Neer Brahmi

Neer Brahmi is a medicinal plant. It's botanical name is Bacopa Monnieri, family - Plantaginaceae. It's more commonly known as Indian pennywort, herb of grace, Brahmi, water hyssop. It grows abundantly in marsh land which means it's water tolerant. Likes acidic soil. Grows like a hanging creeper and also branches out. So it's good to grow them in hanging pots too. They are very easily propagated by cuttings. Take 3-5 " cutting with few leaves and nodes and dip it in aloe vera Juice. Aloe vera acts as a rooting hormone. Plant it in wet soil. 

This herb got its name from our creator Brahma. There are mentions about this power herb in our Vedas, the Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita which are over 3000 years old. They mentioned the benefits of Brahmi in promoting Medhya ( Intellect) Rasayana (rejuvenation) and more.

So the question then arises that how does one use this magical herb? Well everything in excess is bad so remember that we need to use it as minimal as possible. 

It's got a bitter taste. It's said not to be taken on an empty stomach. It could cause nausea or gastric problem. So how do we consume this? Well one could eat 5 to 6 tender leaves raw,  or,  pound them and boil it with water and add some honey to reduce the bitterness and drink this concoction after a meal. It will help boost your brain power or memory. It's said our sages consumed this so that they could retain the scriptures which they studied for years without any problems. I have read of people using the leaves while making dosa batter but I would advise you to please check the bitter quotient before adding this. Some sun dry and powder and use, the efficacy of this am not so sure. So it can be safely said it's tonic for the brain.

It's a maintenance free plant so do grow this.

Happy Growing!!

Do feel free to share your views and knowledge on this in the comments. 

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Summer Care For Your Gardens

Mulch, mulch and mulch....spread a layer of dried leaves around your pots. This helps retain moisture in the pots and with time the dry leaves decompose and it is a nutrient rich manure for the plants.

Water well and if needed water twice...once in the morning and once in the evening

Cover your plants with a shade net. If you don't have a green house no worries, use any old bedsheets or sarees and tie them up.

Solarise your soil, this is the time when you can rework your garden and deweed it. 

Do not trim or cut down your trees in summer, they need the foliage. 

Keep a container with water for the birds, squirrels to come have their fill.

Sow greens, they are the best to grow in summers.

Repair your trellises, re-paint your pots and stands.

Do not over fertilise your plants. 

While spraying 3G please dilute 1:15  with water, the quantity of 3G to be used should be less. The heat and the oil in the 3G could burn the leaves in summer.

Water early morning's or late evening. Water deeply once a week...which means water till you see the water trickling out from the drain holes in the bottom of the pots.

Use materials like cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite which will help retain moisture in your pots.

Do not re-pot in summer.

Peppers, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, courgettes, bitter gourds, okra, brinjal can all be grown in summer.

Keep your pots clustered together as a group. 

Wilting, leaf curl are signs which say your plant needs more water. 

Hope these points work for you.

Happy Growing!!!