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Alzheimer's Snowdrops Cure

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) plants were described in Homer's Odyssey as having the ability to restore fractured memory. Sometimes art becomes life, as the herb has been manufactured into a synthetic medication for Alzheimer's disease. While taking the medication on its own is not a cure for the condition, when combined with other herb-based medicines, it may be able to delay and reduce symptoms of the crippling mental disorder.

  1. Taking Snowdrops

    • Galantamine is the active ingredient in snowdrops and several related flowers like the daffodil. This substance has two abilities which help it to counteract Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter, is a major factor in the condition, as a lack of it may be a factor in the degeneration of the brain. Galantamine increases acetylcholine production and blocks the receptors that can break down the neurotransmitter. The herbal extract has been synthesized into several medications, known as Nivalin, Razadyne and Reminyl. The synthetic extract has also been marketed as an herbal supplement sold under the name of galantamine. Talk to your doctor about using this herb in prescription or herbal supplement form. He may prescribe doses of 8, 16, or 24 milligrams.

    Building Blocks of Acetylcholine

    • To improve the effectiveness of galantamine, you must ensure that you have all of the building blocks of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in great supply. When the body is attempting to create more acetylcholine it requires the B vitamin choline, along with other B vitamins and potassium. Increase the amount of natural choline in your diet by eating brazil nuts and fava beans or try herbs like fenugreek and dandelion, or take a vitamin supplement with the B vitamin complex that includes potassium. You may also take supplements of another building block, phophatidylcholine.

    More Acetylcholine Assistance

    • Another way to improve the reception of galantamine in the body is to take in several other herbs that can likewise block the breakdown of acetylcholine. Horsebalm contains the substance thymol, which stops aceytlcholine degradation and can be taken as a homemade shampoo used once a day. Rosemary, when used as an herbal supplement or as an essential oil, can have a complementary affect to galantamine. It can also be used as a shampoo or in bathwater. Sage can limit acetylcholinase, the enzyme that breaks down this important neurotransmitter. Ask an herbalist for the proper dosage for your body size, as it may cause convulsions in large doses.

    Improve Reception of Galantamine

    • Take herbs that improve circulation in the brain and can lead to improved action of galantamine. Ginkgo biloba is a well-known herb with the properties of improving memory by increasing circulation to the brain. Take 120 milligrams of the gingko extract per day. Brahmi is a remedy often used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine that can help with many symptoms of aging including sluggish brain circulation. Brahmi may also improve the reception of other chemicals in the brain including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. Take 3,000 milligrams of the herb twice a day for a month to begin seeing an improvement.

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