Ginkgo protects the brain from free radicals

Many herbs have been long used to help promote healthy memory and neurological function. Many studies have been conducted in Europe and the US on the effects of natural supplements on the brain. The results have been promising. Dandelion leaves provide vitamins A and C, the flowers are one of the best sources of lecithin, a nutrient that elevates the brains acetylcholine and may play a role in stemming Alzheimer's disease. ²The right balance of nutrients is important for protecting and promoting healthy brain cell function. Another critical aspect is to protect the arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The phytochemicals unique to the Ginkgo Biloba tree restore better blood flow to the brain, allowing improved use of oxygen, and protect the cells from free radicals.²

Adaptogens and Stimulant Herbs :Ginseng may boost mood, improve memory and attention, lengthen physical and mental endurance, improve test scores, and ease anxiety. Eleuthero,(Siberian Ginseng), boosts concentration and focus without the letdown than comes from stimulants like caffeine. Research has also demonstrated the beneficial effect of Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica, on memory, concentration and mental performance levels. Yerba mate has the effect of stimulating the mind, increasing concentration and easing depressive moods.

Using Aromatherapy

Essential Oils for Concentration : Rosemary,called "the herb of remembrance" is the best known aromatherapy treatment for poor memory, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and improving mental clarity. Cooling and refreshing Peppermint essential oil energizes the mind and mood, helping to improve mental clarity and memory. Oil of Basil is an excellent, indeed perhaps the best, aromatic nerve tonic. It clears the head, relieves intellectual fatigue, and gives the mind strength and clarity. ³

Herbs Used for ConcentrationMemory/Focus

Bacopa * Basil * Black Pepper * Cardamom * Club Moss * Dandelion * Ginkgo biloba * Ginseng * Ginseng, Siberian * Gotu Kola * Lobelia * Mate * Rhodiola * Rosemary * Sage * Turmeric *

Basil For: Mental Clarity, Focus
Profile	Oil of Basil is an excellent, indeed perhaps the best, aromatic nerve tonic. It clears the head, relieves intellectual fatigue, and gives the mind strength and clarity. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Black Pepper For: Mental Focus, Headache
Profile	In homeopathic practice black pepper is used for difficulty in concentrating, heavy headache, and a sad, apprehensive state of mind. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Brahmi For: Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder (ADD), memory problems, and Parkinson's disease
Profile	Brahmi is useful in treating a variety of conditions that involve impaired mental capacity, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit disorder (ADD), memory problems, and Parkinson's disease. Laboratory studies indicate that brahmi improves intellectual function primarily by balancing the chemicals gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in the brain. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Club Moss For: Alzheimer's
Profile	Although it is used primarily to treat the early symptoms of Alzheimer's, many people are taking it to improve memory and enhance mental alertness. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Dandelion leaves For: Alzheimer's disease
Profile	The leaves provide vitamins A and C, the flowers are one of the best sources of lecthin, a nutrient that elevates the brains acetylcholine and may play a role in stemming Alzheimer's disease. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Eleuthero For: Concentration and focus
Profile	Eleuthero boosts concentration and focus without the letdown than comes from stimulants like caffeine.

Ginko Biloba For: Brain Function
Profile	The phytochemicals unique to the ginkgo tree restore better blood flow to the brain, allowing improved use of oxygen, and protect the cells from free radicals James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Ginseng For: Boost mood, improve memory
Profile	Ginseng may boost mood, improve memory and attention, lengthen physical and mental endurance, improve test scores, and ease anxiety. Although the exact mechanisms of activity are not known, it is likely that ginseng protects a portion of the brain known as the hippocampus from the effects of stress hormones. This prevents memory problems, a common complaint among people under stress. This mechanism would also explain the usefulness of ginseng in preventing loss of memory and cognitive ability in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression, and a disorder of the adrenal glands known as Cushing's disease. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Gotu Kola For: Memory, concentration
Profile	Research has also demonstrated the beneficial effect of Gotu Kola, Centella asiatica, on memory, concentration and mental performance levels

Horsebalm (Mondara) For: Memory
Profile	The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tacrine hydrochloride (Cognex), a medication that reportedly slows progression of the Alzheimer's disease by preserving acetylcholine in the brain. Horsebalm (Monarda, various species), contains the beneficial compound carvacrol, which helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Horsebalm also contains thymol, which also prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Peppermint essential oil For: Mental clarity
Profile	Cooling and refreshing peppermint energizes the mind and mood, helping to improve mental clarity and memory

Periwinkle For: Mental Aging, Dementia
Profile	The health benefits of vincamine and related compounds, which are sold as drugs in Europe, relate to the treatment of primary degenerative and vascular dementia. As a dietary supplement, vincamine is promoted as a nootropic. The effects of aging are generally chronic, raising concerns about the safety of long-term use of vincamine in its targeted population.. . Vincamine article at NIH.gov. (),

Rosemary For: Poor memory, fatigue
Profile	Called "the herb of remembrance" ,rosemary has a long history as a memory-enhancing herb. I think rosemary shampoo, rosemary tea and rosemary in the bathwater would have anti-Alzheimer's activity similar to that of tacrine or huperzine due to it's potent antioxidant, rosemarinic acid. Rosemary also contains a half-dozen compounds that are reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, which reportedly slows progression of the disease. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Yerba mate For: Increasing concentration
Profile	Mate has the effect of stimulating the mind, increasing concentration and easing depressive moods, while not interfering with sleep like coffee may.

ConcentrationMemory/Focus Information

• Chronic Fatigue :
  Herbs that are adaptogens and adrenal tonics are best for treatment of fatigue. Avoid reliance on stimulants, even natural ones such as kola nut, guarana, yerba mate, and too much coffee.