Medhya Rasayana (Nootropic & Cognitive Enhancers)
Medhya Rasayana is a group of ayurvedic nootropic herbs or medicines, which enhance cognitive functions and improve memory. Medhya Rasayanas are ayurvedic supplements, which improve the power of acquisition, retention, and recollection. It improves cognition, memory, intelligence, creativity, learning skills and executive functions. Additionally, these supplements also boost immunity and improve functions of immune system. These herbs have intrinsic nature to exert these effects on the human brain.
There are four main herbs described as Medhya Rasayana in Charak Samhita.
| Herbs | Part Used |
| Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola) – Centella Asiatica | Whole Plant Juice |
| Yashtimadhu or Mulethi (Licorice) – Glycyrrhiza Glabra | Root Powder |
| Guduchi (Giloy) – Tinospora Cordifolia | Stem Juice |
| Shankhapushpi – Convolvulus Pluricaulis | Whole Plant Paste |
| These herbs are used either individually or in combinations. | |
Out of these four herbs, Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) is considered best cognitive enhancer herb by Acharya Charak.
Dosage of Charak’s Medhya Rasayana
| Herb | Dosage | Adjuvant |
| Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola) Juice | 10 ml | Honey |
| Yashtimadhu (Licorice) Powder | 3 grams | Milk |
| Guduchi (Giloy) Stem Juice | 10 ml | Honey |
| Shankhpushpi Paste | 10 grams | Milk |
| Note: Adjuvants are not described in Charak Samhita, but we added the most suitable and preferable adjuvants for each herb. | ||
| Best Time to Take: These Nootropic Supplements can be taken on empty stomach in the morning and in the evening after sunsets or 2 to 3 hours before dinner for best results. | ||
Other herbs acts as Medhya (Nootropic Herbs)
Sushruta Samhita also considers following herbs as Medhya (Nootropic herbs):
- Brahmi (Waterhyssop) – Bacopa Monnieri
- Jyotishmati (Malkangani) – Celastrus Paniculatus
- Kushmanda (Winter melon) Benincasa Hispida
- Vacha (Sweet Flag) – Acorus Calamus
- Jatamansi (Spikenard) – Nardostachys Jatamansi
- Chitrak – Plumbago Zeylanica
In addition to these herbs, some medicines like Swarna Bhasma and Mukta Pishti are also considered as Medhya Rasayana in ayurveda. Swarna (gold) is used in form of Swarna Prashana in children for similar benefits.
Benefits of Medhya Rasayana
In ancient time, Medhya Rasayana was used to improve intellectual ability, intelligence, memory and cognitive functions.
Nowadays, its use becomes more important due to stressful and hectic life. It reduces stress, calms the mind and improves the skills of rational thinking and reasoning. In addition, it helps to reduce forgetfulness by boosting memory and improving retention span.
According to Charak Samhita, Medhya Rasayana has following benefits:
- Increase life span
- Increase immunity, prevent diseases and treat diseases
- Increase digestive power (AGNI)
- Improve complexion
- Improve the quality of voice
- Increase brain power
Generally, Medhya Rasayana improves following mental abilities and characters:
- Memory or Retention
- Intelligence
- Concentration
- Mental Perception
- Creativity
- Immunity
- Longevity
- Learning and reasoning skills
Power of acquisition
The cognitive process that helps to acquire knowledge and skills is called the power of acquisition. Medhya Rasayana herbs act on this power and improve skills to acquire knowledge and learn skills.
Power of Retention
The mental capability by which one can retain and recall past experience and knowledge is called the power of retention. Medhya Rasayana herbs improve the power of retention and increase memory.
Power of Recollection
The mental process of remembering things and recovering information is called the power of recollection. Medhya Rasayana helps to improve the capability of the brain to process information, store information, and remembering things and recovering information from the brain.
Safety Profile
Medhya Rasayana described in Charak Samhita is most safe and well-tolerated in most individuals when used under the supervision of an ayurvedic physician.
Side Effects of Medhya Rasayana
There are no side effects reported with the use of Medhya Rasayana.
