I understand that chewing one or two leaves or bracts a day is good for memory, but I keep forgetting to chew two ;-)

My brahmi patch now covers an area about 3 metres by two metres and is the only thing I can put the guineapigs on that they won't eat.

One is Water Hyssop or Moneywort(Bacopa monnieri)which is often used as an aquarium plant, though it will grow in moist soil and become both a weedy groundcover and a real environmental catastrophe if it gets into our waterways. Aerial parts are used to treat nervous system disorders such as neuralgia, epilepsy and mental illness, and a wide range of other conditions including indigestion, ulcers, constipation, asthma and bronchitis, even infertility. The expressed juice mixed with oil is used as a rub for arthritic pain. May be useful in improving mental function, memory and concentration and reduces learning time. Shows potent anti-tumour and anti-cancer activity. I have no information about dosages.

The other is Pennywort, nowadays better known as Gotu Kola, or the Arthritis Herb (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica), a weedy groundcover. Leaves are eaten to help problems associated with ageing, such as memory loss, poor circulation, loss of concentration, and arthritis. Also used to treat anxiety and stress, and to improve the immune system, to reduce inflammations. Has a balancing effect on the nervous system. Dried, powdered leaves can be sprinkled over wounds to aid healing and reduce scarring. Used to treat chronic skin conditions including leprosy, psoriasis and elephantiasis; venereal diseases, malaria, fever, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and dementia, colds and flu, liver disorders; to increase blood sugar levels where required; for healing of wounds, muscular atrophy, eye lesions, gastric ulcers, phlebitis. Recent studies have shown that it may destroy tumour cells. It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, leg cramps, swellings of the legs and ‘heaviness’ or tingling in the legs. The tea is used as a wash to help healing after surgical incision of the vulva (episiotomy) during childbirth. May be useful in children suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. The usual recommended dosage is to eat 2-3 leaves per day, or infuse 1g dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water, and take 1-2 cups per day in small doses. You can add the leaves to a salad. Warning: Do not use when pregnant or lactating, if using tranquilisers or sedatives, or if suffering from an overactive thyroid gland. In large amounts or with long-term use, gotu kola can cause headaches, vertigo and photosensitivity. Topical application may cause rash or photosensitization.