Give Your Memory a Boost with these 12 Herbs
How many times have you forgotten
somebody's name, where you've put your keys, or if you've locked the
front door? Occasional forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory may
indicate specific factors and causes, which may be attributed to
alcohol, tobacco use, certain medications, sleeplessness, stress and
depression, nutritional deficiency, head injury or even a stroke. But
while it is normal to forget things every once in a while, forgetting
how to use the telephone or how to find your way home may indicate a
more serious memory problem.
So, whether it's to prevent or treat memory loss, these natural herbs
have served as timeless aids. Let's take a look:
1. Ginko Biloba
Herbs for memory:
This popular herbal supplement is well-known for its many therapeutic
benefits, particularly, its power to enhance memory. Studies conducted
on this herbal supplement have found gingko's potency in aiding memory
and thinking among individuals with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia.
Gingko is said to work by protecting the nerve cells damaged by these
disorders to improve learning, daily activities, social behavior, as
well as reduce feelings of depression. Further tests conducted on gingko
have also found that it can improve blood circulation along the central
nervous system, promoting brain development and functioning. But what
makes gingko so potent? Gingko leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids,
both of which have antioxidants to combat free radicals that contribute
to health disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.
2. Ginseng
Studies have found ginseng to yield
promising results when used as a form of treatment for memory
impairment. In the studies conducted, mice given dosages of ginseng
extracts showed remarkable improvements in water maze tasks. Ginseng was
shown to activate neurotransmitter activities that promote memory
enhancement.
3. Rosemary
Traditionally, this aromatic herb has long
been used to improve memory. Like gingko, rosemary has been shown to
contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. When used in
aromatherapy, rosemary has also been found to reduce cortisol levels in
the brain, thereby reducing anxiety. Furthermore, when combined with
other essential oils, rosemary has been shown to alleviate stress and
increase concentration and memory of graduate nursing students.
4. Sage
Studies have found that sage contains
active ingredients that boost the chemicals that trigger the
transmission of messages within the brain. Scientists from the
Universities of Newcastle and Northumbria also tested the herb on 44
people. Half the group were given sage, while the other half were given a
placebo. Results showed that those who were given sage performed better
in a word recall test.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is best known for its antioxidant
properties. Scientific research conducted in March 2013, confirmed that
green tea extracts help shield proteins and lipids (fat-soluble
vitamins: A, D, E, and K) from age-associated activities caused by
oxidation. In the study, animals treated with green tea extracts showed
better spatial learning abilities. Furthermore, studies suggest that the
plant can protect the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible
for emotion, memory and the autonomic nervous system) from age-related
decline.
6. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea has long been used to treat
various kinds of illnesses. But, Rhodiola is best known for enhancing
memory. In fact, it is considered to be one of the best herbs to do so.
Studies have also discovered that Rhodiola not only has the ability to
improve one's focus and memory, it can also relieve depression.
Furthermore, researchers believe that this herb contains adaptogenic
qualities that stimulate the central nervous system of the body,
resulting in enhanced memory and concentration. Another study also found
that taking Rhodiola regularly increases memorization abilities.
7. Bacopa
Bacopa has a long history. It was used in
Ayurveda (a 5000-year-old ancient system of natural healing) to enhance
learning, concentration and memory. Numerous studies conducted on bacopa
found it to be an effective herb in improving one's memory and mental
function. In one study, conducted in Australia, 46 volunteers aging from
18 to 60 were divided into two groups. In one group, each volunteer was
given 300mg of bacopa every day. After 12 weeks, the subjects' verbal
learning abilities, speed of information processing, and memory
significantly improved.
8. Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola shows promising results in
enhancing memory and improving brain function. In traditional Chinese
and ayurvedic medicine, Gotu kola has also been used in rejuvenating the
mind and the body. In fact, it is considered to be an anti-aging herb.
Studies have found that Gotu kola contains certain substances that
increase brain power and improves blood circulation to the brain,
resulting in better memory, concentration, intelligence, and attention
span.
9. Periwinkle
This herb is best known for its
antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-cancer and sedative effects. It is
also a great herb to use to enhance memory. The seeds and leaves in
periwinkle contain a blood thinner that improves the circulation of the
blood to the brain, promoting better oxygen use. It also prevents any
damages to the blood vessels, preventing dementia and senility.
Furthermore, it encourages the brain to absorb more nutrients,
significantly improving its functions. By increasing oxygen supply to
the brain, cognitive and memory abilities are significantly enhanced.
10. Blueberries
Modern science has discovered that
blueberries contain powerful compounds like flavanoids, believed to be
effective in enhancing learning ability, cognitive functions, verbal
comprehension, numerical ability, decision making, reasoning ability,
and more importantly, memory. Eating foods rich in flavanoids regularly,
helps in slowing down the decline in cognitive ability, offering
protection against diseases like dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Moreover, a study conducted at Harvard University found that eating
blueberries helps in boosting brain power. It has also been found to
stave off cognitive decline and prevent memory loss, that is normally
associated with aging.
11. Parsley
One of the most important vitamins found in
parsley which contributes greatly to brain and body function is vitamin
K. In 100 grams of parsley, you can find 1,640 micrograms of this
vitamin, which contributes to clotting and bone building, with a
recommended daily intake of between 90 and 120 micrograms. Many believe
that it has the ability to limit nerve damage to the brain as a result
of Alzheimer's disease and even help to prevent the degeneration of
nerve cells before the onset of the disease.
In addition, Brazilian researchers have found a substance in a parsley
called Apigenin that belongs to the group of flavonoids, which have been
shown to improve brain function. The material has demonstrated a
remarkable ability to contribute to the creation of new nerve cells and
improved memory. If all this is not enough, the iron found in parsley is
essential to the brain's cognitive functioning and to the formation of
Heme - important organic compounds that allow hemoglobin to carry the
oxygen in the red blood cells on their way to the brain and all other
parts of the body.
12. Wasabi
Wasabi, also called Japanese horseradish,
is the spicy spice that appears regularly alongside sushi or sold as a
root in various stores. It is important to know that beyond its culinary
use, Wasabi has wonderful medicinal properties that can do wonders for
our brain. Studies have shown that eating wasabi helps to develop cells,
improve memory and strengthen learning by producing axons and dendrites
- nerve cell extensions that take in information.
In addition, in a recent study on chemotherapy and its effect on brain
cancer cells, it was found that when combining the treatment with eating
wasabi, one of the substances in wasabi (Isothiocyanate) stimulates
healthy cells, and thus the treatment successfully isolated and
destroyed brain cancer cells from the healthy cells more efficiently.
The result stunned the researchers because chemotherapy usually can’t
isolate the cancer cells from the healthy cells, and most of them are
damaged as a result of the process. This important breakthrough is not
yet well established, but it is certainly a significant springboard for
understanding the medicinal benefits of this wonderful spice.