Herbs and Brain Function
Makes Food Tasty, Makes Brain Smart!
Herbs not only serve to make tastier meals but also can affect your thinking, literally! Herbs and brain function have a long relationship. Herbs have a profound role in boosting many functions of the brain. In fact, for thousands of years, herbs have been used to improve memory, enhance mental abilities, increase concentration, raise mental alertness and increase attention spans. They act in a number of ways.
Herbal Brain Benefits
- First and foremost they improve circulation and thus provide increased oxygen and nourishment to brain cells and tissues, essentially pumping more fuel to the brain.
- Protect nerve cells by acting as antioxidants preventing their damage by free radicals that harm cells and their DNA. Antioxidants are also proven cancer fighters.
- Recharge neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which regulate feelings, thoughts, and memories.
Brain Herbs
Beneficial herbs are too numerous to all mention and continued research is finding more herbs and more beneficial properties every year. Here are some of the most common herbs that boost brain function.
- Gingko Biloba – Improves blood circulation in the brain and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Improved circulation betters memory and cognitive functions of the brain. The antioxidant properties delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Ginseng – Improves memory and mental alertness. It also strengthens the body’s immune system and better equips the body to fight against stressors.
- Gotu Kola – Counteracts anxiety and tension, and induces clarity in thought processes. It is used in the treatment of insomnia. Aside from the brain, Gotu Kola also has beneficial properties in treating skin ailments and circulatory disorders.
- Passion Flower – It has marked anxiety reduction properties and can combat mood swings and imbalances. Passionflower is also used for the management of ADHD and insomnia.
- Oatstraw – Has been found to possess excellent restorative and nourishing properties that help to improve concentration skills for both adults and children.
- Skullcap – Superb nourishment for the brain and acts as an efficient antidepressant.
- Rose and Lavender – Helps control anxiety and depression.
- Rose Hips – Has been found to be very useful with children in the management of Attention Deficit Disorder.
- Chamomile – Has sedative properties and is particularly useful with children.
- Rosemary – Is a stress reliever and anti-depressant. Also acts to improve concentration and memory.
Worth A Shot
Herbs can be a little hard to find and require you to do a little searching. Many herbs can be found at your local supermarket, many others can be found in East Asian grocery stores in your city’s Chinatown. Herbs are also available as supplements in the extract or pill form.
Normally, herbs are considered safe and do not have notable side effects. However, it is always recommended that you talk to your doctor before starting any form of therapy or treatment, including the use of herbs. This is particularly important if you are starting a combination therapy or considering taking it alongside other medications. In many countries, herbal medicine is not regulated so make sure you seek professional advice!
