Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in India for overall health. Science has found that the herb improves cognitive ability and also reduces stress and anxiety. It may also protect the brain from dementia. ^{1 2}

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Ginkgo is well-known for its brain-boosting benefits. It has been shown to enhance cognitive processes in healthy young individuals and those suffering from age-related cognitive impairment. ³

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea isn’t just an enjoyable drink. Studies suggest that it suppresses brain aging by reducing anxiety while improving memory and overall brain function. ^{4 5}

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng is a Far East native used for centuries as a tonic to enhance health. It has been found to relieve stress, which is a major cause of depression. It’s also effective for memory improvement and may help prevent degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. ⁶

Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis)

Several studies have shown that magnolia vine can reduce inflammation in the brain. Additionally, it has been shown in many clinical trials to increase brain function and improve memory and work efficiency. ^{7 8}

Water Hyssop (Bacopa Monnieri)

Water hyssop is a powerful antioxidant believed to support brain function. Research has shown that it has memory-enhancing effects and can safely enhance cognitive performance during aging. ⁹

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Damiana has a long history of use in Central and South America, where it is commonly used to promote relaxation. Studies have linked Damiana to reducing anxiety and depression. ^{10 11} 

Asparagus

Asparagus is a food rich in vitamins and minerals. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it as a tonic for clearing “heat” in the body. Research has found that it is useful for treating anxiety. ¹²

Ginger

A common culinary spice, ginger root is also shown to influence serotonin levels in the brain, which is connected to feelings of happiness. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties may protect the brain from many disorders, including anxiety and depression. ¹³

Turmeric

Like ginger, turmeric is best known for its use in the kitchen, but it is also a commonly used healing herb in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Turmeric extract may improve mental health by reducing low-grade inflammation and alleviating inflammation-related symptoms. ¹⁴

Ginseng

Ginseng is a well-known medicinal herb that has been used for centuries. Numerous studies have shown that ginseng is useful for memory and brain health. It may also be helpful for managing depression. ^{15 16}

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

Bilberry is also known as European blueberry. It is a rich source of anthocyanins, which are known to be potent antioxidants. Researchers believe it can improve memory and help with aging-related cognitive problems. ^{17 18} 

Apple

Apples aren’t just delicious snacks. Recent research has discovered that high concentrations of phytonutrients in apples may actually boost brain function and stimulate the production of new brain cells. ¹9 

Coffee

You likely already know that coffee is a great pick-me-up. Interestingly, according to research, coffee consumption has been associated with the prevention of cognitive decline, and reduced risk of developing stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. ²⁰

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¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32305638/ 
² https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31742775/ 
³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166615/ 
⁴ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28899506/ 
⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8401650/ 
⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628357/#:~:text=Ginseng%20is%20effective%20in%20memory,enhanced%20memory%20can%20ameliorate%20anxiety 
⁷ https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2020/5920476/
⁸ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5378736/ 
⁹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/ 
¹⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3040867/ 
¹¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1062162/ 
¹² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3853311/ 
¹³ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25049196/ 
¹⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7728608/ 
¹⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6869450/#:~:text=Panax%20ginseng%2C%20a%20well%E2%80%90known,prevention%20and%20treatment%20of%20depression 
¹⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628357/ 
¹⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/ 
¹⁸ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30999017/ 
¹⁹ https://neurosciencenews.com/apple-compound-neurogenesis-17739/ 
²⁰ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26677204/#:~:text=Lifelong%20coffee%2Fcaffeine%20consumption%20has,Parkinson's%20disease%20and%20Alzheimer's%20disease