4 herbs to improve memory, brain health and cognitive function

Are you feeling low on memory and mental energy lately? Having trouble focusing and completing tasks? We all have days and moments when our brain seems to freeze up, especially in today's time when it's impossible to be constantly alert. In this article on Biopedia, we'll talk about 4 herbs to improve memory and how they can help us with that.

There are so many new elements and stressors that hinder your cognitive functions. The fast pace of life, hectic schedule, tasks, excessive workload and improper lifestyle are just some of the many factors that contribute to poor brain health.

Combine this with the fact that in today's world of constant connectivity, entertainment is just a click away. Distractions can literally be anywhere. Honestly, it's no wonder that many of us have declining cognitive abilities and are finding it harder than ever to focus.

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And so our brain power is scattered in so many different directions and our cognitive power is so strained that our mental energy batteries are constantly being depleted, resulting in a decline in short-term memory.

Unfortunately, this crisis is seriously dangerous to our success in life, as the power of concentration and the ability to focus our mental energy on a task are critical to performing well at work, as well as learning new things and achieving our goals.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies in the form of herbs that will help to improve memory and to increase focus power. Here are what they are.

Yerba mate

The herb yerba mate contains caffeine and a large amount of polyphenols in it. Since polyphenols are powerful antioxidants, they can protect the brain from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of dementia and memory loss. In addition, polyphenols have been shown to support overall brain health.

The moderate amount of caffeine found in yerba mate also improves brain function by stimulating the production of the feel-good hormone dopamine, which in turn helps make a task more enjoyable.

In addition to caffeine, yerba mate contains substances such as theophylline, a psychostimulant, and theobromine, which provide a unique stimulating effect, significantly improving cognitive abilities and contributing to alertness, focus and improving memory.

Rosemary

A circulatory stimulant, meaning it stimulates blood flow to and from tissues and organs.

It contains a neuroprotective compound called carnosic acid, which may protect the brain from free radical damage caused by environmental chemicals and toxins. The scent of rosemary has been shown to improve mood, concentration and performance, resulting in improved memory.

Add rosemary to your cooking or drink it as a tea using the dried herbs. You can also use rosemary essential oil by adding a few drops to a diffuser, in the bath or in a carrier oil and apply to the skin. To get a therapeutic dose, it is best to take rosemary in liquid tincture or capsule form.

Gotu kola

A popular herb in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine that is used to improve memory and cognitive function.

Known as the herb of longevity, gotu kola has proven effective in people with Alzheimer's disease due to its neuroprotective properties and ability to protect brain cells from damage.

It is also an anti-inflammatory and regenerative plant that promotes healing, especially of blood vessels and arteries, which can aid blood flow to the brain. Gotu kola can be taken as a tea of dried or powdered herbs (drink up to 3 cups daily), a liquid tincture, or capsules.

Ginkgo biloba

Known as the "fountain of youth" in China for its rejuvenating and memory-enhancing properties. Ginkgo biloba is a fantastic herb for circulation because it helps blood flow to the brain and central nervous system.

It is therefore particularly useful for improving memory and concentration and is often used for people with dementia, dyslexia and some types of depression.

As a circulatory aid, ginkgo biloba increases oxygen flow to tissues and strengthens damaged veins, arteries and capillaries, which can slow the aging process. For a therapeutic dose, this herb is best taken as a liquid herbal drink or capsule. It can also be taken as a tea and drunk up to 3 times daily.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that is well known for its amazing medicinal properties, but one of the surprising benefits is that this herb can boost mental energy and focus. Ashwagandha is a nootropic that has been shown to promote mental focus, support healthy brain function.

As our modern society has seen a rapid increase in the impact of environmental stressors on our brain health, the positive effects of ashwagandha offer protection against environmental neurotoxins and memory enhancement.

Ashwagandha has an incredibly powerful antioxidant action that has been shown to enhance the immune cell response to foreign bodies in the blood. Since damage caused by free radicals has been linked to diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, it is possible to use ashwagandha to treat or prevent these diseases.

Herbs for the Brain - Bonus

In the quest for optimal brain health, nature offers a variety of herbs that are prized for their potential to improve cognitive function and memory.

These herbs provide a natural way to support mental clarity, focus, and overall brain well-being. Some have gained popularity due to ancient traditions, while others have attracted the interest of modern science. Here are a few notable herbs you can incorporate into your daily routine:

Lion's Mane - Herbs for the Brain

With its distinctive appearance resembling a lion's mane, this mushroom has gained recognition for its potential to boost cognitive abilities.

Lion's mane contains compounds that can stimulate nerve cell growth and improve neural connections. This makes it a valuable herb for promoting mental clarity and potentially warding off age-related cognitive decline.

Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but its active compound - curcumin - also has neuroprotective effects. Curcumin may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which are contributing factors to cognitive decline. Incorporating turmeric into your diet, whether through meals or herbal teas, will potentially support brain health.

Peppermint - Herbs for the brain

Besides its refreshing aroma and digestive benefits, peppermint offers a surprising cognitive boost. The aroma of mint is associated with improved alertness and cognitive abilities. Inhaling its invigorating aroma or drinking peppermint tea is an easy way to supply your brain with what it needs to function optimally.

Ginseng

This ancient herb is known for its adaptogenic properties that help the body respond to stress. Stress can have a negative impact on cognitive function, and by managing stress levels, ginseng can indirectly support brain health. Some studies suggest that ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, may have a cognitive-enhancing effect.

Incorporating these herbs into your daily routine, along with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, will help maintain and improve your brain and memory function.

What to drink to improve memory

Lemon-berry boost - An easy and refreshing option!

Lemon-berry boost - an easy to make juice that greatly improves your quality of life. Combining the sour taste of lemons with the sweetness of berries, this juice takes on a pleasant flavor. While it may not be the best for improving memory significantly, it provides important vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall brain health. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps fight oxidative stress, and berries are full of flavonoids that support cognitive function.

Consistency tip: Prepare a quantity of the lemon-berry booster in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Having easy access to it increases the likelihood of sticking to your routine.

Kale and pomegranate juice - a powerful cognitive healer

For a juice that truly improves memory function, consider a blend of kale and pomegranate. Although creating this juice is a bit more complicated, it boasts remarkable benefits for cognitive health. Kale is a potent source of vitamin K, which is associated with improving memory and brain function. Pomegranate contains high levels of antioxidants that improve blood flow to the brain, promoting clearer thinking and memory retention.

Consistency tip: Set a specific time each day to prepare and enjoy your kale and pomegranate juice. Creating a ritual around consumption will help you stick to its strict intake.

Incorporating these juices into your daily routine can be an enjoyable way to maintain your cognitive health. Remember, consistency is key to reaping the benefits of these natural brain stimulants.

Remember that individual reactions to herbs can vary, so it's advisable to start with smaller amounts and consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.