Focusing on making any of those areas better will help your mind, but there are also some powerful herbs for brain health that you can make use of, too. Some herbs can increase your mental energy. Others boost mood, memory, focus, or clear-thinking. Still others are known as herbs of longevity, which means they help protect your brain and keep it healthy as you age.

Ginkgo biloba is one herb that has to be included on any list of natural brain boosters. It boosts the overall function of your brain, including memory, and can even give you a greater sense of well-being.

Ginkgo has also been studied for its potential to help treat cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. Results have been positive, and it appears to be especially effective when used alongside conventional treatments.

You can take a ginkgo extract daily for overall brain health. Gotu kola Centella asiatica is one of the most highly respected herbs for brain health in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.

It's usually taken as a tonic and is considered an herb of longevity. Research confirms that gotu kola can help with focus, memory, alertness, mental stress, and clear thinking. Traditional practitioners recommend it in cases of brain fog and memory loss. Studies show that it may also help treat Alzheimer's symptoms.

Don't expect an immediate effect from gotu kola. It's meant to be taken regularly and will help your brain over time. Bacopa Bacopa monniera , also known as Brahmi and water hyssop, is another herb for the mind commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.

It can help improve memory, focus, learning, and general mental function. Studies indicate that it may relieve stress, anxiety , and depression as well. Bacopa also contains antioxidants that have neuroprotective properties. This protects the overall health of your brain and may even help with diseases like Alzheimer's.

Note : There's also an ornamental plant called bacopa Sutera cordata , which is completely different from the herb bacopa. Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus has famously been associated with remembrance in Shakespeare's Hamlet. It's also been considered a brain tonic by herbalists for many years.

The main benefits are thought to be for memory, focus, and to prevent cognitive decline. Studies so far back up rosemary's potential for brain health. Low doses of the herb were shown in one study to slow or stop cognitive decline in an elderly population.

Taking or inhaling the herb has also been shown to boost memory, alertness, and mood. Add fresh or dried rosemary frequently to your cooking, make a tea with it, or try an extract to boost your mind. Sage Salvia officinalis is often referred to as a "sister herb" of rosemary because the two are so closely related.

Like rosemary, sage contains rosmarinic acid, which is thought to be one of the main compounds that makes both of these herbs great for brain health.

You can take sage to boost memory and focus. It's also been the subject of research studies that explore its potential for treating symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's. A few trials have shown that it may help with dementia as well.

Clary sage S. sclarea is a specific type of sage with its own mind-boosting properties. Used as an herb or essential oil , it eases stress, clears the mind, and lifts your mood. To use common sage, try using the dried herb to make a tea or tincture. Eleuthero Eleutherococcus senticosus , sometimes called Siberian ginseng, is an adaptogen that helps your mind and body cope with stress.

Over time, it can restore mental energy, alleviate mental fatigue, and recharge your adrenal glands. Along with anti-stress and anti-fatigue properties, studies show that adpatogens like eleuthero likely have antidepressive and neuroprotective effects as well.

As a dried herb or an extract , eleuthero acts as a mild stimulant. However, you can also take it as a tonic herb, especially to recover from mental fatigue and stress.

Try it in this Adrenal Love tea to strengthen your mind and nervous system. There are two main types of true ginseng: Asian ginseng Panax ginseng and American ginseng P. Both are adaptogenic herbs , like eleuthero, and both can boost brain function and fight mental fatigue.

Research is confirming that ginseng is protective of brain health and can improve cognitive function. It can specifically boost your mental energy, help you think more clearly, and even improve your mood. Taking ginseng will also improve your physical energy and can reduce stress as well.

It's most often taken daily as an extract. Peppermint Mentha piperita is a little different than the other herbs for brain health on this list. While many natural brain boosters do their best work over time, peppermint can give you an instant invigorating effect. Sometimes referred to as the "green energy" herb, peppermint boosts your mental energy without using up any energy reserves.

Even using its refreshing scent in aromatherapy can improve focus, mental alertness, and clear thinking. As a bonus, peppermint also has pain-relieving properties that are especially helpful for headaches. Drinking peppermint tea regularly is a great way to improve your mental energy.

You can also diffuse or apply the essential oil as needed. Even simply crushing fresh mint leaves will instantly lift your mood, reduce stress, and refresh your brain. Turmeric Curcuma longa has become a popular herb because it calms inflammation, but it also has brain-boosting effects.

Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, boosts a hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF. In studies, brain diseases like Alzheimer's and depression are linked to decreased levels of BDNF.

Because of this, turmeric has the potential to protect your brain from degeneration and may also help with symptoms of cognitive disorders.

It may even improve your memory. To increase its effectiveness, take turmeric with black pepper in something like this Turmeric Chai Tea. Healthy lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining an active social life are other changes that can have a positive impact on brain health and memory as you age.

Herbs that may help with memory loss include ginseng, ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha, tumeric, and sage. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most well-researched herbs for memory that can potentially stimulate cognitive function and prevent memory loss.

Lopresti AL. Salvia Sage : A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects. Drugs R D. Kulkarni SK, Dhir A. An overview of curcumin in neurological disorders.

Indian J Pharm Sci. Yang G, Wang Y, Sun J, Zhang K, Liu J. Ginkgo Biloba for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Curr Top Med Chem. Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, et al. Efficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

J Alzheimers Dis. Ven murthy MR, Ranjekar PK, Ramassamy C, Deshpande M. Scientific basis for the use of Indian ayurvedic medicinal plants in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders: ashwagandha.

Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem. Zheng M, Xin Y, Li Y, et al. Ginsenosides: A Potential Neuroprotective Agent. Biomed Res Int. Published May 8. Veerendra kumar MH, Gupta YK. Effect of Centella asiatica on cognition and oxidative stress in an intracerebroventricular streptozotocin model of Alzheimer's disease in rats.

Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial.

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A, et al. Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet [published correction appears in JAMA. Gregory J, Vengalasetti YV, Bredesen DE, Rao RV.

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Frequently Asked Questions What can I take naturally to improve my memory? What herb is good for memory loss?

A recent study from Brazil found that a flavonoid in these spices, called apigenin, strengthened connections between neurons and even coaxed stem cells—our "raw material" cells that can form other specialized ones—into becoming neurons. While these results were produced in a lab setting and not in living, breathing humans, the researchers hypothesize that a diet rich in apigenin might influence brain cell formation and communication, too, which, in theory, could help ward off depression , Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

Apigenin's chemical structure is similar to that of estrogen, explains Giana Angelo, PhD, a research associate at the Micronutrient Information Center at Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, who was not involved in the research. Estrogen's long been known to influence neuron development, she says.

A perennial favorite of late-night tea drinkers, chamomile is, at least anecdotally, a tried-and-true stress destroyer. Check out these 12 other stress-reducing foods. Like with apigenin, we've only got lab studies to go on when we think about how chamomile works its herbal magic on the brain, but it contains compounds that might bind to receptors for certain brain chemicals, reducing anxiety in the process, Angelo explains.

In one study —in actual humans! Eight weeks later, the people who had been taking chamomile reported a bigger drop in their anxiety. Bear with us for some important-to-understand background: We've all got these immune cells called macrophages that destroy foreign particles, Angelo explains, but in some patients with Alzheimer's, macrophages can't do their jobs as well.

With subpar macrophage-ing, the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques thought to contribute to the disease can't be swept away. Certain compounds found in turmeric read up all about the superspice here have been shown to kick-start those macrophages, she says, potentially helping to clear the plaques from the brains of people with early signs of Alzheimer's.

What's still to be determined is how the high dose of these isolated compounds applied in petri dishes translates to how much curry you'd need to eat regularly to really make an impact, she cautions.

Aptly named for the cause, sage seems to improve memory. In two small studies , capsules of sage extract improved people's performance on memory tests, compared with placebo—for hours after popping the pill. Be cautious when considering sage supplements, though, she says, as they can be dangerous for some people, including those with high blood pressure, since sage might make BP even higher.

It would be truly miraculous if the cure for a deadly brain tumor was simply to eat more garlic, as some headlines seemed to suggest back when research was making waves. What the study actually showed about garlic was that certain active compounds in the odoriferous bulb can kill cancer cells—grown in a petri dish.

A common cure for nausea, peppermint tea has also been found to improve long-term and working memory in healthy adults, according to research presented at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference. The study examined participants who were split into three groups and given peppermint tea, chamomile tea, or hot water.

Twenty minutes later, the participants had their memory and cognitive functions tested, as well as their moods. Researchers found that peppermint tea drastically improved long-term memory, working memory, and alertness, compared with hot water and chamomile tea which actually slowed memory and attention speed.

MORE: Why Is Everyone Suddenly Drinking Aloe Juice? This spice drawer staple can also be used to improve your memory. More research presented at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference shows that the smell of rosemary essential oil can improve the prospective memory of those over Prospective memory is the ability to remember specific events and tasks that will happen in the future—like your 2 PM appointment or partner's birthday.

The study examined people over 65, and divided them into three groups: one group was put in a lavender-scented room, another in a rosemary-scented room, and the last, a room with no scent at all. Researchers found that those sniffing rosemary experienced enhanced prospective memory , along with increased alertness, compared with those in the lavender and unscented rooms.

Several studies have shown that Gotu Kola has a complex action on the mind through enhancing neurite-dendrite growth and out branching in key areas of the brain. This action not only makes the mind calmer, sharper and more fluid but also protects brain cells from damaging toxins.

Gotu Kola has been used by monks and Yogis of the Far East for centuries as a means to enhance their concentration during meditation. In Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine it also plays an important role in helping memory loss and fighting aliments of the mind.

Green tea contains caffeine which stimulates the mind improving memory but also a very important amino acid that crosses the protective blood membrane of the brain. This amino acid, L-theanine, works with caffeine to stimulate the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA which leads to increased levels of dopamine and effectively calms the mind.

Green Tea has mystical beginnings stemming from the writings of the legendary Chinese Emperor Shennong in around BC. Whilst coffee produced a peak in alertness after 30 — 45 minutes, this rapidly fell away in comparison to the effects of Guarana which were still continuing, and increasing, after minutes.

This may be due to its naturally occurring caffeine being released slowly, thus maintaining a steady supply of natural energy.

Also containing flavonoids and alkaloids, in clinical studies alkaloids were shown to stimulate the central nervous system, enhancing alertness, mental clarity and reducing fatigue.

Guarana comes from the Amazon and were cultivated first by the Sateré-Maué Indians who consider the plant a medicine and is heavily integrated into their culture. It might be a surprise to some people that the mind can benefit from Hemp Seeds. The main reason is that Hemp Seeds have a near perfect ratio of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and the brain uses these substances to keep cognitive function limber.

It has been scientifically proven that concentration and memory are improved when a diet is rich in Essential Fatty Acids. When these substances are lacking in a diet then memory and concentration become hindered. Hemp has been used as a food source and medicine for thousands of years in Asia and the Middle East.

Nearly every part of the plant can be used and is beneficial to humans. Jujube fruit is thought to have a beneficial action on sleep and brain function through it's unique antioxidants. It may even have the ability to help with anxiety levels and help to defend against certain types of nerve damage.

Kelp is incredibly high in iodine, a crucial mineral - without which your brain cannot function properly. A common symptom of iodine deficiency is brain fog, Dr. Cunnane suggests that iodine is the primary brain-selective nutrient in human brain evolution , surmising that iodine deficiency is the main cause of decreased intellect.

Iodine is a critical nutrient for pregant mothers due to the essential role it plays in fetal brain development. Kelp is a favourite delicacy of the Japanese and has a healthy tradition within other cultures.

It has has been eaten in Japan for thousands of years but came from those who first inhabited the Okinawan Islands.

This is considered the real Ginseng and the most beneficial of all others in the family. Being an adaptogenic stimulant, Korean Panax Ginseng is able to make you focus and clear fog from the mind making concentration sharper.

Another helpful aspect of Panax Ginseng is that it has been proven to lower levels of stress which makes the mind calmer. The Panax Ginseng plant has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a very long making it one of the oldest known medicinal herbs in the world.

Many preparations have Panax Ginseng as an ingredient in TCM. It has been scientifically proven that concentration and memory are improved when a diet contains enough Omega 3 essential fatty acid.

Rich in Omega 3, consuming Flaxseeds can promote optimal brain health. It is especially important that children and older people get enought Omega 3 - this will ensure proper brain growth and funtion in children and age related mental decline in the elderly. Linseeds have been cultivated since the Neolithic period and have been used as a food source for just as long.

Linen and flax oil both come from this plant which is why they been so desirable throughout history. A small protein that is needed for the maintenance and growth of certain neurons, NGF is crucial to the overall health of the brain and central nervous system. Used for 's of years in Asia, Buddhist Shaolin monks used the Lion's Mane Mushroom in meditation practices, believing it enhanced their concentration thus enabling them to better cultivate the mystical life force "Qi".

Maca is a popular integral part of the Peruvian way of life, it is a root vegetable that looks a bit like a turnip and it is put into soups, cakes, breads and drinks in Peru.

It is grown high in the Andes at 14, ft in very rich soils, so its mineral content is especially high, this makes it a good brain booster. Myrtle essential oil has clarifying, cleansing, refreshing and uplifting properties.

Research shows that the myricetins found in this herb can inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid fibril. Diffusing the essential oil in a burner or consuming Myrtle leaves and berries can promote a clear mind and prevent the degradation of neural pathways that can lead to these terrible cognitive disorders.

Pine has a dual purpose for the mind. Firstly, Pine Nuts are a rich source of Omega-3 oils and are one of the best foods to keep the mind limber.

Secondly, Pine Resin can be burnt as an incense that has a calming effect to produce a clear, centred and one pointed purpose of mind.

Pine Nuts were an essential food for some tribes of Native American Indians who stored them as a winter food. Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and provide and excellent source of Omega-3 which are a great brain food to keep the mind in good health.

Also Pumpkin Seeds are a great source of Magnesium which is thought to have a great calming effect on the mind. They rich in minerals and B vitamins, this making them a fantastic brain booster. They make a delicious healthy snack and are thought to be good for the urinary tract and for maintaining a healthy heart.

The ancestors of the modern Pumpkin are thought to have been cultivated around 5, BC by Native American Indians. Pumpkins come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and aren't just limited to the variety we see today at Halloween. The Reishi Mushroom is a highly treasured part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and recent studies have found that it can of great benefit to the mind.

The chemical properties of Reishi have been found to relax the nervous system, stimulate brain neurons and help production of 'nerve growth factor'. According to legend the Chinese Emperor Ti from the Chin dynasty ordered soldiers and hundred beautiful women to set sail and bring the Reishi mushroom back to his kingdom.

This Mushroom was so highly sought after that in China it was exclusively a tonic for the upper classes. Used for centuries to clear the mind and improve memory, Sage has now been extensively studied and science agrees with the old wives tales.

One study found that even the smallest amount of Sage significantly improved memory in comparison with the placebo group. The study concluded that Sage is " capable of acute modulation of cognition in healthy young adults.

Another study found that certain phytochemicals in Sage are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which means that it can help with reducing depletion of cholinergic and noncholinergic neurons in the brain. Lessening of these neurons over time leads to a build-up of amyloid plaques that are one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease.

In the 10th century Arab physicians believed sage could impart immortality if it was taken with regularity. The Greeks also had high regard for this herb and used it in many medical concoctions. Because Sesame Seeds are a fantastic source of Zinc they contribute a great deal to brain health.

Zinc is a mineral component that aids the brains defences by driving enzymes and keeping a balance of trace metals in the brain. In this way they are a great food if your mind is feeling sluggish or slow. Sesame Seeds could have possibly been the first traded edible seed.

In the Middle East, where the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians ruled, Sesame Seeds have been found that date back to 3, BC. A potent detoxifier for the brain, Shilajit has been shown to assist the assimilation of nutrients, minerals and oxygen into the brain that support its ability to remove dangerous toxins.

Specifically, proteins such as beta-amyloid plaqueand tau which can build up over time and lead to neuronal dysfunction and early cell death. Shilajit has also been found to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is critical for memory, concentration and overall brain function — stress and aging can decrease levels of this important compound. Shilajit works to promote healthy levels of acetylcholine, further protecting the brain from degeneration.

Siberian Ginseng is not actually the same plant as the Korean Panax Ginseng but is very similar in effect. Being an adaptogenic stimulant, Siberian Ginseng calms and focuses the mind through its beneficial phytochemical process of encouraging the adrenal glands to secrete stress fighting hormones.

Continued use of Siberian Ginseng balances every aspect of the mind and body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Siberian Ginseng has the characteristic of being able to conduct and nurture 'Chi' making the whole body stronger and more agile. Spirulina is a blue-green algae and it contains a wide range of valuable nutrients.

It is a unique vegetarian complete source of protein and much of its protein has been pre-digested by the algae itself and these enzymes go on to assist in the human digestive and absorption process.

This protein source is superior because it also has lower fat, lower cholesterol and no artificial growth booster chemicals like meat and dairy protein.

It's complete nutrional profile profile supports the function of the brain, partically know for boosting energy levels and promoting clarity of thought.

St Johns Wort has a great reputation as being a great herb for the mind. It contains the unique chemicals hypericin, hyperforin, and subtle flavonoids which may interact with brain receptors to make more serotonin, dopamine, and [censored] available.

These natural chemicals are essential for the mind to feel balanced and calm. This palnt has been a remedy for many ailments in Europe for centuries. The early Greek and Roman medical practioners Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Theophrastus and Galen all noted St.

Johns Wort as a remedy for snake and reptile bite. It has been scientifically proven that foods rich in vitamin E dramatically aid in helping brain form an effective barrier against harm and degeneration.

One of the great benefits of India's most sacred plant is that it has the ability to effectively combat stress and free the mind making it 'light'. A study has found that continued consumption of Tulsi stimulates the brain in a way that is similar to antidepressant medications.

Tulsi helps protect cells in the body from becoming damaged while detoxifying and breaking down free radicals.

In the medical system of Ayurveda, Tulsi holds a high position for being one of the most helpful all round herbs. According to Hindu mythology the Tulsi plant is the incarnation of the goddess of abundance, Lakshmi. Turmeric is linked to improved brain function, especially in the areas of memory and attention span - curcumin has been shown to boost levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.

Recent research indicates that Turmeric also helps to protect the brain against the ravages of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that curcurmin the active compound in Turmeric enhanced the immune system's ability to clear away amyloid plaques. Beta-amyloid is a toxic protein that is formed in the brains of Alzheimer's patients when amyloid protein isn't processed properly.

Used for centuries as a popular curry ingredient, it's worth noting that India has the lowest dementia rates in the world. Wakame has healthy levels of; Vitamin A, C, E and K. It also has good levels of Niacin, Pantothenic Acid and Phosphorus, and excellent levels of Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese.

As you can see its rich in everything which your brain wants, thus making it a fantastic brain booster. Bearing a striking resemblance to tiny brains, Walnuts are packed with brain boosting nutrients and are recognised as one of the ultimate brain foods.

They contain a number of neuroprotective compounds, with the highest amounts of Omega 3 of any nut — this fatty acid is critical to the health and smooth functioning of this most important organ.

Some recent research has found that Walnuts can also increase neurogenesis — the growth of new brain cells — a crucial aspect of maintaining brain health. They have been shown to improve the signalling amongst neurons within the brain and various properties within Walnuts could possibly prevent neurodegeneration, a process which can lead to a whole host of disorders.

Other neuroprotective nutrients are; gallic acid, vitamin E isomers, melatonin, folate and polyphenols. Archaeological evidence has found that Neolithic peoples were consuming and cultivating walnuts 7, years ago but it was the ancient Greeks and Romans that spread this nut throughout Europe.

The nutritional profile of Wheatgrass is literally stunning. It's good for boosting energy and vitality levels and when it comes to the brain; it effectively combats mind fatigue, supports detoxification essential for the mind , eliminates unhealthy bacteria, balancing ph levels in blood, treating immune system deficiencies and aiding cell regeneration.

Charles Schnaber observed hens having a preference to young Wheatgrass shoots over all other food stuffs. Boost your brainpower with Herbs and Superfoods renowned for their benefits to the brain.

These neuro-protective qualities are due, in part, to the antioxidants present in Ashwagandha — repelling free radicals and preventing them from damaging cells in the brain. Age related degenerative diseases can be prevented and longevity increased. Shop Ashwagandha. Read more about Ashwagandha.

Barley Grass. Shop Barley Grass. Read more about Barley Grass. Shop Basil. Read more about Basil. Bee Pollen. Shop Bee Pollen. Read more about Bee Pollen. Shop Brahmi. Read more about Brahmi. Shop Broccoli.

Read more about Broccoli. Shop Cacao. Read more about Cacao. Shop Catuaba. Read more about Catuaba. Chia Seed. Shop Chia Seed. Read more about Chia Seed. Shop Chlorella. Read more about Chlorella. Shop Coconut. Read more about Coconut.

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