7 Best Herbs for Memory and Brain Health
Are there herbs for memory that can improve brain health and prevent memory loss? A number of herbs and spices may help improve your brain health, and some of them may be already sitting in your fridge or pantry.
Several of these herbs and spices have been studied for their effects on Alzheimer’s disease, while others have been tested for their overall effects on cognition (i.e. the mental action or process involved in thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering).
Here’s a look at some of the herbs and spices found to benefit the brain in scientific studies.
Should You Use Herbs for Memory and Brain Health?
While certain herbs and spices may have beneficial effects on your brain, no natural remedy should be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of a condition affecting brain health.
It is important to note that while adding herbs and spices in the small amounts used in cooking can be healthy and beneficial, using them in larger amounts should not be considered better. Taking herbs and spices in a more concentrated form, as found in supplements, carries more risk of adverse side effects.
Seizures have been reported in children taking sage supplements; cheilitis in adults. Concentrated (supplement) forms of turmeric, ginseng, and ginkgo have a blood-thinning effect thereby increasing the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking other blood thinners or anticoagulants.
Ginseng can cause changes in blood pressure (higher or lower), interacts with many medications, and can cause a severe allergic reaction or liver damage in rare cases. Gotu Kola has been linked to damage to the liver in rare instances.
There is no FDA regulation of the content and purity of supplements. One study found that over 20% of Ayuvedic supplements were contaminated by heavy metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic.
A Word From Verywell
Herbs for memory should be used as an adjunct to other health practices. If you take herbs for memory loss in the form of supplements, you should always talk to your doctor first.
