In the hustle and bustle of the post holiday season and inevitable brain fog and just overall body lag, maintaining focus and managing stress are key to getting back on track. Here are some of our favorite herbs known for their memory-enhancing and stress-relieving properties.
*Brain Tonics:
Brain tonics are herbs with actions that directly influence the nervous and cardiovascular systems, promoting overall brain health. Two notable brain tonics for back-to-school support are Gotu Kola and Bacopa.
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): An Ayurvedic herb with over 2,000 years of use as a brain tonic, Gotu Kola improves vascular tone, protects against cardiovascular disease, and enhances cognition and memory.
- Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri): Known for increasing cognitive function, Bacopa supports healthy mental function, modulates neurotransmitters, and scavenges free radicals, making it a potent brain tonic.
Memory Enhancers:
Certain herbs work specifically to enhance memory, including Rosemary, Peppermint, and Sage, all belonging to the mint family.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Improves memory recall, stimulates circulation, and addresses various brain-related issues, making it a versatile "brain herb."
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Enhances alertness, memory recall, and reaction time. Its nervine and cardiovascular benefits contribute to its brain-supportive actions.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): Known historically for increasing wisdom, sage enhances cognition by acting on cholinergic systems, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, and protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
Adaptogens: (my favorite)
Adaptogens are herbs that help the body resist and cope with stress, making them valuable additions to brain-supportive blends. Eleuthero and Holy Basil are notable adaptogens.
- Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Often referred to as the "king of adaptogens," Eleuthero supports brain wellness by improving blood circulation and cardiovascular health, alleviating mental fatigue.
- Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): A dual-action herb that balances the body by supporting the endocrine, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. Holy Basil aids in stress response, enhances circulation, and supports memory and focus.
*Nervines:
Nervines nourish and strengthen the nervous system, benefiting neurotransmitter and nerve function. Chamomile and Lemon Balm are effective nervines for brain health.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Potent anti-inflammatory and nervine, chamomile eases anxiety and tension, providing anxiolytic effects in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Known as a nervous system trophorestorative, lemon balm tonifies and repairs the nervous system, improving mood and supporting healthy brain function.
Stimulants: (the good kind)
Stimulants raise physiological or nervous activity, and Green Tea and Cacao contain chemicals that stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
- Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): With antioxidant effects, green tea reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and enhances brain activity, memory, and focus.
- Cacao (Theobroma cacao): Contains caffeine and theobromine, stimulating the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, cacao includes chemicals like phenylethylamine, influencing mood modulation.
As you aim for your best 2024 (or at least to get over the post holiday slump and battle SAD with this terrible weather...) consider incorporating these memory herbs into your routine. Whether you choose brain tonics, memory enhancers, adaptogens, nervines, or stimulants, these herbs offer natural support for cognitive function and stress management. If you are looking to try out any of these, our Matcha, Cacao, Cold Brew or Better Brew will all give you a little something extra.
Be well,
Kelly
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