6 Herbs for Brain Health

Since the dawn of recorded history, herbs and fungi have been used as medicine for a variety of ailments. Medicinal herbs can work wonders on the mind, drawing from indigenous cultures and knowledge. 

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It’s less common to use herbs for focus and concentration in Western culture, unless you’re seeing a naturopathic doctor or find your way into a herbal wellness community. And yet studies have shown that certain herbs and mushrooms have beneficial, healthful properties, providing both protection and support for cognitive functioning.

Many of the natural medicinal extracts used in supplements for focus have adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are herbs, fungi, and other plants taken internally to balance the major processes in the body.

Adaptogens help with systems that govern stress and sleep, supporting homeostasis for a more stabilized physiological state. The effects are better overall performance in daily life, which is why adaptogens have been regarded as the best herbs for focus.

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Consuming herbs and mushrooms on a consistent basis can promote longevity in brain health, especially as the human body begins to age. In fact, certain natural medicinals may also have neuroprotective effects.

In research, it seems that herbs for memory can reduce decline and even offer elements of preventative medicine. Also known as nutraceuticals, medicinal plants may be effective in Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

A class of herbs for brain health can reportedly assist with the buildup of proteins that block the mind from communicating well enough to operate properly. The herbs are used to actually enhance neurotransmission between brain cells, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease-induced cell death.

Skim our guide of 6 best herbs for brain health, all accessible in Brain Dust by Moon Juice:

1. Lion’s mane for neuroprotection | Lion’s mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a medicinal fungus used to support memory functions. By assisting with neural regeneration and enhancing brain network communication, studies have shown lion’s mane may be effective in the treatment or prevention of dementia. It has been specifically impactful in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Ginkgo for mental processing | A herb from the leaves of the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo balboa extract has a demonstrated impact on working memory. Working memory refers to short-term, immediate memory used to perform tasks, like remembering a person’s address. It is thought to improve cognitive flexibility and processing.
3. Rhodiola for alertness | Rhodiola is known as one of the best herbs for focus and concentration because of it’s stimulating nature. It helps to reduce fatigue and improve energy. It’s also an antidepressant and anti-anxiety selection, known to combat the effects of prolonged stress on the body.
4. Ashwagandha for mental stamina | Also known as the queen of herbs, Ashwagandha is a great option for enhancing cognitive endurance among other benefits for both mind and body. It’s effective for learning, memory, stress reduction, and overall task performance. Studies have even shown performance improvements in high-functioning athletes.
5. Maca for energy and memory | Maca is a root vegetable powder, and it’s often regarded as a natural alternative to coffee. It promotes healthy mitochondrial activity, making it energizing and good for the bedroom. It also helps with coordination through its effect on spatial and learning memory.
6. Astragalus for healthy blood flow | A beautiful purple flower, astragalus is another one of the herbs for focus that are primarily stimulating. It’s known to have a number of health benefits on different organs for its ability to expand blood vessels and bring more blood from the heart. It’s in many ancient tonics for longevity, known as huáng qí in Chinese medicine.

Our Recommendation:

Brain Dust - A Blend of the Best Herbs for Focus, Memory, and Concentration

While Brain Dust isn’t exactly a substitute for coffee, it’s ingredients have an ancient reputation as being good for the mind. There is wisdom to lean on while researchers investigate and document long-term neuro health benefits of plant medicine.

We love Brain Dust because it’s a blended offering of the six best herbs for brain health. Plus, herbal medicine should always be free of pesticides, and we trust that Moon Juice is high-quality, 100% organic, and vegan.

As the aging population grows exponentially by 2050, there’s still a need to show efficacy in humans in clinical trials to better understand potential therapeutic or preventive agents from herbs like ashwagandha or fungi like lion’s mane.

Though pharmaceuticals have a place in society, there can be various toxicities associated with over-the-counter and prescription medications — so, we choose herbalism.

Energize your mind with nature’s bounty of herbs + fungi. Make your own coffee, tea, or smoothie and turn it into a morning ritual. Stay tuned for recipes on how to get your daily herbs for brain health + and enjoy it, too.

Get Brain Dust for cognitive health.

Looking for more of a natural stress reducer? Try SuperYou.

7 WAYS TO FIND CALM

References: 

Neuronal Health – Can Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms Help?

The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model

Examining Brain-Cognition Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Brain Activation in the Left Temporal and Left Prefrontal Cortex in an Object Working Memory Task

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® on cognitive control functions, mental activity of the prefrontal cortex and stress reactivity in elderly adults with subjective memory impairment – a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial

Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists

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At The Flower Pot®, our mission is to create a safe and reliable space for you to explore + experiment with the benefits of botanical medicine. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube and LinkedIn.