Brahmi Benefits for Dogs

Brahmi is a brain tonic and a highly revered herb in Ayurveda. Find out in this article what it can do for your dog's memory or cognitive health.

Now, what about senior, aging dogs who need cognitive support? As dogs age, we know that they slow down and some dogs even experience memory loss, anxiety, behavior issues and seem just like they are lost...staring at something when nothing is there...All these things are signs that perhaps the aging dog needs some cognitive support.

Here comes Brahmi - it is a nootropic, meaning it is a herb that enhances cognitive ability and proper functioning of the brain cells. Brahmi is highly revered in Ayurveda for all things related to enhancing brain health - it is very easy to find everywhere in India with it being sold in most hair oil blends, Ayurvedic blends for health and cognitive function and even for pets like dogs since it offers so many benefits to all.

So, let's see what are the benefits of Brahmi for your dog. 

Brahmi can be used for dogs for the following reasons -

1. Aging dog who look lost and sad

2. Memory Loss - Dog experiencing memory loss. Example includes when the dog's name is called and the dog doesn't come due to memory issues - not hearing issues.

3. Anxiety or panic attack symptoms

4. Dogs who have seizures or epilepsy

5. Ill-behaved dogs or those suddenly showing aggression or moodiness - This does NOT mean the dog is suddenly an aggressive dog and "needs to be put down". NO. Geez! American mentality!

Rather, it means the dog's brain needs support and extra attention. I have previously talked about looking at dog aggressiveness from a different perspective - a NEW approach that perhaps a plant-based diet, home-cooked meals and some herbs could be the answer. The brain needs nootropic support - and that could be in the form of Brahmi.

6. Dog immunity, heart health, breathing issues - Brahmi is used in India for both children and animal care, including dogs for boosting the immunity, for treating conditions like asthma, cold, cough, excess mucus and labored breathing and as a cardiotonic and respiratory support. If your dog has these conditions, you might want to consider looking into brahmi and starting it for your dog.

7. Brahmi is also considered an adaptogen - An adaptogen is any substance that helps the mind-body adapt to the present conditions or stressors. Dogs who are part of a pack and who live their lives together with other canine pack mates, grieve a lot when their pack mate dies and crosses the rainbow bridge. Brahmi can help with that as it boosts the body's ability to adapt while helping the brain by boosting the GABA levels (an amino acid that helps the brain with issues like moodiness, etc.).

With so many reasons to love Brahmi or bacopa, I think if you have a senior dog, it is worth a try.

To Recap -

Herb Name - Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

History of Brahmi -

Brahmi has been used in Ayurveda/India since the beginning of time. We use it in our hair oil products - a country where massaging hair with oils is a daily practice, since time immemorial. It is NO surprise that India has had a very low to zero rate of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases till now. It is also taken as a herbal tonic for brain health - especially in modern times. It is also taken by students all over India during the exam time to enhance memory and performance. It is used in animal care and even for dogs in India due to its amazing nootropic properties.

Primary Focus of This Herb - Neurodegenerative Diseases/Disorders & Support.

Uses for Dogs - Listed Above.

Active Compounds - Bacosides A and B, monnierin, glutamic acid

How to Use - You can buy Brahmi powder and start with a very low dose for your dog.

For 10 lb. dog, I would say start with only 1/4th teaspoon once a day first and see the results for one to two weeks and then adjust. Add the powder to the food at the end. Do NOT cook the powder!

Remember, be thankful to the sacred herb - do not be scared. In India, brahmi is used left and right for just about anything that has to do with brain and scalp health, including hair health. ALL of our hair oils that are sold all over India contain brahmi. So, just start with this information and start with a low dose if you don't know.

If you are needing some support with your dog, email me what's going on with your and let's see what we can do to help your pup!

I hope you found this information helpful and powerful! Keep this in your 'holistic cabinet' because you never know when you will need it. Brahmi is a very respected, loved and sacred herb of India and now, you can see why.

-Somyata.