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- Latin:
Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica
- Sanskrit:
Mandukaparni
- Hindi:
Manduki
- English:
Gotu-Kola, Indian Pennywort
NOTE:
This is one of two main herbs that go by the name
of Brahmi in the Ayurvedic texts. The other is Herpestis Monniera. Both
have powerful benefits for the mind and are often used interchangeably
for this purpose, depending on local availability and personal history
of each physician. But Mandukaparni is specifically named for use wherever
its additional effects on the urinary tract, skin, immunity, etc are
needed as part of the formula.
Parts
Used:
Whole herb. Every plant has a different
therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits.
Mandukaparni can be found around the world in shaded, watery places.
- Traditional
Ayurvedic Uses:
- Mandukaparni
acts as a powerful brain food, and is known for its ability to enhance
mind power (Medhya Rasayana effect). It supports and improves all
aspects of mental functioning, including comprehension (Dhi), memory
(Dhriti) and recollection (Smriti). It is important because it coordinates
these three aspects of mind power to develop the full potential of
the mind.
- Mandukaparni
has a very valuable and saught-after Vayasthapana effect, meaning
that it helps retard the aging process. It is excellent for both internal
and topical application. French scientists recently did some breakthrough
research to show it stimulates synthesis of collagen, for powerful
anti-aging effects for the skin.
- Mandukaparni
nourishes the mind-body connection and enhances the psychoneuro immune
(PNI) response.
- Mandukaparni
supports the formation of quality blood (Rakta Dhatu), as well as
the bone marrow and nerves (Majja Dhatu).
Combinations
are Best
The ayurvedic physicians of Maharishi Ayurveda do not recommend the use of single herbs for self-care due to several important reasons.
One of the specialties of ayurveda is the science of herb combining that has been perfected over thousands of years of clinical practice. From this ayurvedic perspective, the study of herbs from scientific research which is based on single ingredient formulas is not very practical. This is because an herb can give a number of different effects depending on the other herbs it is combined with as well as a number of other factors such as dosage, how the herb was processed, etc. If one focuses just on the results of a study based on one ingredient, while it may be interesting, it does not give the full insight into the complete range of effects available from that particular herb. |
