Herbs for Sharp Brain: Check Out the Latest

Brain needs assistance to work at its best because it is continually digesting, evaluating, making decisions, and reacting. Herbs for memory and the brain can be useful for a variety of purposes, like preventing mental tiredness at the end of a long day or preserving cognitive function as you age.

Herbs have long been recognised as amazing medicinal plants, but choosing which one to use to reduce unpleasant brain fog and improve your mental clarity can be challenging. There are several tried-and-true herbs that rate highly on the list of plants that help the mind. Herbs have been used for thousands of years to promote cognitive function and mental clarity, and current research only serves to confirm the effectiveness of these tried-and-true treatments. Some of the herbs and spices that may help you boost your brain health are probably already in your kitchen or refrigerator. While some of these herbs and spices have been researched for their general impacts on cognition, others have been tested for their effects on Alzheimer's disease (i.e. the mental action or process involved in thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering).

Here, we'll highlight some of the herbs and spices that promote overall brain health and cognition and have solid scientific evidence showing neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties.

Saffron:

The pistil of the autumn crocus flower is where saffron, scientifically known as Crocus sativus, is derived from. It was utilized in ancient Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian medical systems as well as in foods like Saffron rice and Spanish paella.

Saffron was utilized to enhance women's health, the liver, the brain, and the lungs in conventional medicine.

According to recent studies, this herb can be used to enhance memory and brain health in particular, as well as focus, mood, and healthy aging of the brain.

According to the research, saffron and its constituents "may be regarded as promising agents to assist the nervous system" and can support memory and learning. Additionally, Saffron has "neuroprotective benefits" that should not be disregarded, according to scientists.

According to a 2016 study, saffron may help Alzheimer's patients' memory. Saffron was also discovered in numerous investigations at the University of Tehran in Iran to be just as efficient as antidepressant drugs in treating mild to moderate depression. Depression has been linked to forgetfulness and memory issues.

Tulsi:

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, Queen of the Herbs, is the most trusted herb in the Ayurvedic plant cabinet when it comes to herbs that support mental clarity. Hindus consider it to be a manifestation of the goddess Tulsi/Vrinda, the Lakshmi avatar, and the spouse of the god Vishnu, which accounts for its sacredness. Tulsi is prominently positioned near entrance ways and is used to bless homes all around India.

Tulsi is one of the adaptogenic and nootropic plants used in Ayurveda. Tulsi has antioxidant capabilities, lowers cortisol levels, and affects brain neurochemistry, according to Deb Soule of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, without causing any negative side effects. Tulsi can assist the nervous system's operation as well as mental clarity, memory, and nervous tension when used regularly.

Cinnamon:

The savory/sweet spice has been shown to increase blood flow to the prefrontal brain and enhance working memory in prediabetic individuals and older persons. It has also been demonstrated to reduce cholesterol, fasting glucose, and HbA1c levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and prevent tau aggregation (the tangles observed in Alzheimer's disease).

Ginger:

Ginger, an anti-inflammatory, may guard against neurodegenerative illnesses and lessen the oxidative stress that accelerates the aging and degeneration of brain cells. To help prevent nausea and vomiting, ginger also has natural antiemetic properties. It is also thought to assist in lowering cholesterol. Since ginger has natural anticoagulant qualities, you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements if you are taking anticoagulant medication.

Sage:

Sage, a spice recognised for its strong aroma, may help treat Alzheimer's disease and enhance cognitive function. In fact, a 2017 assessment of the literature indicates that sage includes chemicals that may be advantageous for brain and nervous system health.

Try including sage in tomato sauce, white bean soup, roasted chicken, turkey, butternut squash, and other dishes. Sage is also available as a tea.

Turmeric:

Historically, Ayurveda has used turmeric as a spice. It includes the curcumin substance, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (two factors that may benefit brain health and overall health).

Preliminary study reveals that turmeric may improve brain health and prevent Alzheimer's disease by removing beta-amyloid from the brain, according to a review written in 2010. (a protein fragment). Alzheimer's-related brain plaques are thought to develop as a result of beta-amyloid accumulation. By preventing the brain's nerve cells from deteriorating, turmeric may also protect brain health.

Curry powder, which frequently also contains the spices coriander and cumin, contains turmeric as one of its main ingredients. Try adding curry powder or turmeric to stir-fries, soups, and vegetable dishes to enhance your consumption of the spice. Add a few dashes of black pepper to help the turmeric absorb better.

Gotu Kola:

Gotu Kola, which has been demonstrated to counteract oxidative stress, is a further plant that is highly praised for its ability to promote mental clarity. The herb's benefits for enhancing cognitive function, memory, and focus have been made clear by recent studies.

AMLA:

Amla is well known in the West for its abundant natural Vitamin C content. Depending on the fruit's yield, 100 grams of amla berries have 10 to 30 times the vitamin C content of an orange. Vitamin C has been linked to cognitive abilities like memory, language proficiency, math, and orientation, according to an Australian study. The health and function of the brain depend on vitamin C. Additionally, researchers have found that vitamin C aids in the recovery process after traumatic brain injury.

The first step is to utilise a natural product when looking at herbs to improve mental clarity and cognitive performance. Even if many herbal supplements these days are marketed as "natural," it's important to evaluate the holistic view of life and whether the product was generated in a lab or in the natural world, in fertile soil, exposed to the sun. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the properties and interactions of herbs with the human mind, body, and spirit determine their ability to heal. None of these advantages can be obtained artificially. The web of life cannot exist without herbs.

By  Bhavleen Kaur Sethi