In today’s fast-paced world, mental clarity, focus, and memory retention have become essential. Increasing brain function is a primary goal for everyone, from students studying for exams to professionals juggling many balls in the air to elders who want to stave off dementia. Although diet, exercise and sleep are critical to brain health, many medicinal herbs are known as memory boosters and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Some herbs have bioactive compounds that increase cerebral blood flow, decrease oxidative stress, and augment neurotransmitter activity. Memory and clarity are thus key attributes of cognition that you need to be on the lookout for as you age. In this article, take a look at eight herbs that may assist you.
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Ginkgo Biloba – The Memory Booster
Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest tree species in the world, often referred to as a “living fossil.” For centuries, its leaves have been employed in traditional Chinese medicine to improve cognitive function.
How it Works
Ginkgo biloba contains several phytochemical constituents (flavonoids, terpenoids) that may have antioxidant activity. These constituents improve blood circulation to the brain, speed up the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, support memory and focus, and increase clarity of thought.
Benefits
- Enhances memory and cognitive function
- Enhances concentration and attention span
- There are several overall health benefits of a low-carb lifestyle, but helps protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s
- Decreases anxiety and depression symptoms.
How to Use
- Tea: Where dried ginkgo leaves are marinated in hot water for 10 minutes
- Capsules: 120–240 mg/day (see doctor)
- Extract: Adding to smoothies or herbal drinks
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Bacopa Monnieri – The Brain Tonic
Bacopa monnieri, or Brahmi, is a cornerstone herb in Ayurvedic medicine. For centuries it has been used to increase brain function, learning capacity, and memory.
How It Works
This is because bacopa contains bacosides, which can repair damaged neurons and promote nerve growth. It also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters implicated in mood and cognitive function.
Benefits
- Enhances retention and cognitive faculties
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Will boost the processing power of your brain
- Protects against cognitive decline related to ageing
How to Use
- Brahmi Tea: Boil fresh or dried Brahmi leaves in water
- Powder: Combine with honey or warm milk
- Capsules: 300 mg – 500 mg daily
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Rhodiola Rosea – The Mental Fatigue Fighter
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen that assists the body in dealing with stress and improves cognitive function. Native to colder parts of Europe and Asia, it’s widely used in traditional medicine.
How It Works
Rhodiola decreases cortisol and other stress hormones, enhances mental function and can reduce exhaustion. It also raises mood- and focus-improving neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
Benefits
- It helps to lessen mental exhaustion and brain fog
- Improves focus and helps develop problem-solving abilities
- Enhances mood and alleviates anxiety
- Reinforces neuroprotection from degenerative diseases
How to Use
- Tea: Infuse dried Rhodiola root in hot water
- Capsules: 200–600 mg per day
- Tincture: Add to herbal drinks or smoothies
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Ashwagandha – The Stress Reliever
Another potent adaptogen is ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, used in Ayurveda. It’s been used for thousands of years to combat stress, anxiety, and cognitive decline, just to name a few.
How It Works
It helps regulate cortisol levels and reduce oxidative stress in the brain. It also increases the activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps neurons grow and repair.
Benefits
- Helps with memory and increases cognitive capacity
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Increases concentration and mental processing
- Defends against neurodegenerative diseases
How to Use
- Powder: Combine with hot milk or honey
- Capsules: Consume 300–500 mg daily
- Tea: Infuse the dried Ashwagandha root in water
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Gotu Kola – The Memory Enhancer
Gotu Kola, the “herb of longevity,” has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. If so, it is known for its cognition-boosting effects.
How It Works
The more blood flows to the brain, the better the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which is where Gotu Kola comes into play. It also encourages nerve growth factors that help regenerate brain cells.
Benefits
- Bollettan teaches us to remember and learn better
- Improves attention and focus
- Lessens anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Supports overall brain health and lifespan
How to Use
- Tea: Plunge dried Gotu Kola leaves into boiling water
- Capsules: 500–1000 mg/day
- Tincture: Mix into herbal drinks
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Lion’s Mane Mushroom – The Nerve Regenerator
Lion’s Mane mushroom is an extraordinary medicinal fungus with potent neuroprotective properties. It has been traditionally utilised in Chinese medicine to improve cognitive function.
How It Works
The Lion’s Mane mushroom is especially high in hericenones and erinacines, which help nerve cells grow and stave off cognitive decline. It also raises levels of BDNF, the chemical that enables brain plasticity.
Benefits
- Improves memory and mental clarity
- Facilitates nerve growth and brain healing
- Alleviates anxiety and depression symptoms
- Protects from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
How to Use
- Tea: Infuse dried Lion’s Mane in hot water
- Powder: Mix into coffee, tea or smoothies
- Capsules: 500–3000 mg/day
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Turmeric – The Brain Protector
Commonly used in Indian dishes, turmeric is a spice with hugely effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power. It contains curcumin, which can improve brain function.
How It Works
Curcumin has demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. The latter also raises BDNF levels, promoting neural formation and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
Benefits
- Enhances memory and cognitive performance
- Decreases brain inflammation and oxidative stress
- Improves mood and lessens depression symptoms
- Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
How to Use
- Golden milk: Blend some turmeric powder with warm milk and honey
- Capsules: 500–2000 mg/day, with black pepper for better absorption
- Tea: Boil fresh turmeric root in some water
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Sage – The Cognitive Enhancer
Sage is an aromatic herb used in cooking and medicine. Studies have demonstrated its ability to improve both cognition and memory.
How It Works
Sage interferes with the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter needed for memory and learning. It also scavenges free radicals for a powerful anti-oxidative effect that protects brain cells from damage.
Benefits
- Enhances memory and learning capacity
- Improves focus and mental clarity
- Prevents cognitive decline
- Boosts mood and lowers stress levels
How to Use
- Tea: Pour hot water over fresh or dried sage leaves and steep
- Oils: For Diffusing or Applying
- Culinary: Sprinkle on soups, stews, and herbal infusions
Including strong herbs like this in your daily routine can improve memory, focus, and mind health. They are a natural source available in teas, capsules, and tinctures to enhance cognitive function. However, it is essential to take herbal supplements after consulting the key healthcare provider if you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or consume medications.
Combined with a healthy lifestyle, holistic nutrition, and regular brain workouts, these herbs can help you leverage your brain’s full potential and neuroprotect your mental capacities for life.
