More people than ever before are living into their 80s and 90s, and that’s a good thing. However, along with aging come a host of age-related maladies, none more feared than memory loss.
Nearly half of people 85 and older suffer from some type of memory-robbing disorder—and nearly everyone loses at least some of their memory as they get older.
Experts still don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but research suggests that a number of Native American herbal remedies may have helped protect them. Native Americans prized these herbs for their ability to impart mental clarity, so perhaps it’s more than a coincidence that they’re the same ones scientists now believe show promise for stopping Alzheimer’s.
Bee balm. Also called horsebalm and horsemint, this herb contains two important compounds, carvacrol and thymol, which research suggests may play a role in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. You can take it as a tea, using fresh or dried herbs. Because some herbalists report that these compounds can be absorbed through the scalp, you may want to add a few drops of tincture to your shampoo.
Peppermint. According to herbal expert Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., this popular Native American herb “prevents congestion of the blood supply to the brain, stimulates circulation and strengthens and calms the nerves.” Research has shown that college students taking peppermint may score higher on examinations, Dr. Mowrey reports.
Ginseng. Well-known for promoting energy and mental alertness, ginseng may help improve the flow of blood to the brain, which could help with memory, says Dr. Mowrey.
Sage. As far back as the 17th century, sage was believed to improve memory or a “weak brain.” Scientists believe it may provide help in the battle against Alzheimer’s because it’s thought to prevent the breakdown of an important brain chemical called acetylcholine.
Willow. Studies have shown that people who take anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Because willow contains an active ingredient similar to that in aspirin, it may also be helpful.
Dandelion. In laboratory studies, dandelion has been shown to improve the memories of mice, reports herbalist James A. Duke, Ph.D. Researchers suspect this is due to its high concentrations of lecithin, a compound which, like sage, may slow the breakdown of acetylcholine.
Stinging nettle. This plant is high in boron, a mineral that can boost levels of estrogen in the body, says Dr. Duke. Higher levels of estrogen have been shown to improve short-term memory in several studies.
Dandelion can be eaten fresh, but the other memory-enhancing herbs are best taken as a tea.
This Supplements For Memory article is taken from :
Healing Secrets of the Native Americans - Porter Shimer
