The use of plants to support cognitive performance and protect against cognitive decline has been a part of traditional herbal practice for centuries. Clinical studies across various ages and life stages demonstrating support for such beneficial effects as:
Supporting working memory, storage, recall, learning, and knowledge retention.
Enhancing attention, focus and concentration.
Slowing or preventing the onset of age or Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline
Herbs that help the brain and nervous system this way are often referred to as nootropics, which can be any substance considered to enhance memory and learning, improve cognition, and impart neuroprotective effects. Many herbs with nootropic properties will also often have complementary effects upon the body’s stress response, helping to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and ultimately help result in improved mental and emotional well-being which is extremely important at Healing Arts. After 16 years in practice we have never seen so much stress, anxiety and depression in our office. We want you to know that supporting the brain and nervous system along with mindful techniques LINK we have helped so many people feel better during this trying time.
While simultaneously benefiting brain health, the overlapping actions of many herbs useful to enhancing cognition include adaptogens, nervine tonics, and nerve relaxants.
Scientific studies plus the evidence at Healing Arts is that herbs have the potential to support cognitive performance while also mitigating the damaging effects of stress (mental, emotional, and oxidative). Considered beneficial at any age, these plants can provide a well-tolerated, preventative treatment for declines in cognitive function associated with disease or aging, and for anyone looking to sharpen the mind while operating under stress.
If you feel like your nervous system could use some support or you want to do preventative medicine and support the brain as much as you can then ask us at your next appointment to test you for these herbs.
Rose
Roses are one of the oldest flowers in the world, and have been referenced in literature, music, and art for centuries.
There are hundreds of rose varieties that are considered safe for human use. Roses are added to a range of products for both their fragrance and potential health benefits. Roses are also often used in the kitchen, especially in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The aromatic flower is added to cakes and jams.
Drinking rose petals in tea may have originated in China. Rose tea is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is used to regulate qi, or life energy.
Rose comes in tea form and can be tested at our Tea Bar
benefits include:
mental benefits, such as to treat dementia and seizures
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28832226/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/
relaxation, stress reduction, and antidepressant effects https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737971/
Bacopa
Bacopa is a treasured Ayurvedic herb native to India where it has been regularly consumed for thousands of years as a rejuvenating tonic to promote longevity and strengthen cognitive function. Consistently found in many Ayurvedic preparations prescribed for cognitive dysfunction, Bacopa was initially described around the 6th century A.D. as an herb taken to sharpen intellect and improve memory and concentration.
Bacopa’s mechanism of action has been studied extensively and demonstrate significant antioxidant and neuroprotective effects including increased cerebral blood flow.
Clinical studies with Bacopa have focused on its potential to support memory, focus, and cognition across various life stages and particularly with taking for more than 3 months. From significantly improving memory in seniors, to improved cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies also show additional benefits such as attenuation of task-induced ratings of stress and fatigue, and in one case a simultaneous significant reduction in anxiety.
Rosemary
Rosemary leaf has a long history as an herb associated with remembrance both literally and symbolically. In ancient Egypt it was used in the process of mummification, and later by the Greeks and Romans as a memory enhancer.
Rosemary oil is regarded as a tonic towards the central nervous system and is often used to strengthen mental clarity and improve memory. When using the rosemary essential oil you inhale and the olfactory nerve from the nose goes straight into the brain allowing the Rosemary to provide increased alertness and lowered anxiety, producing a more relaxed yet alert state
Eleuthero
Eleuthero, sometimes referred to as “Siberian Ginseng” is a root with a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to reinforce Qi and calm the nerves in cases of stress and insomnia. More modern uses have focused on its role as an adaptogen which can increase mental alertness and physical performance particularly when under stress. As cognitive support, Eleuthero therefore becomes particularly helpful in cases of brain fog due to overwhelm and/or high-pressure working conditions, aiding the body’s ability to perform and withstand such mental stressors.
Eleuthero extract has been shown to improve short-term memory, improve mental and physical performance and stamina of workers, as well as endurance and concentration in athletes.
Schisandra
Schisandra berry is a tart fruit commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations to calm the nervous system in cases of anxiety and insomnia, and also to aid in memory loss. It also has a reputation as an adaptogen and nervine tonic.
Schisandra demonstrated many beneficial health effects particularly upon the brain and nervous system, showing significant improvements in cognitive and behavioural functions including:
Increasing memory and cognition in the presences of excessive beta-amyloid pigmentation, suggesting potential use in symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Reducing activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, attenuating rises in cortisol and catecholamines associated with stress and physical activity, and reducing behaviours associated with anxiety.
Neuroprotective effects against stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage within the brain.
We wanted to share with you details of how herbs can heal the brain and nervous system. If you are wondering if any of these can help you just let us know at your next visit and we will test you on all of them to see which your body prefers.
