First, the Basics
The Herbs
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is safe, gentle, and lovely multitasker for the multitasker. In India and Asia, people have long relied on the herb to enhance memory. It enhances circulation, improves connective tissue support, decreases anxiety, and improves the body’s resistance to stress, all of which benefit memory and cognition. Studies also suggest that gotu kola improves the brain’s ability to use glucose for energy when blood sugar levels are low. The herb is generally safe, even for children, though you should be cautious combining it with blood-thinning medications.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is helpful for mental function and focus. It’s a nootropic (“smart drug” or memory enhancer) that promotes memory and focus, relieves anxiety, slows the progression of Alzheimer’s, and improves recovery from brain trauma. Both bacopa and gotu kola are called “brahmi,” so check the Latin name to confirm.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), a common culinary herb, shines for cerebral circulation. “Rosemary for remembrance,” is the classic catchphrase. Though this may be due to the intense fragrance, which perks up the senses and is not easily forgotten, rosemary is a powerful antioxidant herb that can help fight the oxidative damage that inhibits brain function.
Recent research confirms the historical use of the antioxidant-rich herbs rosemary, sage (Salvia spp), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for mental clarity. These herbs appear to improve short-term memory and slow dementia and Alzheimer’s in old age, perhaps by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades neurotransmitters. You can eat these herbs, drink them as tea, or take them as supplements. For a simple mental perk, simply inhale the scent of the fresh rosemary or its essential oil.
The invigorating scent of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) has also been noted to improve brain function in studies. (Do not ingest the essential oil form of these herbs.) Use caution with blood-thinning medications.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has achieved stardom due to its many benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular, and liver support, and general protective properties. It may be particularly helpful in staving off diseases like Alzheimer’s, which is poorly understood but characterized by oxidation, plaque buildup in the vascular system, and inflammation. Populations in India and Okinawa that consume turmeric regularly tend to have long, healthy life spans and exhibit significantly less incidence of these brain diseases. Turmeric is more bioavailable if you cook it with some oil. Adding a bit of black pepper improves absorption by 2,000 times! Use caution with blood-thinning medications.
Learn More ~
Additional Writings & Teachings of Mine about Brain Herbs
- These herbs get their own chapters in my two books Body into Balance and Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies
- Get the On-Demand Online Brain Boosting Class - webinar video, detailed notes, full-color slides, remedy video - via my online store. This is from Class 4 in my Beyond the Home Herbalist Series and is available by request here as a single on-demand class. Be sure to mark in the cart notes that you want the brain class!
- Online Herbs for ADHD, Cognition & Focus Intensive webinar series that I teach via the Herbal Academy
Listen to Podcasts & Class Recordings
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Listen to my April 2023 Cognitive Support show on KPFA’s Herbal Highway with host Renée Camila. https://kpfa.org/episode/the-herbal-highway-april-4-2023/
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Listen to my February 2020 conference replay recording of Perky Calm & Alert Herbs You Can grow - recorded at the NOFA-NH Winter Conference and available for replay via HerbRally - this was among the top five listened to podcast on HerbRally in 2020! Slides also available via the link. https://www.herbrally.com/podcast/episodes/162
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Enjoy my 2021 podcast on Herbs for Mental Clarity (That You Can Grow Easily!) on the Sage + Spirit Podcast hosted by Anna Claire Lotti
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Enjoy my detailed 2020 podcast on ADHD herbs and natural approaches with the Nourished Brain Podcast
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Listen to my 2019 podcast on Brain-Boosting Herbs from the Garden on Plant Love Radio
Read Articles
- Read my 2023 guest blog for Mountain Rose Herbs on brain health including common “cobweb-generating” triggers and supportive herbs, diet, and lifestyle. https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/lifestyle-tips-for-improved-focus-and-memory
- More about memory, attention, and cognition herbs (annotated with studies!) from the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild
- Mint-Family Memory Herbs Article, a look at the studies and history, in AromaCulture Magazine
- Specifically more about ADHD and herbs (Remedies magazine)
The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe, recommend, or offer medical advice. Please see your health care practitioner for help regarding choices and to avoid herb-drug interactions. This blog originally appeared on the Concord Food Co-op site and has been reprinted with permission.
New podcast and blog links added 5/4/23