Herbal Support for Brain Health by Dr. Alicia Armitstead

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 on the body’s stress response, helping to reduce anxiety and inflammation and ultimately resulting in improved mental and emotional well-being, which is extremely important at Healing Arts. After over 20 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 has helped so many people feel better during this trying time. 

While benefiting brain health, the overlapping actions of many herbs enhancing cognition include adaptogens, nervine tonics, and nerve relaxants. Scientific studies, plus the evidence at Healing Arts, show 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 your nervous system could use some support or you want to practice preventative medicine and support the brain as much as possible, then ask us at your next appointment to test you for these herbs.

ROSE

Roses are among the oldest flowers in the world and have been referenced in literature, music, and art for centuries. Hundreds of rose varieties are considered safe for human use. Roses are added to a range of products for 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 integral to traditional Chinese medicine and regulates qi or life energy. Rose comes in tea form and can be tested at our Medicinal Tea Bar. Benefits include mental benefits, such as to treat dementia and seizures, relaxation, stress reduction, and antidepressant effects.

BACOPA

Bacopa is a treasured Ayurvedic herb native to India, and 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 to sharpen intellect and improve memory and concentration. 

Bacopa’s mechanism of action has been studied extensively. It demonstrates 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, particularly when taken for more than three 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 attenuating 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 mummification and later by the Greeks and Romans as a memory enhancer. 

Rosemary oil is regarded as a tonic for 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,” has 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 becomes particularly helpful in cases of brain fog due to overwhelm and 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, mental and physical performance, and stamina in workers and 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 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 behavioral functions, including:

• Increasing memory and cognition in the presence of excessive beta-amyloid pigmentation, suggesting potential use in symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.

• It reduces hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, attenuates rises in cortisol and catecholamines associated with stress and physical activity, and reduces anxiety-related behaviors.

• Neuroprotective effects against stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage within the brain.

We wanted to share how herbs can heal the brain and nervous system. 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.