Herbal Brain Food: How Choosing The Right Herbals Can Improve Mental Function
By: J Wall
Many cultures have used herbal brain food for generations. That is they have used various herbal substances to increase IQ, Memory, Focus and Mood with good success. The idea is finally catching on in the US and science is beginning to back up some of the claims that have been made about herbals. However, choosing the right ones is still something of a trick, but not impossible.
There has been a lot of bad marketing information in the past regarding supplements and their abilities. However, as the industry matures there is increasing emphasis on quality information as well as quality substances. Consumers now have more choices so manufacturers have to deliver if they want to keep customers. That said, there is still a lot of confusion out there about what works and what doesn't. When it comes to finding an herbal brain power increaser there are several options. How do you know what will help?
Thankfully, as the information pool grows more reputable scientific organizations and Universities have done studies and pooled research information regarding herbals and their capabilities. These organizations have helped to highlight what various herbs do in the body. Using these sources will help you zero in on the right brain power herbal supplement for the need you are trying to address. We'll discuss some examples here.
The first is the fairly common herbal brain food, Ginkgo Biloba. This herb has undergone a lot of review by various institutions and many of the studies done have confirmed the potency of this herb to effect the brain and body. Studies of Ginkgo have supported the use of it for improving memory and increasing blood flow to the brain which helps improve overall function.
Ginkgo also seems to have an antioxidant effect which helps protect cells, including brain cells, from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage is a possible factor in both age related mental decline and diseases like Alzheimer's. Ginkgo helps protect against this type of damage.
Another herbal brain power increaser is Siberian Ginseng. Ginseng has also been the subject of many studies and science is also confirming its ability to help the brain. Ginseng helps support memory functions in the brain. It is also an "adaptogen", a substance that helps the body keep its systems balanced under stressful conditions thereby minimizing the effects of stress on the body. Ginseng also give noticeable improvement in concentration and immune system function in a couple of studies.
A third herbal brain food is Gotu Kola. This herb has been used in Asia for thousands of years for a variety of purposes. As far as the brain is concerned, researchers have confirmed its use to improve mental clarity, increase memory and IQ as well as calming mood or reducing anxiety. This makes Gotu Kola a well rounded herbal brain power increaser, an all purpose herb.
One final herbal brain food example is Passion Flower. Passion Flower is less studied compared to the ones mentioned above, but has been a popular herb by homeopathic medicine in Europe, particularly in places like Germany. It is used for reducing anxiety, combating insomnia as well as other nervous disorders and ADHD. One study in particular found that Passion Flower was at least as effective as a leading prescription anti-anxiety medicine at relieving symptoms. More needs to be done to study this herb, but it seems to be off to a great start in terms of benefiting mood, nervous systems, etc.
There is a lot of helpful information out there when trying to choose a brain power herbal supplement. It is more a matter of doing a little homework than anything when trying to understand what herbs are useful. As the use of herbs becomes more popular in the US, researchers will continue to evaluate and publish findings on what works and what doesn't. However, there is enough good information out there that you can make educated decisions today. You can find useful herbal brain food today without having to wait for more studies. Take a look at the research and then you can make the right choice for your cognitive health.
J. Wall has an avid interest in natural remedies for the treatment of memory loss. He is a regular contributor to the Herbal Brain Food section of http://www.memory-enhancement-guide.com, a site dedicated to improving mental ability and cognitive function.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_Wall
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