Memory Improving Herbs
The demands on us as individuals are high and the pressure to perform at our best is ever present. Success in professional and social situations comes easier to those who are able to focus, concentrate and learn information quickly. To be able to express our personality and sparkle in conversation, we must fluently and speedily recall the information we have learned. Not just in a rote fashion, but with the ability to pluck gems of loosely connected information from our mind, and to bring it all together in inspired flashes of inventive, creative, and witty conversation.
Having developed our skills to the highest level that our natural potential can reach, it would be sad to lose it all simply through neglect of keeping our brain and nervous system healthy.
There are Herbs that can enhance your powers of memory and concentration. Including herbs in our daily regime is one way in which we can offer our body the required help to keep it healthier.
Here is a list of herbs that contain the qualities that we are looking for :-
Ginkgo Blloba :- One herb that has gained a strong reputation for its influence on the brain, and especially on memory, is ginkgo biloba. It is a tree, which has existed for millions of years, and which has been used since ancient times for its ability to improve memory and concentration. Clinical studies have clearly shown that Ginkgo has the power to address cerebral insufficiency, which ‘often affects an individual
with absent mindedness, poor memory, lack of concentration, decreased physical performance, etc. Ginkgo has also been found very effective in treating age-related memory impairment.
Ginkgo increases the rate at which information is transmitted at the nerve-cell level. Ginkgo increases circulation, especially the circulation in tiny blood vessels, such as those in the brain. It dilates blood vessels by releasing a vessel-relaxing factor. This characteristic is able to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain, and is one of the reasons that ginkgo has gained a reputation for increasing memory.
The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, also known as 1be maidenhair tree, have been used for more than 5,000 years for medicinal- purposes. It’s one of the most widely used herbal extracts in Europe, and has been approved by the German government to treat symptoms of ageing, including cognitive disorders.
Ginkgo has been shown to have the following effects:
- Improve overall cognitive function and sharpen mental focus.
- Prevent and treat symptoms of dementia.
- Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages, and progressive decrease in symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Treat “cerebral insufficiency”, a slow decline in mental function associated with ageing and characterized by such symptoms as impaired concentration and memory, confusion, and mood disorders.
- Ginkgo works primarily by increasing blood flow and, consequentially, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. As a potent antioxidant, ginkgo helps protect against cellular damage.
Siberian Ginseng : –Siberian ginseng is another quality herb that is beneficial to both the brain and the central nervous system. It is known as an “adaptogen” and serves to balance the internal organs. It has consistently demonstrated an ability to increase the sense of well-being in a variety of psychological disturbances, including depression, insomnia, hypochondrias and various neuroses.
Ginseng not only has powerful antioxidant properties, it has also been found to increase circulation which is associated with improved oxygen delivery and increased energy, similar to the effects of ginkgo biloba.
St. John’s Wort :- This is a herb that is rapidly becoming popular for its effects on mood and anxiety. Recent research indicates that St. John’s wort may be acting by increasing levels of the “feel good” neurotransmitter called serotonin, which actually is “brain food”. St. John’s wort has been effectively used to control depression.
Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) :- Brahmi was traditionally used to treat mental illness, including epilepsy. It can help strengthen memory, elevate brain function, increase concentration and mental focus, enhance mood and reduce the effects of stress. In India, it has long been incorporated in hair oils for massage. It has been used to provide a cooling effect to the scalp and to relax the nerves.
Brahmi contains substances called bacosides, which are responsible for improving memory and memory-related functions by enhancing the efficiency of nerve impulse transmission. Bacosides work by repairing damage to worn-out neurons.
Bllberry :- Bilberry, long known for its ability to improve eyesight, can help brain function as well. By increasing circulation and blood flow, bilberry works in much the same way as ginkgo. Additionally, it’s a potent antioxidant and can prevent free radical damage to the brain.
Ginger :- Has the ability to improve the circulation and to support the central nervous system. It acts as a catalyst herb for other herbs, which are more specific in addressing memory and concentration. It helps them to do their work more effectively.
Gotu Kola :- This herb is suggested for improving thought clarity and memory. It is also considered excellent for promoting a feeling of calm and stress relief. Medicine. Traditionally used as a nerve tonic and a general tonic in times of physical and mental exertion, it is also widely used to assist in pain relief of arthritis. In ayurvedic medicine, the herb is also used for ailments of the nerves and mind including epilepsy, schizophrenia and memory loss. The Chinese value Gotu Kola more as a plant that increases longevity and brain capacity than for any other purpose.
It is able to rebuild energy reserves and for this reason it is called ‘food for the brain’. It increases mental and physical power. It combats stress and improves reflexes. Gotu Kola has an energizing effect on the cells of the brain and is also said to help prevent nervous breakdown. It can relieve high blood pressure, mental fatigue and senility and helps the body defend itself against various toxins. It contains vitamins A, G, and K and is high in magnesium.
Some sources indicate that massive doses of Gotu Kola can produce narcotic effects. The evidence for this effect is sketchy at best and is controversial. No toxic effects are listed and Gotu Kola is considered to be quite safe by nearly all herbalists.
Ho Shou Wu :- In traditional Chinese medicine, Ho Shou Wu is considered an excellent tonic herb, which supports and calms the nervous system. It is considered appropriate for increasing energy levels due to its nutritive. actions.
Linden :- Linden flowers are often recommended for their soothing actions and ability to transform restlessness into productive concentration.
Rosemary :- It is an excellent antioxidant herb, which has traditionally been used to enhance and improve memory capabilities. It is considered a very good brain ‘tonic’, and is recommended for addressing headaches, especially those of a nervous tension origin.
Kelp :- It is one of the very best sources available for minerals. Kelp supplies the body with many of the nutrients required by all body systems, including the brain. When adequate supplies of vitamins and minerals are available, the body can function at a better level, with mental clarity and better mental performance.
Betony :- It is considered to be a very good nervine herb, which offers relief from anxiety and tension. Betony is a cerebral relaxant, that helps to calm a stressful mind.
Peppermint :- It is a traditional herb that is always a topic of research studies. Peppermint is useful for tension-related headaches. It is also considered to be very helpful in promoting mental clarity.
Rehmannia :- This is often used as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve nervousness and calm the heart. It is also believed to act preventively against senility.
Skullcap :- It is an excellent herb which offers relief from nervous irritability and tension. It is considered useful for reducing worry and anxiety, thus allowing for clearer and more precise thinking processes.
Flower Essences :- Flower therapy is a method of treating various psychological and emotional imbalances to prevent their manifestation as physical illness. Flower therapies may be helpful in treating various types of mental disorder, including anxiety, depression and stress. One study on flower essences showed that the flower therapy was effective on nearly 90 percent of subjects. Flower essences are thought to work by encouraging a more balanced emotional and mental state.
Herbs should be an integral part of a healthy diet and lifestyle plan, which also includes adequate exercise and relaxation techniques. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure.
Useful References