Why it is called as brain food – it is one of the chief herbs for treating skin problems, to heal wounds, for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells, hence primarily known as a “Brain Food” in India.

Common names: saraswathi plant, single leaved plant, brahmi

Uses:

•  May boost brain function
• contains powerful antioxidants
• may reduce inflammation
• may prevent anxiety and stress
• help to lower blood pressure
• Extract of the plant is added to cosmetics to increase collagen and firm the skin.
• The flowers are a good source of pollen for honey bees.

Introduction: It is a herbaceous, frost-tender perennial plant with small kidney-shaped leaves in the flowering plant.

Botany: The stems are slender, green to reddish in color, connecting plants to each other. It has long stalk with palmate netted veins.

The flowers are white or pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches near the surface of the soil. The crop matures in three months, and the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually. It is a highly invasive plant.

Growing condition: It’s a low growing, creeping herb that reaches a maximum of about 6 inches in height and grows outward in a sprawling pattern.

• Plant care is pretty easy and forgiving.
• It prefers part to full sun and will grow in a wide range of soils.
• As long as it gets sufficient water, it can thrive in rock, sand and mud.
• It will even grow directly in water features, forming its foliage as floating mats.
• Feed the plants moderately with slow release fertilizer. They’re not heavy feeders, but they do appreciate the nutrients.

key words: ondelaga, brahmi, brain food , stress, blood pressure, memory, anti-oxidants, anxiety

Write up by

Geethashree.S.G

Bsc.Horticulture