Battling with brain fog, fuzzy memory, difficulty concentrating, and preventing degenerative cerebral disorders can be challenging. However, some herbs and spices can help improve the brain’s functions and stimulate the immune system.
Today, nootropics are increasingly more popular than ever. People are discovering the benefits of regularly taking Gaia herbs, spices, and other products that support cognitive health, improve cognitive abilities, and prevent ailments like Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about the best herbs and spices to boost your brain, combat mental fatigue and improve cognitive function.
Herbs For Brain Power
Aging, poor diet, high stress, and a lack of sleep can all take a toll on the brain and contribute to adverse cerebral health. However, taking Gaia herbs and spices that have been studied for their cognitive-boosting capabilities can prove helpful and may improve cognitive function. The following herbs are used to boost cognitive performance:
- Curcumin
- Saffron
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ashwagandha
- Ginseng
- Gotu Kola
- Lemon Balm
- Holy basil
- Black pepper
- Peppermint
Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric imparts curry with its yellow color, and works as a flavoring, preservative, and herbal treatment for cancer, arthritis, and heart diseases. According to the results of Indian population-based studies, those who consumed curcumin in the form of curry exhibited a lower prevalence of Alzheimer disease, while older adults exhibited enhanced cognitive performance.
In a small study (n=40) published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, participants aged between 51 and 84 years either ingested supplements containing 90 mg of curcumin twice daily or placebo for 18 months. The authors found that the curcumin supplements “may lead to improved memory and attention in non-demented adults. The FDDNP-PET findings suggest that symptom benefits are associated with decreases in amyloid and tau accumulation in brain regions modulating mood and memory.”
Saffron
Few therapeutic options exist for those with late-stage Alzheimer disease. In a randomized study published in Human Psychopharmacology, 68 patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease were administered either 20 mg/day of the drug memantine or saffron extract (30 mg/day) for 12 months.
Based on cognitive testing, the investigators found that after one year of administration, both agents comparably reduced cognitive decline in the study sample.
Rosemary
The herb rosemary was once found only in the Mediterranean, but has now spread worldwide. This herb has culinary, medicinal, and commercial uses, with the European Union approving the use of rosemary extract as a natural antioxidant for the preservation of foods.
Both in vivo and in vitro, the diterpenes found in rosemary inhibit neuronal cell death caused by various agents. These diterpenes are mainly responsible for the herb’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can mitigate amyloid-beta formation, aggregation, and toxicity in Alzheimer disease, according to the authors of a review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
“Given that AD [Alzheimer disease] is a complex disease involving many pathological processes, treatment with multifunctional drugs like those demonstrated by rosemary diterpenes constitutes a viable therapeutic approach,” they wrote.
“The cascade of neurodegeneration process[es] in AD has lots of similarities with other diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Interestingly, some of the rosemary diterpenes such as carnosic acid have been shown to have [a] beneficial effect in [the] Parkinson’s disease model,” they added.
Sage
Salvia species, commonly referred to as sage, have long been used as European folk treatment. Recent trials have demonstrated that the cholinergic properties of sage extract boosted cognitive function in young adults. To determine whether these effects held in older populations, investigators publishing in Psychopharmacology tested the memory outcomes of 167-, 333-, 666- and 1,332-mg active doses in 20 elderly volunteers in a randomized-controlled trial with crossover. On days of cognitive testing, the researchers gave these treatments after a baseline assessment of cognitive function
“The overall pattern of results is consistent with a dose-related benefit to processes involved in efficient stimulus processing and/or memory consolidation rather than retrieval or working memory efficiency,” the authors wrote. “These findings extend those of the memory-enhancing effects of Salvia extracts in younger populations and warrant further investigation in larger series, in other populations and with different dosing [regimens].”
Cinnamon
The neuroprotective actions of cinnamon mitigate oxidative-stress and pro-inflammatory pathways. The active ingredients in cinnamon seem to be effective and safe in treating and preventing Alzheimer disease. Intriguingly, these effects may be epigenetic, benefiting future generations.
“Various cinnamon species and their biologically active ingredients have renewed the interest towards the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate AD through the inhibition of tau protein aggregation and prevention of the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptides into the neurotoxic oligomeric inclusions, both of which are considered to be the AD trademarks,” according to the authors of a review in Pharmacological Research.
Ginger
Ginger has been used as a spice and medicine in Asian, Arabian, and Indian cultures. It possesses antilipidemic, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory potential in combating disease.
In an experimental study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers examined the potential cognitive benefits of ginger extract in 60 healthy, middle-aged women randomized to either placebo or extract dosages of 400 mg or 800 mg once daily for two months.
“[G]inger extract enhances both attention and cognitive processing capabilities of healthy, middle-aged women, with no side effects reported,” the authors concluded. “Therefore, our data reveal that Zingiber officinale extract is a potential brain tonic to enhance cognitive function for middle-age women. However, further study about the precise underlying mechanism, especially the effect of the extract on the alteration of acetylcholine and monoamine transmitters, should be performed.”
Ginkgo biloba
Long used as a treatment for dementia, ginkgo biloba is a commonly taken remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and well known for its benefits. It’s thought that ginkgo biloba might help improve cognitive function in part by stimulating circulation and promoting blood flow to the brain.
Although research on ginkgo biloba has yielded mixed results, there’s some evidence that this herb may enhance cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment.
Furthermore, a research review published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2015 suggests that a ginkgo biloba extract called EGb761 may be especially helpful in slowing decline in cognition among patients experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms in addition to cognitive impairment and dementia.
A core feature of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms include depression and other non-cognitive disturbances.
Ashwagandha
Another Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha has been found to inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in preliminary research, according to a review study published in 2010.
What’s more, the review says preliminary studies have indicated that ashwagandha may benefit the brain by reducing oxidative stress (a factor that may contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease).
Ginseng
One of the most popular plants in herbal medicine, ginseng contains anti-inflammatory chemicals called ginsenosides. According to a review published in 2018, scientists have observed that ginsenosides may help reduce brain levels of beta-amyloid in preliminary lab studies.
Gotu Kola
In alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda and TCM, Gotu kola has long been used to improve mental clarity. Findings from animal-based research suggest that this herb may also help the brain by fighting oxidative stress.
In a preliminary study published in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology in 2003, for instance, tests on rats demonstrated that gotu kola may inhibit Alzheimer’s-associated oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.
Lemon Balm
An herb often taken in tea form and frequently used to ease anxiety and insomnia, lemon balm may help improve cognitive function.
For a study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry in 2003, 42 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease took either a placebo or lemon balm extract for four months. At the end of the study, those given lemon balm showed a significantly greater improvement in cognitive function (compared to those given the placebo).
Holy basil
In a small study, researchers found that adults who consumed holy basil for 15 consecutive days showed an increase in cognitive function compared to participants who were given a placebo.
Although these results are promising, more research needs to be conducted to confirm holy basil’s benefit on improving cognitive function.
Black pepper
One of the most commonly used spices, black pepper is great for promoting brain health. Black pepper contains a medicinal compound called piperine, which contains antioxidants that protect brain cells from free radical damage.
One study noted that consuming piperine can help improve memory and cognitive function.
Peppermint
Some studies suggested the aroma of mint, specifically peppermint, can enhance memory.
In one study with 144 volunteers, results demonstrated that the aroma of peppermint was found to enhance memory and increase alertness.
Although further research needs to be conducted, current research shows great promise for peppermint’s potential positive effect on brain health.
Other Herbs and Spices That Boost Brain Function
In addition to the herbs and spices listed above nutmeg, oregano have been shown to help maintain and improve cognitive function. These herbs and spices may also protect against certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Although there are many studies on the effects of these herbs and spices on improving brain health, further research needs to be conducted with more human studies to examine the full extent of these health effects.
Precautions
It is wise to consult your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional before beginning to take any unfamiliar herbal supplements, herbs, or spices beyond their typical use. Herbs and spices have been prized in traditional medicine for remedying various ailments of the brain, improving concentration, memory, elasticity, and overall health.
Take caution with the number of herbs or spices that you consume for medicinal benefits to boost cerebral health and function. Watch out for potential adverse or allergic reactions after taking any herbs or spices for cognitive health. Please discontinue use if there are any concerns or adverse outcomes.
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