What if we told you that the answers to many of the imbalances affecting our brain might be sitting right in your own pantry or your gardens. Things like memory loss, muddled thinking, focus and even Alzheimer’s may be helped by these simple yet profound herbs.
The first herb that always seems to come forward in people’s minds is Ginkgo Biloba, and rightly so. Gingko biloba has a very long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and has shown a number of benefits in supporting and healing brain function and health. It is the most widely studied for its cognitive health benefits and its effects in combating Alzheimer’s disease. So much so that Ginkgo has that it is called the “herb of longevity.” Ginkgo increases blood flow, glucose and oxygen to the brain so has been used for depression, tinnitus and memory loss.
Gotu kola, another herb that has been used throughout Asia for a very long time. Among its many gifts are its ability to ease anxiety and improve cognitive function and memory. Gotu kola contains powerful antioxidants and has long been used by the Chinese to improve memory.
Another amazing herb, this time from Ayurveda, Bacopa monnieri is an herb used to improve cognitive function and overall brain health. The herb is used for its ability to support brain health, improve memory and help those with declining brain function. To get the benefits of the herb, studies suggest it needs to be taken continuously for at least 6 weeks.
Rosemary is another herb that is popular in kitchens around the world and may also help support the brain’s health. It has long been used to boost memory and cognition in aromatherapy and has been dubbed ‘herb of remembrance’. Rosemary relaxes the blood vessels open so helps the constituents of other herbs like Ginkgo and Gotu kola to move more quickly to the head area and brain.
Ashwagandha has the ability to rejuvenate your brain. This herb assists in removing certain proteins which are responsible for forming plaque having bad affects cognitive function in your brain. It also helps to decrease oxidative brain stress, improve memory, memory, and reduce nerve cell degeneration.
Now, what if we mix these healing herbs together to make a nice tea so we get the benefit of all their constituents. Maybe it would look something like this:
2 oz Ginkgo biloba
2 oz Gotu Kola
1 oz Bacopa
1 oz Ashwagandha
½ oz Rosemary
Use 1 teaspoon in one cup hot water, steep for 20 minutes, strain and enjoy!
One of the hottest topics in the herbal world when it comes to brain health is Lion’s Mane mushroom. It is a large, shaggy mushroom that looks much like a lion’s mane when fully grown, and sometimes, like a brain. It has been used for culinary delight (great sliced and sautéed on pizza) or for medicinal uses. As a medicine, it can used dried, powdered or in an extract form. Lions mane’s studies are relatively new but the news is promising. Some studies have shown it appears to boost mental function by stimulating the growth of new brain cells, possibly easing the symptoms of Alzhiemers, and easing depression or anxiety. As far as the link between between gut health and brain health, Lions mane seems to be good for the gut as well. Studies are being done to see if it might help inhibit the growth of h.pylori and inflammation and tissue damage in the gut. Although there needs to be more studies done, it looks promising as this medicinal mushroom take center stage when talking about brain health.
We love our herbal teas that help keep us sharp but let’s not forget a few other things we can do to keep that brain alive! Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated (don’t we hear this over and over, especially in Arizona), wear a seat belt and buckle in those little ones, wear a helmet, and eat brain healthy foods. Foods like blueberries … some of the antioxidants in blueberries accumulate in the brain and help improve communication between brain cells, improving memory and may delay brain aging. A nice addition to your morning smoothie or oatmeal. Just a handful every day could make a big difference. The very popular turmeric, with many active compounds, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant affect. Turmeric can be found fresh in your grocery store, or dried, powdered and in extract form. Fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, have loads of omega-3 fatty acids, a major building block of the brain. Your brain is made up of about 60% fat, with much of that coming from omega-3s, keeping your memory sharp and improving mood. If you aren’t a fish fan or good fresh fish is difficult to find at times, there is a myriad of supplements available.
With so many options to keep your brain sharp and your mood lifted, try a few and see which helps you. Most are affordable, readily available and very effective.