Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monnieri have been used in traditional medicines for centuries for their cognitive benefits. Fortunately, modern science has begun to catch up, and consumers are seeking herbs for cognition more than ever.
The brain only weighs around three pounds. Yet, it is the most powerful organ in the human body, controlling all bodily functions, making brain health essential to your overall health. Cognitive health is one of the most critical aspects of brain health. Verywell Mind states, “Cognition is a term referring to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension.” Fortunately, there are a variety of herbs you can take to promote cognitive health.
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Below, we’ll discuss herbs that promote cognitive health and five reasons to try these herbs. We’ll also discuss a premium herbal product for cognitive health. Read on to see how herbs can impact your cognitive and overall health.
Reason to try herbs for cognition:
1: They may prevent a decline in cognitive health.
Lion’s Mane is one of the more prominent herbs for cognition, known for many health benefits, including preventing inflammation and oxidation, improving immunity, treating anxiety and depression, and improving heart and digestive health. Studies have shown that taking Lion’s Mane may help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases by increasing cell viability and protecting against neurotoxicity. This functional mushroom can also prevent oxidative damage to neurons. It is necessary to conduct more human studies for additional information regarding the effects of Lion’s Mane. Still, so far, the results look promising.
Studies show that Ginkgo biloba extract can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ginkgo biloba extract, also called EGb 761, has been shown to have regulatory properties in the body on both a cellular and molecular level. While Ginkgo does not slow or eliminate cognitive diseases, it helps to treat the current symptoms. This powerful herb brings benefits such as improved thinking and memory, better social behavior, and better functioning in daily tasks.
Reason to try herbs for cognition:
2: They may reduce anxiety.
In addition to treating Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, Ginkgo biloba may also treat anxiety. It is, however, not possible to mix Ginkgo with some anxiety medications, so it is best to consult your doctor before adding this herb to your daily regimen.
Sage may also help alleviate anxiety. According to Prevention, “Sage has been proven to slow the release of enzymes that break down acetylcholine (Ach), an important neurotransmitter; inhibiting these enzymes can improve mood by maintaining optimal levels of Ach.” Human studies have shown that sage is effective in managing anxiety compared with those taking a placebo.
Lion’s Mane may also treat anxiety by stimulating your nerve growth factor (NGF) and affecting your autonomic nervous system. NGF helps regulate nerve cells’ vitality in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Reason to try herbs for cognition :
3: They may provide antioxidant support.
Sage is well known for its abundance of antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight against free radical cell damage and prevent health issues such as diseases of the central nervous system, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, aging, diabetes, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
In 2012, a study of fourteen types of mushrooms found Lion’s Mane to be the fourth highest in antioxidants. This functional mushroom also contains oligosaccharides, carbohydrates that are said to have antioxidant effects.
Ginkgo biloba leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which both have antioxidant properties. Terpenoids are found in most plants, most famously the cannabis plant. The flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains give plants their color and filter UV rays.
Reason to try herbs for cognition :
4: They may improve heart health.
Ginkgo biloba may promote heart health with its antioxidant and inflammatory properties. The herb may stimulate circulation and reduce blood pressure, which supports heart health. Ginkgo biloba may not be suitable for those pregnant or with bleeding disorders, so it’s best to consult your doctor before using this potent herb.
Since Lion’s Mane has antioxidant properties, it may also promote heart health. Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane can keep cholesterol from oxidating in the bloodstream, preventing the hardening of arteries and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
While loaded with antioxidant properties, sage may also help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride levels, which can help combat heart disease.
Reason to try herbs for cognition :
5: They may prevent cancer.
Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane may effectively reduce tumor size and prevent metastasis. Despite the need for further human studies, a test tube study found Lion’s Mane effective against liver, colon, and gastric cancer cells.
Test tube and mouse studies have shown that sage prevents some types of cancer. Further human studies are required to determine whether this herb has cancer-fighting potential.
The best herbs for cognition:
Choosing a quality supplement brand
Trying all of the herbs mentioned above could become costly as individual supplements. Fortunately, Medicine Man Co.’s Brain Pill combines these ingredients into a single product. This supplement contains Lion’s Mane, sage, and Ginkgo biloba to support brain function. Medicine Man Plant Co. combines ancestral wisdom with ethnobotany and chemistry to create quality products that harness the power of nature and medical insight. The Brain Pill is responsibly sourced and harvested, non-GMO, and third-party tested to ensure the highest quality.
According to co-founder Steven Skiff, “People today are more likely to live in an environment for which they are not biologically well-suited. Your specific genetic past is unique. By bringing you key plants from around the world, there is a much better chance your body will get the specific compounds with which you co-evolved. The Medicine Man is here for you as he was in the past and will be in the future. This is the story, mission, and hope of Medicine Man Plant Co.”
Boosting your brain for maximum productivity and overall well-being
When your brain is functioning at its best, so is your body, which improves your overall health. In addition, fostering your cognitive health improves your ability to think, learn, remember, and make judgments, allowing you to perform at your best when faced with daily challenges. Choosing a high-quality supplement to meet all your cognitive needs would be the most beneficial. It is best to consult your physician before adding supplements to your regimen to prevent drug interactions. Hopefully, you have enough information to choose what works best for your specific needs.
For further reading:
National Institute on Aging: Cognitive Health and Older Adults
Verywell Mind: 7 Best Herbs for Memory and Brain Health
U.S. News: Can Lion’s Mane Mushroom Improve Brain Function?
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only,
and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
