your doctor says it’s okay.[3]
    • If you’re treating a certain condition, you might prefer to take the dose recommended for your condition.
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    Take 300 mg of bacopa monnieri daily for memory and cognition. There’s some scientific evidence that a daily dose of 300 mg of bacopa monnieri may improve your memory and help you think better. Doses are usually taken once a day. While there’s no guarantee the supplement will help you, try it daily for at least 12 weeks to see if you improve.[4]
    • If you don’t get the results you want, talk to your doctor about trying 2 daily doses.
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    Consume 2 daily doses of 300 mg each for Alzheimer's. Although it may not help everyone, there’s some scientific evidence that bacopa monnieri can help people with Alzheimer’s. It might help you retain your memories and improve your thinking. Try taking 300 mg twice a day for 6 months to see if it works for you.[5]
    • For instance, you might take the supplement after lunch and after dinner.
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    Ask your doctor for a dosage recommendation to treat epilepsy. Although bacopa monnieri is a common alternative treatment for seizures, it’s not a substitute for the treatment your doctor prescribes. It may help you manage or prevent seizures, though it might not work for everyone. Consult your doctor to get the best dosage for you.
    • Your doctor may recommend you start with a standard 300 mg dose, but they could recommend something different.
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    Take bacopa monnieri with a glass of water after a meal that contains fat. Eating before you take your supplement may help prevent upset stomach, which is a common side effect of bacopa monnieri.[6] Additionally, bacopa monnieri is fat-soluble, which means you need to pair it with a fat to help it break down. Swallow your supplement with a glass of water right after you eat.[7]
    • For example, you might take the supplement after dinner.
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    Schedule your dose later in the day if bacopa monnieri makes you tired. You might feel drowsy and fatigued after you take bacopa monnieri. Additionally, it may help you sleep better. If this is the case for you, take the supplement at night after your last meal of the day.[8]
    • Rarely, bacopa monnieri may disrupt your sleep. If this happens, take it earlier in the day.
    • If you’re taking 2 doses, take them after lunch and after dinner or a late night snack.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Bacopa Monnieri Safely

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    Check with your doctor before you take bacopa monnieri. While supplements are generally safe, they aren’t right for everyone. Bacopa monnieri could interact with a medication you’re taking or worsen a medical condition. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor before you take it.[9]
    • If for some reason you can’t take bacopa monnieri, your doctor can likely recommend a different supplement or other treatments.
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    Tell your doctor if you’re taking any medications or supplements. Bacopa monnieri may interact with certain medications and supplements. Currently, there’s no solid evidence of which drugs bacopa monnieri will interact with. Because of this, remind your doctor of the medications or supplements you’re taking.[10]
    • For instance, it may interact with prochlorperazine and thioridazine, which are antipsychotic medications.[11]
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    Buy your bacopa monnieri from a reputable source. Look for bacopa monnieri in a health food store, drug store, vitamin shop, or online. Check the product label to make sure the supplement is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verified, which confirms it contains the listed ingredients. Then, read the product reviews to see if other clients are satisfied.[12]
    • The USP tests supplements to make sure they contain the ingredients they advertise. However, it doesn’t verify if the product works or is safe.[13]
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    Use caution if you have certain medical conditions. Bacopa monnieri may worsen certain medical conditions, so it may not be right for you. If you decide to take it, monitor your symptoms to make sure they don’t get worse. You may not be able to use bacopa monnieri if any of the following apply to you:
    • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.[14]
    • You have a lung condition.[15]
    • You have a gastrointestinal issue.[16]
    • You have a slow heart rate.[17]
    • You have an ulcer.[18]
    • You experience urinary blockages.[19]
    • You have a hyperactive thyroid or take thyroid medication.[20]
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    Watch for possible side effects while you’re taking bacopa monnieri. Fortunately, side effects from bacopa monnieri are usually mild and go away on their own. Additionally, taking the supplement with food may help you minimize side effects. Stop taking the supplement if the side effects bother you. You might notice the following symptoms:[21]
    • Nausea
    • Stomach upset
    • Stomach cramps
    • Increased bowel movements
    • Dry mouth
    • Fatigue
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Warnings

  • Always check with your doctor before taking a supplement to make sure it’s safe for you. Additionally, check with your doctor before using bacopa monnieri as a long-term treatment.[22]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/
  2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experience-engineering/201912/how-use-adaptogens-handle-stress-better
  3. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/brahmi.html
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/
  5. ↑ https://internalmedicine.imedpub.com/effect-of-bacopa-monnieri-on-cognitive-functions-inalzheimers-disease-patients.php?aid=6136
  6. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/brahmi.html
  7. ↑ https://www.braintropic.com/nootropics/bacopa-monnieri/
  8. ↑ https://www.braintropic.com/nootropics/bacopa-monnieri/
  9. ↑ https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=104655
  1. ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/bacopa/supplements.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-4019005#hn-4019005-interactions
  3. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/brahmi.html
  4. ↑ https://www.usp.org/about
  5. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/brahmi.html
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4778428/
  7. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/brahmi.html
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/
  9. ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/bacopa/supplements.htm#SideEffects
  10. ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/bacopa/supplements.htm#SideEffects
  11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/
  12. ↑ https://www.rxlist.com/bacopa/supplements.htm#SideEffects
  13. ↑ https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=104655

About This Article

Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
Co-authored by:
Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Danielle Blinka is a Writer, Editor, Podcaster, Improv Performer, and Artist currently living in Houston, TX. She also has experience teaching English and writing to others. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in English with a concentration in writing, and Master of Public Administration from Lamar University. This article has been viewed 7,533 times.
3 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 22, 2022
Views: 7,533
Categories: Health Food Trends

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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