Herbs to Improve Memory

When it comes to using herbs to help improve the way your brain functions, processes, stores and retrieves information there are just a few widely studied and used herbs.

Make no mistake, these herbs have been used in some cases for generations.

There are many formulas that have been put together that claim to help with memory and they are usually just some combination of the listed herbs below with a few things thrown in for good measure.

So instead of just buying extremely overpriced junk that is designed to fix your mental focus, memory problems and brain function….

Why not just try the herbs themselves and see what works for you?

Rosemary

This is an interesting herb that has been in common use for several hundred years — maybe more.  It has powerful anti-oxidant properties to help clear out free radical, includes a plethora of phyto-nutrients, and essential acids.

It has been shown to improve memory as well as cognitive function.  Part of this is most likely do in part to anti-inflammatory effects that simply make the entire body work better.

Additionally Rosemary helps:

•   Increase blood flow to the brain
•   Prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is crucial in both the central and peripheral nervous system.  That is linked to the ability to “focus.”

Ginkgo biloba

This has been taken for thousands of years and has been show to aid in the treatment of  “cerebral inefficiency”, which is basically a diminished cognitive function, brain fog, feelings of uneasiness, tiredness/fatigue and generally feeling awful.  With it’s broad range of applications it’s no wonder Ginkgo biloba is one of the best selling herbs in the United States.

Siberian Ginseng

This is different from American or Asian Ginseng.  The active ingredient is eleutheroside which is thought to help improve the immune system.  A Russian study show that among a group of volunteers those who took Siberian Ginseng improved mental performance including memory.  As far as I know a study has not yet been conducted recently.

Gotu kola

Gotu Kola is a herb known throughout South East Asia to help assuage anxiety and stimulate the brain to improve memory.  There is also evidence that it helps to improve concentration.  Some users also report an increase in positive mood and an improvement in sleep.

Summary

If you are really set on using herbs to improve memory, your best bet is going to be Ginko biloba.  It is used by millions of people every single day to help with their memory and cognition.  Give it a go according to the directions on the label.  And as always make sure you consult a physician before beginning any diet or exercise regime.

Also remember to always go after the low hanging fruit of memory first…

• Sleep
• Exercise
• Healthy fats