These herbs have stood the test of time in helping improve brain function and have been used by various cultures throughout history to improve mental capacities. You can benefit from them today:
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha supports the nervous system and in Ayurvedic medicine is considered a medharasayan remedy, a promoter of memory and learning
2. Bacopa
Bacopa increases attention span and improves behavior, memory, learning, and motor coordination. It enhances learning new tasks and aids in retention of newly learned material.
3. Eleuthero
Eleuthero is nourishing to the pituitary and adrenal glands. It helps the body’s ability to deal with stress. Studies done in the former Soviet Union show that this herb helps to improve job accuracy. It improves memory by improving circulation. It is an adaptogen and a chi tonic.
4. Gotu kola
Gotu kola has been used in India as a cerebral and endocrine tonic. Containing calcium, pangamic acid, and phosphorus as well as the amino acid glutamine, this well-renowned herb has been used to treat amnesia, dementia, fatigue, and senility. It has a revitalizing effect on the brain cells and nerves.
5. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo helps improve the brain’s ability to utilize oxygen and glucose by improving peripheral blood flow. Ginkgo has been found to improve nerve signal transmission and activate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an organic compound that aids metabolic reactions. Ginkgo helps protect nerve cells from free-radical damage. Ginkgo is currently one of the most prescribed herbs in Europe and is recommended in treating dementia, memory loss, and senility and promoting recovery from stroke. It is an antioxidant and cerebral tonic.
6. Huperzine
Huperzine, a compound found in club moss, increases brain levels of the chemical acetylcholine and enhances memory, focus, and concentration. It has been shown to improve the cognitive factor in Alzheimer’s patients.
7. Reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms help promote mental clarity and peacefulness.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary has a delightful aroma that has a long European tradition of helping to alleviate anxiety. Ancient Greek scholars wore laurels of rosemary when taking examinations, as the smell was found to improve memory. The uplifting fragrance of this member of the mint family is said to stimulate the pineal gland and improve energy levels. Rosemary contains the nutrients calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. Rosemary also contains more than a dozen antioxidants.