6 Herbs to Support Cognitive Function

Whether you're seeking to boost your focus and concentration, enhance memory, increase mental energy, or protect your brain from the effects of aging, nature offers powerful herbs that can help. In this blog post, we'll explore six incredible herbs known for their cognitive-enhancing properties. From traditional Chinese medicine to Ayurvedic practices, these herbs have been used for centuries to support brain health and mental clarity. Incorporate these natural remedies into your daily routine and experience the benefits of improved cognitive function.

Focus and Concentration

Antioxidant, cognition boosting, increase focus and energy, adaptogen

Panax Ginseng

Ginseng is a powerful herb known for its ability to boost cognition, increase focus, and enhance energy. As an antioxidant and adaptogen, it helps the body maintain homeostasis and protect against stress. Ginseng is frequently found in mainstream energy drinks due to its quick cognitive boost properties. Originating from Asia, this herb has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to uplift and increase vital energy.

Ginseng, a perennial plant in the Araliaceae family, is characterized by its slender stems, green leaves with serrated edges, and small red berries. It grows up to 3 meters tall and has a deep-reaching taproot. Thriving in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter, ginseng requires partial to full shade to grow effectively and prefers cool, temperate climates. The plant takes several years to mature, with the roots harvested and processed to make either white or red ginseng. Red ginseng is harvested from plants at least six years old and steam-treated, turning the roots red. White ginseng is harvested from plants around four years old and sun-dried directly, retaining a cream color. Both types of ginseng have similar medicinal values and assist in cognitive enhancement. The flower buds are also collected for their medicinal benefits.

The roots contain ginsenosides, a key adaptogen compound that gives ginseng its antioxidant and stimulating effects. Adaptogens like ginsenosides help protect against stress and support the body's overall balance. Ginseng also contains phenolic compounds and other alkaloids, with the flowers containing higher levels of saponins. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that Panax ginseng improved cognitive performance, particularly visual memory, in Korean subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), further supporting its role as a cognition-enhancing medicine.

Ginseng can be consumed in various forms, including capsules or as a tea. Steep the roots to make an uplifting brew, and consider adding honey to counteract the natural bitterness. Incorporate ginseng into your daily routine to experience its powerful benefits for focus and concentration.

Memory Enhancement

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, improves memory, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), mood enhancement

Water Hyssop, Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, also known as water hyssop, is a remarkable herb renowned for its memory-enhancing properties. Highly valued for its ability to improve short-term memory and recall, it's an ideal choice for anyone needing to remember important information. Additionally, bacopa has anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

Native to the wetlands of India, Bacopa monnieri is in the Scrophulariaceae family. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it is often referred to as "Brahmi," after the Hindu god Brahma, symbolizing the herb's cognitive-enhancing capabilities. Nowadays it is widespread, found on every continent. This plant thrives in moist, marshy environments and requires plenty of water and sunlight to grow. Its small, succulent leaves and delicate white or purple flowers are characteristic features.

The primary active compounds in bacopa are triterpenoid saponins called bacosides, which are believed to improve cognitive function by enhancing the transmission of nerve impulses and regulating acetylcholine release. These compounds also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall brain health.

Bacopa monnieri is considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting mental clarity and focus. Recent studies demonstrate the cognitive-enhancing effects of bacopa, showing improvements in memory performance and cognitive processing speed. It also reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, offering a holistic approach to mental well-being. 

Bacopa can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. To prepare a tea, steep the dried leaves in hot water for a few minutes. Adding a touch of honey can enhance the flavor. Regular consumption of this herb supports cognitive function and overall mental well-being.

Mental Energy and Alertness

antioxidant, adaptogen, psychostimulant, neuroprotective, stress reducing, combat fatigue

Golden Root, Rhodiola Rosea 

Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root, is a powerful herb in the Crassulaceae family, known for its ability to increase mental energy and alertness. This adaptogenic herb is highly valued for its capacity to combat fatigue and keep you awake and alert during long work or study periods. Rhodiola Rosea is native to the cold, mountainous regions of Europe, North America and Asia, where it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to enhance physical endurance and reduce stress.

The plant is characterized by its yellow flowers and succulent leaves, which grow in a rosette pattern. Rhodiola rosea thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and requires plenty of sunlight. It is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh climates, making it well-suited for growth in alpine regions. It can be grown as a ground cover plant, growing low and spreading wide. The roots of rhodiola are the primary part used for their medicinal properties, and they are typically harvested in the late summer or early fall. Today, rhodiola is threatened by over harvesting due to its rapid increase in popularity. Please make sure that the rhodiola that you consume is harvested sustainably! 

The active compounds in Rhodiola rosea, known as rosavins and salidrosides, are believed to enhance cognitive function by reducing mental fatigue and increasing stamina. These compounds also have antioxidant properties, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall brain health. Rhodiola rosea is considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting mental clarity and focus.

Recent studies have demonstrated the cognitive-enhancing effects of rhodiola, showing improvements in mental energy, alertness, and cognitive processing speed. It has also been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and fatigue, making it a valuable herb for overall mental well-being. Rhodiola rosea can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. To prepare a tea, simply steep the dried roots in hot water for a few minutes. Adding a touch of honey can enhance the flavor. Regular consumption of Rhodiola rosea can support mental energy, alertness, and overall mental well-being.

Neuroprotection and Brain Longevity

antioxidant, neurogenerative and neuroprotective

Lions Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus

Lion's Mane mushroom is an adaptogenic mushroom renowned for its neuroprotective and neurogenerative properties. It supports long-term cognitive health by protecting the brain from damage and degeneration, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, Lion's Mane has a long history of use in traditional medicine to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health.

The mushroom is characterized by its unique, cascading spines that resemble a lion's mane. It thrives in temperate forests and grows on hardwood trees. The active compounds in Lion's Mane, known as hericenones and erinacines, stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which promotes the growth and repair of nerve cells. These compounds also exhibit antioxidant properties, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress.

Recent studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects of Lion's Mane. Research suggests that regular consumption of this mushroom can improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. Lion's Mane can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, extracts, and teas. It can also be incorporated into culinary dishes such as soups and stir-fries. Regular consumption supports long-term brain health and cognitive function. Some people experience discomfort from long term use such as an increase in anxiety or depression. I personally have never experienced this but please be aware. As always, when trying a new herb monitor yourself closely and always consult a physician when needed!

Stress Reduction and Mood Stabilization

anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, adaptogenic

Holy Basil (Tulsi), Ocimum sanctum

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a powerful adaptogen known for its anxiolytic properties. It helps manage stress and stabilize mood, indirectly supporting cognitive function by reducing anxiety and improving overall mental health. Native to India, Holy Basil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to promote mental clarity and emotional balance. It is actually known as the “Elixar of Life” because of its profound effects on our health.

The plant is characterized by its green or purple leaves and small white or purple flowers. Two cultivars of Ocimum sanctum are commonly encountered: Rama or Sri tulsi (green leaves) and Krishna or Shyama tulsi (purplish leaves). It thrives in warm, tropical climates and requires well-drained, fertile soil to grow. 

The active compounds in Holy Basil, including eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall mental well-being. Studies have shown that Holy Basil can reduce stress and anxiety, improving overall mental health and cognitive function. Research suggests that regular consumption of Holy Basil can enhance mood and promote mental clarity. 

Holy Basil can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and teas. To prepare a tea, steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes. Adding honey can enhance the flavor. Regular consumption of Holy Basil supports stress reduction and mood stabilization.

Overall Brain Function and Development

Antioxidant, improve cognition, anti-inflammatory

Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum

Reishi is a powerful adaptogen that supports overall brain development and function. It promotes balance and optimal performance of cognitive processes over the long term. Native to East Asia, Reishi Mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to enhance longevity and overall well-being.

The mushroom is characterized by its shiny, reddish-brown cap and woody texture. It thrives in humid, forest environments and grows on decaying hardwood trees. The active compounds in Reishi Mushroom, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, exhibit antioxidant and immune-boosting properties, supporting overall brain health and cognitive function.

Recent studies have shown that reishi can improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and support overall brain health. Research suggests that regular consumption of reishi can promote longevity and overall mental well-being. Reishi mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, extracts, and teas. It can also be incorporated into culinary dishes such as soups and broths. Regular consumption supports overall brain function and development.

References

1. Geng, Jin, et al. "Ginseng for Cognition." The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol. 12, 2010, CD007769. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007769.pub2.  

2. Cambria, C., Sabir, S., and Shorter, I. C. "Ginseng." StatPearls, updated 1 May 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538198/. 

3. Walker, E. A., and M. V. Pellegrini. "Bacopa Monnieri." StatPearls, updated 17 Mar. 2023, StatPearls Publishing, Jan. 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589635/. 

4. Kongkeaw, Chuenjid et al. “Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 151,1 (2014): 528-35. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.008 

5. Ivanova Stojcheva, Emilija, and José Carlos Quintela. “The Effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in Alleviating Various Aspects of Life-Stress Symptoms and Stress-Induced Conditions-Encouraging Clinical Evidence.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 27,12 3902. 17 Jun. 2022, doi:10.3390/molecules27123902 

6. Docherty, Sarah et al. “The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study.” Nutrients vol. 15,22 4842. 20 Nov. 2023, doi:10.3390/nu15224842

7. Sampath, Suneetha et al. “Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract enhances specific cognitive parameters in healthy adult volunteers: A placebo controlled study.” Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology vol. 59,1 (2015): 69-77. 

8. Wachtel-Galor, Sissi, et al. "Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, edited by Iris F.F. Benzie and Sissi Wachtel-Galor, 2nd ed., CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2011, Chapter 9, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/.

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