Memory loss and other cognitive conditions are issues that a large number of people start to worry about as they age. A lot of us are conditioned by the media to believe that these problems are natural and inevitable consequences of aging, something that happens to us regardless of how well we look after ourselves.
Of course, this is not true. Our brains are capable of creating new brain cells at any given age, and diet plays an essential role in how often, and how effectively, they can do so. Although most whole foods contain properties that can help keep our minds in good shape, studies show that the three herbs listed below are particularly effective in this regard.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri, or brahmi, is a thick-leafed herb native to the wetlands of East and Southeast Asia, and is well-known for its brain-boosting properties. It is particularly venerated in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is regularly prescribed for numerous cognitive conditions such as brain fog, poor memory and concentration, and even depression.
A large number of studies confirm that bacopa is good for our minds. For example, a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2012 found that it could “improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory partly via the suppression of AChE activity.” Another study, featured in Neuropsychopharmacology, discovered that bacopa could improve memory and recall abilities.
Like most brain-boosting foods, bacopa can take a while to work. Taking 150 milligrams of it three times a day for a two-month period, for instance, will provide better results than taking the same amount of it over a one-month period.
Ginkgo Biloba
There’s a good reason why Ginkgo biloba supplements are one of the most popular herbal remedies in Europe and the United States: the leaves of this unique tree, which is one of the longest-living species in the world, is a fantastic mental aid. For example, a study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology in 2014 showed that ginkgo extracts could “improve working memory function in middle-aged individuals.” A study featured in the September 2013 edition of Toxicology and Industrial Health even found that ginkgo, along with vitamin C, could correct mental deficits caused by chronic exposure to fluoride.
Taking between 240 and 600 milligrams of ginkgo up to three times a day is optimum for correcting memory-related issues. As with bacopa, positive effects don’t usually manifest immediately; give it at least a month.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a member of the parsley family that grows in the Himalayas. It was (and still is) used to treat countless medical conditions in India and China, including varicose veins, skin lesions, insomnia, and blood circulation. Like bacopa and ginkgo, however, gotu is best-known for its positive impact on our minds.
For example, a study published in Ayu in 2013 found that gotu kola, along with other herbs within the Medhya rasayana group, are “quick in action and bring about improvement in memory faster when compared with Yogic practices.” A review published one year earlier also noted that gotu has neuroprotective properties and was reported to treat deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and oxidative stress.
Taking one or two 500 milligram capsules of gotu kola a day is a great way to boost our memory naturally and without side effects. Alternatively, gotu can be consumed in tea form. Its bitterness can be masked with honey or lemon.
