Gingko biloba, reishi mushroom, ginseng, ashwagandha, gotu kola, huperzine a , acorus root, rhodiola rosea, bacopa monnieri, vinpocetine and shankhapushpi are some of the herbs to improve memory your child.
Parents are always looking for ways to make their kids smarter and faster. You probably do it too by engaging your child in several brainstorming games and also including food that enhances their brain activities. There are several pills available in the market manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. Although these are legal and have shown to improve memory and skills but they also have side effects causing insomnia, anxiety, increased heart rate and more.
More effective way is to include natural herbs and spices in your child’s diet to achieve this. Some of these are already used by you in daily cooking and are sitting in your pantry.
Top 11 Must Know Herbs to Improve Memory of Your Child
Gingko biloba
Gingko biloba has been in use in traditional Chinese medicine for ages and is very well known for it’s benefits. It is believed to help improve cognition function by stimulating circulation and promoting blood circulation to the brain. Gingko biloba is believed to be beneficial for improving memory and adding intellectual zeal.
Moreover, a research review published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2015 is suggestive that gingko biloba’s extract – EGb761 is helpful in slowing cognition decline among patients suffering from neuropsychiatric conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom is another herb used in traditional Chinese medicine and is a powerful adaptogen. It’s been in use in Asia for long for their ability to calm the mind and help in concentration.
Ginseng
Ginseng is believed to improve cognition function and abilities. It also contains certain chemicals that protects from radiation. If your child has an ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) then ginseng can be used as an alternative to the synthetic medications prescribed.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that has been found to inhibit the formation of beta – amyloid plaques. It also benefits the brain by reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the causative factor for aging and cognition decline.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola also referred to as Centella has been in use in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in Traditional Chinese medicine to improve mind clarity. Moreover, according to the study published in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology in 2003, tests performed on rats indicated that Gotu Kola may inhibit Alzheimer’s associated oxidative stress and improve cognition functioning.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is an extract from the Chinese club moss plant which is highly purified and concentrated. This plant has been in use for years in herbal and Chinese medicines. This plant containing the extract of Huperzine A is useful for enhancing memory and learning. It also effective in improving brain cognition.
Huperzine A is also believed to reduce brain inflammation after a brain trauma and also for improving cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s patients.
Acorus root
Acorus root is also known as Shi Chang Pu in China. This herb helps to transform ‘dampness’ in the body, dampness in the body here is referred to as poor fluid metabolism and mucus accumulation. If your child has a heavy head and cloudy mind then Acorus root works quite effectively for this.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is also known as Arctic root is an adaptogen. It has been used since time immemorial for reducing stress, preventing mental fatigue, combating mental fog and overall enhancing mental performance. It is also believed that consumption of Rhodiola is helpful in patients suffering from depression.
Bacopa monnieri
The extract obtained from the plant – Bacopa monnieri has been in use in ayurvedic medicine for long and is helpful in treating various ailments. Recent studies have found that the extract of Bacopa monnieri is helpful in enhancing memory and improving mood. Other studies show that the plant is effective in decreasing anxiety, depression and treating other neurodegenerative diseases.
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a chemical found in the creeper plant – periwinkle. It is been used all throughout Europe as a brain booster. It helps to improve brain circulation, decrease brain inflammation and is also effective in balancing of neurotransmitters. Studies have showed that vinpocetine is helpful in improving concentration, enhancing cognitive functioning and also improving both short – term and long – term memory.
Shankhapushpi
Shankhapushpi is a rejuvenating herb for the mind and nerve tissues. This herb is effective for attaining mental peace and tranquility. You can use this especially for your child during the exams to help calm their minds. You can also combine this herb with Gotu Kola and licorice to enhance focus and attention.
Conclusion
Herbs are a natural means to attaining any of the benefits you require for your child’s development rather than opting for chemical drugs. There are certain herbs which are quite effective in improving memory, enhancing brain function and also in helping concentration – Gingko biloba, Ginseng, Reishi mushroom, Rhodeola rosea, Baccopa monnieri, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, etc.
References
https://www.verywellmind.com/best-herbs-and-spices-for-brain-health-4047818
http://www.womensweekly.com.sg/family/6-tcm-herbs-improve-childs-focus-mental-alertness/
