Our brains are working non-stop; they’re processing, deciding, reacting, analyzing, etc. all the time so it’s no wonder they need all the support they can get to function optimally.
Whether it’s dealing with the mental tiredness at the end of a long day or keeping your cognitive function sharp as you age, herbs for the memory and brain can do wonders!
With this in mind, check out the list below with the best herbal superstars for a healthy brain and strong memory that you can add to your diet starting today!
The Five Best Herbal Superstars to Support the Memory & Brain Health
- Spearmint
Part of the mint family, spearmint or Mentha spicata is a popular herb in cooking in different parts of the world.
It grows almost in every temperate climate, although it originates from Europe and southwest Asia. You can find spearmint in different products, from mouthwash to jam, and is commonly used to support overall health and well-being.
Moreover, some claim it helps with digestive problems and is claimed to enable relaxation and improve memory.
In one study, supplements with spearmint extract helped increase the quality of the working memory and spatial working memory accuracy.
- Gotu kola
Part of the parsley family, Gotu Kola is often considered a spiritual herb.
It’s frequently consumed to better meditation efforts and develop the crown chakra. In Ayurveda, it’s a popular rejuvenating herb.
Moreover, it’s frequently praised for its ability to support the health of the skin, hair, and nails. It’s also claimed to be a nervine-an herb that boosts neurotransmitter function, mental focus, and memory.
In one preclinical study, the aqueous extract of Gotu Kola was found to have a positive effect on cognitive function.
However, in order to know if the same applies to humans, additional studies are necessary.
- Bacopa
Also known as water hyssop or herb of grace, this water-loving, beautiful succulent is praised as a nootropic in Ayurveda or an herb that can improve mental performance. According to research, bacopa is good support for learning and plays a role in bettering short-term and long-term memory.
In fact, studies emphasize its ability to boost cognition in aging people and their memory-free recall.
- Ginkgo
Ginkgo or ginkgo Biloba is a hardy tree and it’s the oldest surviving species in the world. Its extract is praised for its ability to support the body in different ways, including encouraging a healthy brain function.
Its use as a medicine dates way back with some of the first recorded uses being around 2800 BC.
Today, the research is plentiful and studies show that it’s a potent way to boost cognition, including memory, recognition, recall, concentration, mood, attention, energy levels, and mood.
- Lemon balm
Another member of the mint family is lemon balm or Melissa officinalis. This is a culinary, cosmetic, and healing herb.
For a long period of time, it’s been used as a support for digestion, encouraging a sense of calmness, and keeping the nervous system balanced.
The extracts of lemon balm have been found to attach to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in the tissues of the brain and these participate in the processes of memory and learning.
Lemon balm is often used as an enhancer of focus and a provider of calmness.
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