It is the time of the year for many that the start of school is happening. Either you are a homeschooling mom or you are starting a certain class yourself, herbs are here to help you and your kids with memory and focus.
I often reach for these herbs myself when I need to give my kids a brain boost with their studies but taper them off once we get into a good homeschooling flow.
If I am taking a specific class to learn about herbs or homeopathy and need a brain boost, these are also within my reach to get me through memorizing all the information and relay it to you all in a useful way.
In this article we will explore the most popular herbs for memory and brain function, and also below is a recipe you can try out that is an easy blend that can be made to share with your kids or community members.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
This plant originates in the tropical climates and Southern Asia. In Ayurvedic medicine it is utilized for its mental and nervous system effects. It is known as “water hyssop” or “brahmi.”
Capsules are the common way to take this with the recommended dose of 10g twice a day or a tincture of 60 drops daily.
It has the capacity to improve memory especially for the elderly as well as shortening learning time. It’s a calming herbs and also improves clarity through concentration. Bacopa works as a brain tonic and is great for long term use. It works to promote overall brain health and function. (1)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo has been studied scientifically in over 300 studies. It is the oldest surviving species of trees and has been number one subscribed plant for issues related to poor circulation and memory loss in Europe.
No serious side effects noted, however it would be best to avoid this herb if you are on anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. It has also been linked to increased cases of headaches or mild stomach upsets.
It has the ability to increase brain circulation, therefore delivering nutrients to the brain protecting it from free radical damage to the brain. Ginkgo is ideal for long term use as it improves with time helping memory, alertness and clarity. (2)
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
My favorite herb to use alongside rosemary and sage for my kids. I recently started growing it and love it for its versatility. It has both a stimulating and relaxing effect on the body. It is known mainly for being an adaptogen having its effect of the endocrine system, as it helps the body deal with stressors.
Due to its ability to lower blood sugar, it is advised to use it with caution in diabetics or hypoglycemic issues as it also may alter insulins effects.
The suggested dose is about 1-2 ml in a tincture but I mainly use the fresh leaves and put them in a tea or a salad. Kids surprisingly love this taste due to its relation to other mint herbs. (3)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Traditionally rosemary is the herb used for memory because it shown to improve brain function. What I love about this herb is that it grows in the garden in abundance and you can also use it for cooking.
It prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine and promotes circulation.
There are no known contradictions with this herb. Some use the essential oil version of this herb as a way to diffuse in the air while studying or doing school work with the kids. It’s also very easy to snap a twig and put it behind your ears if you need a boost in focus.
I car try this oil with me in case of emergencies just in case anyone faints around me where I can just put the oil under their nose to get the circulation going again. (4)
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)
When you need a more stimulating herb that is natural, yerba mate is a great choice. It is stimulating like caffeine but without the nervousness that can be caused by coffee. Yerba mate has a calming effect on the nervous system as well as having the ability to balance it. On top of all those benefits, it also is loaded with antioxidants, increasing oxygen to the brain.
Many adults are very successful in switching out their coffee with yerba mate and feeling the same stimulating effects as coffee therefore making it easier to stop drinking coffee altogether if they are trying to quit.
When you have to study and need energy, this herb is fairly easy to find to brew for yourself. (5)
Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
Another great alternative to coffee which is an herb that is stimulating is green tea. It is less stimulating than black tea and also has antioxidant effects. Green tea is used long term to reduce the risk of age related cognitive impairment. Because it is stimulating it is best to not have this tea late at night. (6)
Some peoples stomachs do not respond well to green tea, myself included. I saw all the benefits of green tea and started drinking really good quality green tea and yet the same thing happened which is an upset stomach.
Back to yerba mate for me.
When using stimulating herbs because you need energy it is easy to not pay attention to the signs our body is telling us. So when you work with these herbs it’s important to see how your body responds to them and know that you can always find a different herb with the same effect.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Eleuthero is under the adaptogen category and is in the ginseng family. There have been many studies done with the root approving it as a tonic for fortifying the body during times of fatigue and during times of fatigue when one needs to keep working.
This herb has immediate effects making it ideal for times when you might need energy and yet are under a lot of stress. (7)
Many studies show its ability to decrease mental fatigue and improve concentration and memory. I reach for this herb when there is a shift in seasons like autumn into winter with many family members visiting during the holiday season but I need to keep my energy going without burning out.
Maybe you need to study through an exam or need to take a test but life is hectic, this would be the one to go to. You can use the root or powder if you find it online. The root takes longer to boil as you would need to use the decoction method to boil it, but the powder you can mix into applesauce or food for immediate intake.
Recipe
When you are thinking about blending a tea for yourself or others that need help with memory and focus, look at the contraindications first to see if a base herb you’re using is safe for that particular person. For example, I wouldn’t use yerba mate with recipes for my kids as it is too stimulating and would focus on just a base herb to be maybe an adaptogen like holy basil and rosemary.
With that in mind this is a fairly safe recipe and you can make a big batch of it to use to help in your studies or your kids tea beverage as you teach them.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons lemon balm
1 tablespoon holy basil
2 teaspoons rosemary
Directions:
Mix all the herbs together and use 1-2 tsp per 1 cup of boiling water OR mix all the herbs into one pint of water in a saucepan and bring to boil.
Once the water boils you can turn it off and let the herbs steep as the water cools down with the lid on to trap all the volatile oils.
One pint is good for sharing and herbs can be strained into cups as you have your study session.
Final thoughts
If you are a community herbalist working with a client that needs a long term solution to memory or brain health, then definitely think about how you can incorporate an herb into their daily life that is safe and effective. Most of the time that looks like a capsule or a tincture with an herb like ginkgo for example.
What about your kids as they head back into school and you need to boost their memory and focus?
In a case like this, if your kids are going to school then maybe you can make an herbal tea for them with the recipe provided and strain it into a thermos. Maybe also giving them a tincture to use if they are old enough or even and essential oil inhaler of rosemary they can carry easily in their backpacks.
The tea recipe above is an easy one to brew and drink throughout the homeschooling day that you can make and share with your kiddos.
What about you?
Herbs that can have a more stimulating effect might be the answer during times of stress or transitions.
All the herbs mentioned are a great place to start for the needs of all your loved ones.
Hope this serves you on your journey!
Much love,
Krystina
