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
Showing posts with label Memory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memory. Show all posts
Memory Foods & How To Improve Your Memory
Are to-do lists scattered all over your house? Are you constantly forgetting or losing things like your keys or your phone or missing appointments you need to keep? Natural remedies can help you focus. Here’s how.
HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS THAT BOOST BRAIN POWER
Ginkgo is an ancient herb that improves the brain’s ability by enhancing peripheral blood flow. Bacopa herb enhances neurotransmitter function and serotonin production. Gotu kola herb improves the movement of impulses from the left and right brain hemispheres. Ginseng root increases cerebral circulation. Take them in tea, tincture, or capsule form three times daily.
Also good is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is a primary component of brain structure. A new study in the Journal of Neuroscience Research (2010) showed that DHA (found in fish oil) helps preserve brain function in rats as they age. Take 300 to 500 mg daily.
Phosphatidylserine enables brain cells to metabolize glucose and to release and bind with neurotransmitters. Take 500 mg daily. Choline is part of the B vitamin complex and is a precursor of acetylcholine, a stimulatory neurotransmitter. Take 250 to 500 mg daily.
Inositol, another component of the B vita-min complex, helps maintain proper electrical energy and nutrient transfer across the cell membrane. Take 100 to 300 mg daily.
SCENTS TO HELP YOU REMEMBER
The nasal cavities are in close proximity to the brain. Perhaps this is why ancient Greek scholars wore laurels of rosemary when taking examinations. When receiving important information, inhale up to ten breaths of pure essential oils like basil, lemon, lemon grass, lime, peppermint, or rosemary to help imprint the information into the psyche. When you need to recall something, smell the same scent.
FOODS THAT BOOST MEMORY
Green foods are high in chlorophyll, which transports oxygen to the brain. Make at least one daily meal a salad of leafy greens, even wild ones like dandelion. Eat a handful of raw sunflower seeds daily. Drink 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of raw apple cider vinegar in water three times daily before each meal to improve memory.
High cholesterol clogs arteries, decreasing blood supply to the brain. So use good fats such as extra virgin olive and cold pressed coconut oil. When you prepare food, use liberal amounts of brain-enhancing antioxidant herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Many medications affect your brain. If you are experiencing memory problems, learn about prescriptions you are taking (visit www.rxlist.com, type in the drug name, and click on side effects) and talk to your doctor. Also when memory loss starts getting you into dangerous situations, seeing a neurologist can be a good idea.
Skip This!
Avoid excessive exposure to substances such as tobacco, alcohol, pollutants, MSG, and toxic body- and house-cleaning products. Food sensitivities and allergies, addiction, and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to memory impairment.
High-carbohydrate foods such as pasta and bread are more for feeling serene and stuffed rather than sharp. Go for protein with greens rather than carbs with protein. Saturated fats and heated oils can lead to feeling soggy, foggy, and groggy.
PRACTICES THAT IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Exercise increases the body’s intake of oxygen and speeds up nerve impulses. Working up a sweat at least three times a week can open the receptor sites. Make exercise fun—go for a walk with a friend. Even walking a different direction inspires new thoughts as we take in various sights. In classrooms, sit closer to the front but move to different spots to increase perception by seeing from a different angle.
Exercise the brain too. Learn two new vocabulary words a week, using them soon after, do puzzles, play challenging games, or journal. To remember names, associate the name with a picture. Eileen has big blue eyes and is leaning. Visualize Bob becoming a bobcat. Soon after being introduced, use their name. If you don’t catch their name, say, “Spell it, please?” Or picture all the people you know named Eileen or Bob standing together.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Using the opposite hand a few minutes daily on simple tasks help to open neural pathways.
When you want to remember something, repeat it aloud. Visualize it being imprinted upon your brain and file it. Then practice retrieving and refilling it.
The following are some other ideas on how you can improve your memory:
1. Hang with intelligent folk. Have deep discussions. Ask questions. Get answers.
2. The color yellow is cerebrally stimulating. Use yellow to highlight important passages when reading. Try a yellow legal pad. Wear accents of yellow or use it in décor where mental work is being done.
3. Read things that are challenging and give new insights. If fiction is usually your thing, try a biography, self-help, spiritual, or even science fiction book.
4. Think positively. Success is most likely when affirming, “I can do this” rather than “I’ll never make it.”
5. Record flashes of brilliance and words of wisdom! You never know when you may get a great idea. Meditate to expand calmness and consciousness.
6. Try different foods and things wherever you are on the planet.
7. Learn and practice handicrafts. Take classes. (I just learned to crochet!)
8. Practice the art of brainstorming to lead to fruitful concepts.
9. Break blockage and negativity with diversion. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Go to a film. Take a bath.
10. Wearing an amethyst crystal, according to gem therapists, improves memory.
This How To Improve Your Memory article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS THAT BOOST BRAIN POWER
Ginkgo is an ancient herb that improves the brain’s ability by enhancing peripheral blood flow. Bacopa herb enhances neurotransmitter function and serotonin production. Gotu kola herb improves the movement of impulses from the left and right brain hemispheres. Ginseng root increases cerebral circulation. Take them in tea, tincture, or capsule form three times daily.
Also good is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is a primary component of brain structure. A new study in the Journal of Neuroscience Research (2010) showed that DHA (found in fish oil) helps preserve brain function in rats as they age. Take 300 to 500 mg daily.
Phosphatidylserine enables brain cells to metabolize glucose and to release and bind with neurotransmitters. Take 500 mg daily. Choline is part of the B vitamin complex and is a precursor of acetylcholine, a stimulatory neurotransmitter. Take 250 to 500 mg daily.
Inositol, another component of the B vita-min complex, helps maintain proper electrical energy and nutrient transfer across the cell membrane. Take 100 to 300 mg daily.
SCENTS TO HELP YOU REMEMBER
The nasal cavities are in close proximity to the brain. Perhaps this is why ancient Greek scholars wore laurels of rosemary when taking examinations. When receiving important information, inhale up to ten breaths of pure essential oils like basil, lemon, lemon grass, lime, peppermint, or rosemary to help imprint the information into the psyche. When you need to recall something, smell the same scent.
FOODS THAT BOOST MEMORY
Green foods are high in chlorophyll, which transports oxygen to the brain. Make at least one daily meal a salad of leafy greens, even wild ones like dandelion. Eat a handful of raw sunflower seeds daily. Drink 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of raw apple cider vinegar in water three times daily before each meal to improve memory.
High cholesterol clogs arteries, decreasing blood supply to the brain. So use good fats such as extra virgin olive and cold pressed coconut oil. When you prepare food, use liberal amounts of brain-enhancing antioxidant herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Many medications affect your brain. If you are experiencing memory problems, learn about prescriptions you are taking (visit www.rxlist.com, type in the drug name, and click on side effects) and talk to your doctor. Also when memory loss starts getting you into dangerous situations, seeing a neurologist can be a good idea.
Skip This!
Avoid excessive exposure to substances such as tobacco, alcohol, pollutants, MSG, and toxic body- and house-cleaning products. Food sensitivities and allergies, addiction, and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to memory impairment.
High-carbohydrate foods such as pasta and bread are more for feeling serene and stuffed rather than sharp. Go for protein with greens rather than carbs with protein. Saturated fats and heated oils can lead to feeling soggy, foggy, and groggy.
PRACTICES THAT IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Exercise increases the body’s intake of oxygen and speeds up nerve impulses. Working up a sweat at least three times a week can open the receptor sites. Make exercise fun—go for a walk with a friend. Even walking a different direction inspires new thoughts as we take in various sights. In classrooms, sit closer to the front but move to different spots to increase perception by seeing from a different angle.
Exercise the brain too. Learn two new vocabulary words a week, using them soon after, do puzzles, play challenging games, or journal. To remember names, associate the name with a picture. Eileen has big blue eyes and is leaning. Visualize Bob becoming a bobcat. Soon after being introduced, use their name. If you don’t catch their name, say, “Spell it, please?” Or picture all the people you know named Eileen or Bob standing together.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Using the opposite hand a few minutes daily on simple tasks help to open neural pathways.
When you want to remember something, repeat it aloud. Visualize it being imprinted upon your brain and file it. Then practice retrieving and refilling it.
The following are some other ideas on how you can improve your memory:
1. Hang with intelligent folk. Have deep discussions. Ask questions. Get answers.
2. The color yellow is cerebrally stimulating. Use yellow to highlight important passages when reading. Try a yellow legal pad. Wear accents of yellow or use it in décor where mental work is being done.
3. Read things that are challenging and give new insights. If fiction is usually your thing, try a biography, self-help, spiritual, or even science fiction book.
4. Think positively. Success is most likely when affirming, “I can do this” rather than “I’ll never make it.”
5. Record flashes of brilliance and words of wisdom! You never know when you may get a great idea. Meditate to expand calmness and consciousness.
6. Try different foods and things wherever you are on the planet.
7. Learn and practice handicrafts. Take classes. (I just learned to crochet!)
8. Practice the art of brainstorming to lead to fruitful concepts.
9. Break blockage and negativity with diversion. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Go to a film. Take a bath.
10. Wearing an amethyst crystal, according to gem therapists, improves memory.
This How To Improve Your Memory article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
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