Have you ever wondered how to boost your brain health naturally? Well, look no further than Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom that offers incredible herbs to nourish and enhance your mind. Today, we’re diving into the world of Ayurvedic herbs and exploring five amazing ones that have been cherished for their brain-boosting abilities.
From the adaptogenic powers of Ashwagandha to the memory-enhancing properties of Brahmi, these herbs take a holistic approach to support your cognitive well-being. Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of our amazing brains!
Table of Contents
1. How do Ayurvedic Herbs Improve Brain Health?
Ayurvedic herbs improve brain health through their unique properties and their ability to restore balance within the body. Here’s how they work:
1.1. Nourishing and Rejuvenating
Ayurvedic herbs are packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that nourish the brain cells, improve circulation, and provide essential antioxidants. This nourishment helps in maintaining optimal brain function and supports overall brain health.
1.2. Adaptogenic Effects
Many Ayurvedic herbs, such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi, possess adaptogenic properties. They help the body cope with stress by regulating stress hormones, reducing inflammation, and protecting brain cells from damage caused by chronic stress. By reducing stress levels, these herbs support cognitive function and mental clarity.
1.3. Neuroprotective Properties
Certain Ayurvedic herbs, like Turmeric and Gotu Kola, exhibit potent neuroprotective effects. They help shield the brain from oxidative stress, inflammation, and free radicals, which can lead to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. By protecting the brain cells, these herbs contribute to long-term brain health.
1.4. Enhancing Cognitive Function
Ayurvedic herbs are known for their ability to improve cognitive function. Herbs like Brahmi and Shankhpushpi have been traditionally used to enhance memory, concentration, and mental clarity. They support neurotransmitter function, promote healthy blood flow to the brain, and optimize brain signalling, all of which contribute to improved cognitive performance.
1.5. Balancing Doshas
According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) can affect brain health. Ayurvedic herbs help balance these doshas, ensuring harmony within the body and mind. By restoring doshic balance, these herbs support overall well-being, including brain health.
It’s important to note that Ayurvedic herbs for brain health are often used in combination with other Ayurvedic practices like dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, and mindfulness techniques. This holistic approach addresses the root cause of imbalances and promotes overall brain health and vitality.
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2. 5 Best Ayurvedic Herbs to Improve Brain Health
2.1. Ashwagandha
We are all familiar with the time-tested Ayurvedic herb, famous for fighting mental stress. Besides reducing oxidative stress in the brain, it preserves your healthy brain function and strengthens your memory and concentration.
Ashwagandha plays a catalytic role in reducing the risk of degenerative brain diseases. It is an excellent help to students as it supports their memory.
The science of Ayurveda considers Ashwagandha as the “grounding” Ayurvedic herbs, The herb that nourishes your entire metabolic processes and supports a naturally balanced mood.
How to take Ashwagandha?
A typical serving of Ashwagandha is about 1 gram every day and can take a long as a rejuvenator of your brain health. You may take this herb with roasted ginger and pepper to support your digestion. You may take the extracts or powder form by making a tea-like infusion in boiling water or milk.
Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend the herb for healthy sleep patterns. It is a slow-acting herb that takes almost 15 days to start showing results.
2.2. Brahmi
Brahmi ( Sanskrit) means “Godlike” which has an indirect reference in support of graceful ageing. When you are catching up with age, it comes as an aid to improve your brain health.
The magic ayurvedic herb has a bitter taste and cooling effect on your body and brain.
This is a miracle herb famous for its memory-boosting properties. The Vaidya prescribes Brahmi as a brain tonic which improves your brain performance.
It has a long history of usage in Ayurveda as a rejuvenating tonic for vitality and cognitive function.
How to take Brahmi?
You may take Brahmi as a part of your daily salad spread or in homemade juice form. Even you can go for Brahmi Tea with honey post your meditation and yoga session.
2.3. Shankhpushpi
Having a resemblance with “Shankha” (conch shell in English), the floral ayurvedic herb “Shankhpushpi” is a rejuvenating tonic for the mind and nerve tissues.
It is famous for its profound mystical properties and works well for your heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras.
Shankhpushpi soothes your mind and reduces stress and anxiety. The relaxing effect of the herb promotes better quality sleep for your healthy brain function.
How to take Shankhpushpi?
You can take it either in powder ( available in Ayurvedic pharmacies) or in homemade juice form. Infuse the powder in hot milk and bring it after breakfast every day.
You can mix the juice with water and take it twice daily. It is quite useful for mental peace and tranquillity. However, for the support of healthy sleep patterns, use Shankhpushpi at bedtime (max up to 5 grams) with hot milk.
2.4. Turmeric ( Fresh Root Form)
Turmeric is a wonder Ayurvedic herb that promotes cognitive health that implies “staying sharp” or being “right in mind” in advanced age.
In our old age, owing to inflammation, we suffer from memory loss and dementia, causing damage to our brain cells. They ultimately lead to conditions like complete cognitive decline.
Turmeric has a constituent called Curcumin, which has 10 known neuroprotective actions and helps our brain to nourish. Being an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, it frees our mind from radicals and fights oxidative damage continuously.
It also enhances the regeneration of our brain cells and slows down the process of protein deposits.
How to take Turmeric?
The best time to take the raw herb is in the morning hours on an empty stomach and do your brushing a little later. You may peel a suitable quantity and chew it.
If it’s a bit difficult to chew directly, you may crush a little quantity ( one inch of peeled and grated turmeric).
Add the juice of a quarter of a lemon and a little bit of hot water and sip it at leisure.
2.5. Calamus
Calamus, also known as “Sweet Flag” is the Ayurvedic herb known for its contribution to the community of yogis, sages and priests.
The nutrients or immunity boosters present in the Calamus help in muscle relaxation, reduce inflammation and even kill cancer cells.
It also promotes a healthy brain, sharpens memory, enhances awareness, and increases communication and self-expression. It is an ideal herb for students, meditators and others who need help with concentration and focus in their work.
How to take Calamus?
The doctor never recommends taking the herb internally( oral consumption). Instead, it comes for external topical use in the form of dry powder, paste, or as a portion of herbal oil. You can apply it to you.
3. Conclusion
Time-tested Ayurvedic Herbs have been helping us in many ways. They work by increasing the blood circulation to the brain, changing the level of certain neurotransmitters and protecting your brain health.
A sharp mind and good memory provide you with a positive attitude towards life and increase your happiness and inner peace.
It is a time for us to wake up ( better late than never) and add these wonder herbs to your next grocery shopping list and go for it.
In case you like to know more about them or want to share your story, please feel free to comment below—Have happy and Healthy life folks.
4. FAQs
4.1. Which Ayurvedic herb is best for brain?
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is considered the best Ayurvedic herb for brain health, known for its cognitive-enhancing properties.
4.2. How to increase brain power in Ayurveda?
To boost brain power in Ayurveda, incorporate practices like meditation, regular consumption of Brahmi, and a balanced diet with foods promoting mental clarity.
4.3. How to increase IQ in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda suggests enhancing IQ through practices like meditation, yoga, and the use of herbs like Brahmi and Shankhpushpi.
4.4. Which plant is used in Ayurveda for improving memory?
Ayurveda often recommends Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) as a plant to improve memory and cognitive function.