If you’re having trouble with memory and focusing, don’t just accept it as normal. Some great herbs can help improve memory and support brain function.
Your brain works hard all the time, processing information, making decisions, controlling emotions and body functions, and managing movement. Keeping your brain healthy is important to prevent conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Here are natural herbs that can help your brain stay healthy:
Rosemary
Rosemary improves blood flow and contains carnosic acid, which protects the brain from damage caused by free radicals and toxins. The smell of rosemary can also boost mood, focus, and performance. You can add rosemary to your food, drink it as tea, or use rosemary essential oil in a vaporizer, bath, or with a carrier oil on your skin. For a stronger effect, you can take rosemary as a tincture or capsule.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit brain health. It contains curcumin, which may help prevent Alzheimer’s by clearing beta-amyloid, a protein that forms plaques in the brain. Turmeric also helps protect nerve cells. You can add turmeric or curry powder, which contains turmeric, to your meals. Adding black pepper helps your body absorb turmeric better.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is often used to ease anxiety and insomnia and may also help improve memory and brain function. A study showed that people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s who took lemon balm extract for four months had better cognitive function than those who took a placebo. Lemon balm is usually taken as tea.
Eating the right foods is very important for brain health. For example, 20 grams of organic coconut oil per day can improve cognitive performance, especially in people with Alzheimer’s. Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides, which are fatty acids that the body and brain can easily use for energy.