Memory Enhancement Herbs

Many herbs are recognized as memory enhancers and have been used as such for centuries. These herbs act to stimulate the brain and improve its functioning. They also show promise in their ability to treat, as well as prevent, memory loss. These herbs can be used in powder, tea, tablet or capsule form to improve your memory function.

Ginkgo

• The gingko tree is thought to be the oldest tree on earth.

  Take one tablet or capsule of ginkgo at breakfast and one at dinner to improve your memory. The extract of the ginkgo tree has had a reputation as a healing herb for over 3,000 years. One of the most researched herbs today, ginkgo has also been found to protect the heart, increase circulation to the brain and make people more alert. Be patient, as it may take one to two weeks to notice a marked difference in your cognitive skills.

Bacopa

• Bacopa is a member of the snapdragon family.

  Take 5 to 10 g of bacopa in powdered form, or 5 to 12 mL of fluid extract each day. Bacopa's reputation as a memory-improving herb began in India's Ayurvedic medicine, where it was used to improve learning and concentration, as well. It may take several weeks to have an effect on your memory skills. Bacopa is also known as water hyssop. Be careful not to take unusually high doses, as this herb has sedative properties.

Eleuthero

• Drink up to two cups of eleuthero tea per day.

  Part of a family that includes ginseng and English ivy, eleuthero is a thorny, deciduous shrub with a woody root. Eleuthero is an "adaptogen," or a medicinal herb with a wide array of healing benefits, one of which is the enhancement of short-term memory. Take 2 to 3 g of eleuthero in powdered herb form or make a tea by steeping 2 to 3 g of the powder in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and drinking the strained liquid.

Ginseng

• You do not have to strain ginseng tea.

  Considered the ultimate tonic by many herbalists, ginseng is also an adaptogen that aids the body's physical and mental functions. Used by the Chinese since ancient times as a remedy for the elderly, ginseng supplements enhance memory, reaction times, our ability to learn and concentrate and our abstract reasoning skills. Ginseng is available in powdered form, teas, tablets and capsules. Follow directions when purchasing commercially available forms. Make a tea by steeping 1/2 to 1 tsp. of powdered root in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Drink up to two cups per day.

Gotu Kola

• Gotu kola speeds wound healing and reduces scarring.

  A native of Asia and Europe, gotu kola was once revered in Ceylon as a longevity promoter. India's Ayurvedic medicine practitioners used this herb to promote mental activity and other issues related to aging. Steep ½ tsp. of gotu kola herb in one cup of boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes and strain. You may drink up to 2 cups a day. Since this herb tastes bitter, add sugar or honey and lemon to make it more palatable.