Focus, mental clarity and concentration are essential to our lives and our health as well. Natural brain and memory boosters can be such a delight -- especially if you have trouble remembering things or staying focused. A couple of the herbs I’m going to share with you today are actually useful and effective alternatives for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) without the drawbacks and side-effects of chemical filled medications.
Adaptogens and herbs that improve circulation are amazing for the brain, not to mention the rest of your body. Believe it or not, stress has a huge impact on our focus, concentration, and memory. Adaptogens naturally help the body deal with stress and stressful situations. For instance, studying for your big biology exam can bring about a certain stress but adaptogens naturally balance them, allowing you to stay focused and remember more of what you are studying. Today’s walk through Mother Earth’s Medicine Cabinet will take us down the memory, focus, and concentration section where you will find 6 herbs for your mind!
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
The gotu kola leaf resembles the brain. It is considered a spiritual herb in places like India. This herb is a member of the parsley and carrot family and can be eaten as well. Gotu kola improves circulation which, in turn, helps improve your memory. Gotu kola has been used for centuries in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and healing practices. It is known to revitalize the nervous system and the brain, increasing concentration and attention span. It is also used to treat asthma, depression, insomnia, memory loss, and mental fatigue.
Ginseng
Ginseng root is a well-known adaptogen. This superfood helps the body naturally resist stress, as well as relieve emotional and physical fatigue. Korean red ginseng has the ability to improve alertness and strengthen the ability to concentrate due to its restorative properties. Clinical studies have supported the fact that Korean red ginseng is beneficial and helpful for people who have ADHD as it improves their concentration and attention.
Ginkgo Biloba
The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest known trees on this planet and has been a well-known brain booster for many centuries. This herb is widely used in Europe for treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia because it improves circulation and protects nerve cells damaged by Alzheimer’s. It helps boost memory, promotes clear thinking, and focus. Similar to ginseng, ginkgo biloba is being looked into as a natural remedy for treating ADHD.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This herb is delicious, nutritious, and packed full of healing properties. It is another ancient herb that has been used for centuries for brain health and supporting good memory. Rosemary oil contains a compound called Plasma 1,8 cineole that provides mental effects for the memory similar to prescription medications that are used to treat dementia. The difference is the rosemary oil doesn’t produce any negative side effects or drawbacks. There are actually several compounds found within the oil that support and enhance memory and focus. Using the essential oil as a form of aromatherapy seems to provide better results than consuming rosemary due to the changes that take place when it is eaten because the compounds break down differently.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is also known as the Herb of Grace and Indian Pennywort. It is an important herb in Ayurvedic healing and medicine. Brahmi tea is incredible for mental clarity! This is another herb that is useful for dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease due to the fact that it naturally improves cognitive function. Brahmi is not limited to the elderly -- it is very useful for the younger generations as well. This herb is a good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, amyloid, and so much more.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rasayana or tonic. It is known as an aphrodisiac, astringent, anthelmintic, and a stimulant. It stimulates and promotes memory, as well as intellect. It is useful for treating Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and several other neurodegenerative diseases that affect memory and focus.
Memory, focus, and concentration are all important to your health and well-being no matter what you’re doing. We count on these three things every single day in just about everything we do in life. Adaptogens have an important role when it comes to our mind and mental well-being because stress affects the mind just as much as it affects our physical and emotional health. I hope that today’s walk through the Medicine Cabinet finds you well and in a good way. Happy Healing!
