Most of the mothers wish their child to have a strong memory; after all a good memory lays the foundation of successful academics. No wonder, many mothers are always asking us about brain boosting herbs or home remedies for the same. To make things clear, it pays to have a good memory at any age. It’s not just children who need a stronger memory that facilitates them in doing their class-work or homework. Even working and elderly people need to consider strong memory as an asset. Of course, who would like to forget important things and regret later on.
Such are the examples of bad memory that people tend to forget their important official appointments, wife’s birthday, and even struggle remembering the names of their neighbors.
How Significant is Good Memory?
You can understand the struggle of having bad memory, if you are also a forgetful person. Just visualize the difficulties you face when you forget where you kept your car keys on an important day! Now you are stuck because your mother’s flight is in half an hour and you still can’t place where you might have put them. Well, you are not old yet so you can rule out the possibility that your brain has begun to function slow. Yes, with age you tend to lose a bit of your memory as your brain slows down. This also happens when you have poor energy levels due to an odd office routine maybe or have more toxins in your body than normal due to an unhealthy lifestyle and hormonal problems.
Major Causes of Low Memory
Generally speaking, a good memory reflects the art of attention. People having poor attention span generally have bad memories.
Weak memory or reduced brain functions are some of the most frustrating conditions you could face and the major causes of it are:
- Extreme stress
- Lack of mental exercise
- Critical dietary deficiencies
- Lack of proper sleep
- Excessive and long term medication
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or treatment of critical diseases
Symptoms of Low Memory
Well, you as a person suffer the most because of your bad memory. As a child, it is tough for you to memorize tables or history dates. The problem continues in the later years of college life as well. In office work too, bad memory is no less than a curse. People with bad memory tend to be disorganized. Such people don’t make many friends as well simply because they find it difficult to memorize birthdays and anniversaries. No doubt, Mobile phone Memos and Facebook updates have eased off our burden of remembering birth dates, anniversaries and event dates yet one cannot entirely depend on technology. Memory does play an important role in creating success for you, socially, intellectually as well as financially.
- Forgetting important dates and tasks on a regular basis
- General inability to memorize and/or remember information
- Absent-mindedness
- Frequent loss of concentration
Yes, it is not just about being forgetful but many people suffering from this problem also face issues like attention deficit disorder, frequent episodes of complete forgetfulness or blackouts, etc. There are numerous other mental disorders that are the outcome of this problem and eventually result in overall poor brain functions.
10 Brain Boosting Herbs That Improve Memory & Brain Power
The best way to enhance your memory and sharpen your attention is to practice Yoga and Pranayams. One can learn the art of focusing on breathing exercises. Ayurveda recommends paying attention to diet, lifestyle and sleep if you wish to enhance your mind power. Just like staying stress-free is important for the mind, body, and soul. Food and nutrition are equally significant.
Now we will discuss the most important herbs that work to increase your brain power and maintain a regular flow of energy to your brain cells. They also suppress the effects of harmful chemicals in your brain and promote proper hormonal secretion and balance. Ayurvedic herbs keep your blood and other bodily fluids free of toxins and also sharpen your mental abilities.
1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
This herb is known for enhancing intellect across Ayurvedic texts. Since ancient time this herb is in use for different neurological disorders. According to experts, it provides sharper and improved mental power by helping and promoting functions of both the halves of your brain. It increases the count of neurotransmitters and maintains healthy chemical balances in your brain. Brahmi also protects your brain cells from getting damaged and due to its wonderful benefits it is highly recommended for pregnant women.
How to use: You can consume this herb in powder form. Take 500 mg of Brahmi extract twice daily. In the market Brahmi juices are also available you can drink this once or twice daily.
2. Gotukola (Centella asiatica)
This is one of the herbs for brain that encourage the new brain cell formation. It provides neuroprotective and mental health benefits. Gotukola herb release a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor that acts fertilizer for brain. This herb minimizes stress and boosts mental performance.
How to use: You can take 500mg extract of this powder once or twice daily.
3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
This is the most common herb generally used in our kitchens. The active compound in turmeric is “curcumin” that shows multiple psychological functions. Turmeric maintains the overall health of the brain.
How to use: Take half of turmeric in a glass of milk. Drink this once or twice daily.
4. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is one of the amazing herbs that refresh & revitalize your brain. It regulates the mental clarity and memory. The use of this herb is beneficial for boosting memory and brain.
How to use: Drink an herbal tea prepared from peppermint leaves once or twice daily. You can also use peppermint in your cuisines.
5. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Most of the people know about the garlic for treating digestive problems. But they don’t have the idea that it is also good for the brain. This herb enhances the memory of an individual. All types of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are cured with the use of this herb.
How to use: You can use Garlic for cooking purposes. Now in the market Garlic supplements in capsule form is also available. So use these capsules once or twice daily.
6. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
This is also an herb that maintains the overall functions of the brain. It reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Ashwagandha herb protects the brain from cell deterioration. The use of this herb improves cognitive functions and mental clarity.
How to use: You can take Ashwagandha powder with a glass of milk once daily.
7. Shankhpusphi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
In Ayurveda this herb is consider as “medhya rasayana”. It is considered as a brain tonic that enhances memory naturally. This herb works to sharpen your memorizing power and recalling abilities and thus is an amazing life saver for children preparing for tough exams.
How to use: You can use this in powder or syrup form once or twice daily.
8. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
This is a phenomenal natural remedy that can even treat disorders like epilepsy, memory loss, and forgetfulness, amnesia, hysteria and many more. It also improves sleep patterns and treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, and restlessness.
How to use: Take one teaspoonful of Jatamansi powder once or twice daily for boosting memory.
9. Gurhal (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
This Ayurvedic herb enhances the flow of blood towards your brain, thus energizing brain cells and protecting them from starvation.
How to use: You can prepare herbal tea from this herb and drink once daily.
10. Vacha (Acorus calamus)
This improves the control of your brain over your senses and is highly recommended for curing speech impediments. It is a very safe and natural remedy for memory weakness, epilepsy, poor focus, depression, anxiety, and insomnia and even hysteria.
How to use: You can use this herb in powder form once daily.
So, what are you waiting for? This is the right time to choose Ayurveda if you think you deserve a life more fruitful, more enjoyable and away from forgetfulness. Advanced Yoga Asanas like Headstand are also very beneficial for increasing your memorability and sharpening your thought process. In case, you find it tough to prepare these herbal remedies at home, you can always take expert consultation and guidance from Chandigarh’s leading Ayurvedic clinic – Chandigarh Ayurved & Panchakarma Center. Our team of award-winning Vaidya offers holistic solutions for all body and mind problems.
