Herbal stimulants may generate significant improvements in your ability to focus and retain memory. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that certain herbal stimulants tend to improve brain performance. Frances Brinker, N.D., refers to such herbs as “alertness enhancers,” in reference to their documented ability to enhance nervous system function.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that can increase the circulation of blood, nourishment and oxygen to your brain. The effect of this improved circulation is a sharper sense of memory and concentration, which enhances memory. Ginkgo leaves contain ginkgolide and flavone glycoside extracts–the agents that increase local blood flow and oxygenation to your tissues. The University of Maryland Medical Center maintains that ginkgo also improves blood flow to the brain by dilating blood vessels and making platelets less sticky.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an adaptogenic, which means that it helps you handle and mitigate the effects of stress reactions. The extracts found in ginseng stimulate brain activity and cause a more efficient use of your body’s energy, which results in more effective output of productivity. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that ginseng contains a mixture of ginsenosides, which can diminish stress and benefit growth rates, all of which serve to enhance your memory.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is an herb that does not contain caffeine. It should not be confused with the kola nut, which is naturally caffeinated. Gotu kola contains triterpenoid glycosides, which can reduce adrenal corticosterone blood levels during stress. Gotu kola has also been used to treat other brain and nervous system disorders. Oregon Health & Science University also reports the successful use of gotu kola to treat mice inflicted by Alzheimer’s.
About this Author
Sala Saran is a bi-athlete and certified personal fitness trainer who is passionate about the life-transformative power of sports and fitness. Teaching a holistic perspective of the fitness lifestyle that is rooted in personal development, Saran shares her expertise in articles, columns and seminars to lead others to a discovery of their own power to transform their life experience.
