Brain Booster Herbs for Mental Clarity and Cognitive Functions

For thousands of years, innumerable time-tested brain-supporting herbs have been used to curb nettlesome brain fog, boost mental clarity and improve cognitive function. Modern research continues to support the efficacy of these time-tested herbs.

In the Ayurveda, many herbs have stood throughout the ages for their ability to deal with stress, support concentration, and improve cognitive function. Modern science has termed these brain function boosting herbs as nootropics and adaptogens. Both these categories have overlapping qualities and other positive effects that help to resist stress and improve brain functions.

Prevention better than cure is the key to good health, not only for other parts of the body but also for the brain. The usual healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and emotional or spiritual fulfilments also apply to manage good brain health. Exercise is crucial, as the circulatory system works against gravity to bring blood to the head; any activity that includes inverting the body is helpful. Yoga is excellent for this purpose.

Scientific studies show that many herbs stimulate the activity of chemical messengers between nerve cells, called neurotransmitters. Herbs help sharpen thinking, improve memory, and boost mood. Herbs, along with whole foods and superfoods, provide a broad spectrum of nutrients naturally. At least 60% of the brain is made up of fat, and eating healthy fats, including coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds, is essential.

Following are a few herbs used to improve memory and brain function:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

For thousands of years, Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and support concentration. It has beneficial effects on overall brain functions, including memory enhancement, attention, and information processing. Ashwagandha helps combat symptoms of depression as it stimulates adrenergic signaling and reduces the chemicals associated with depression.

Due to its antioxidant property, ashwagandha protects nerves by repelling free radicals and preventing them from damaging brain cells. It also prevents age-related degenerative changes in the brain and increases longevity. Several studies show that ashwagandha slows, stops, or reverses neurotic atrophy and prevents synaptic loss, i.e., loss of the connection between nerves. Studies have shown that ashwagandha inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are hard, insoluble accumulations of proteins that clump together between nerve cells (neurons) and disrupt nerve function.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi is named after the Hindu God Brahma, known for great intellect and is responsible for all world creations. Brahmi is often confused with Gota Kola, also known as brahmi in North India.

This water-loving herb has a reputation for improving memory and brain function while relieving anxiety and depression. Traditionally, brahmi is one of the most notable plants that support memory, mood, and focus, reducing stress and increasing energy. Brahmi regulates brain functions, enhances memory and cognitive power due to its saponins and bacosides that interact with the neurotransmitters in the brain and raise levels of serotonin, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), and acetylcholine, which calm the central nervous system (CNS). Studies indicate that brahmi may be of value as a natural stress-relief and mood supplement. The antioxidant compounds found in brahmi protect against the neural oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer's disease. Brahmi provides neuroprotection by stimulating the brain's chemicals that protect nerve cells against any damage.

Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica)

In Asia, Gotukola is considered one of the best herbs for the brain, which fights oxidative stress. It has been used by Yogis and monks of the Far East for centuries to enhance their concentration during meditation. In the Chinese and Ayurvedic systems, it plays a vital role in improving brain function, increasing alertness, enhancing mood, and fighting brain ailments. Gotukola also helps in improving attention, reducing anxiety and mental fatigue. Studies have elucidated the herb's value for supporting cognitive function, memory, and focus. It has been that Gotukola has a complex action on the brain through enhancing neurite-dendrite growth and out-branching in brain key areas. This action makes the mind calmer, sharper, and more fluid and protects brain cells from toxins.

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus prostrates)

Another highly praised herb for mental clarity is Shankhpushpi. It is a valuable memory aid and brain tonic that helps to support intelligence and brain function. In Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi is used to mediate cognitive function. Shankhpushpi improves mental clarity, enhances memory, rejuvenates nerve functions, and acts as a brain tonic for children. Shankhpushpi calms the nerves by regulating stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in Ayurveda. Turmeric improves brain function, especially in the areas of memory and attention. It boosts levels of the brain hormone Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) that increases the growth of neurons and combats various brain degenerative processes. Studies indicate that Turmeric is also helpful in protecting the brain against Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin, the active compound in Turmeric, helps clear away amyloid plaques, which are toxic proteins formed in Alzheimer's patients' brains when amyloid protein is not processed properly. It also helps reduce brain fog, a condition of diminished memory or focus. Studies show that Turmeric improves neurological function and combat mental fatigue.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is the most reliable herb to assist in mental clarity. Due to its antioxidant properties, tulsi influences brain neurochemistry by lowering cortisol levels. Tulsi helps support nervous system function, increases clarity of mind, improves memory, and reduces nervous tension. Tulsi also enhances mental alertness and function.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi, also known as Giloi or Amrita, is a highly valued herb in Ayurveda. Guduchi is an adaptogen and reduces mental and physical stress. Guduchi improves focus, learning, and cognitive function, particularly in children.

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

Amla is a rich source of vitamin C. Studies show that amla improves cognitive functions such as memory, verbal skills, calculation, orientation, and healing following traumatic brain damage.

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo biloba)

Ginkgo Biloba is a sacred tree of Japan and has been used to improve brain function. Ginkgo protects the brain and makes cognitive processes faster by improving brain blood circulation. Ginkgo improves memory, increases concentration, and clears thought processes. Ginkgo may also support cognitive function by enhancing short and long-term memory.