Do you often feel like you have your head in the clouds? That your thoughts are murky, your concentration poor, your memory fuzzy?
Brain fog can be caused by multiple things including:
- Stress
- Lack of Sleep
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Hormonal Changes
- Medications
When it comes to hormonal changes, this is particularly true when it comes to pregnancy and post partum, otherwise known as 'baby brain'. This phenomena, believe it or not actually has a useful purpose and that is to help us bond and care for our baby without too much distraction. It helps us to move away from the intellectual type of thinking, planning and rationalising and instead move into a more primitive and intuitive type of thinking and feeling so that we can better respond to our babies needs in those early days.
Having said that, many mothers find that they are still experiencing this baby brain fog for years after childbirth and that it is having quiet detrimental affects on their mood and wellbeing.
So what can you do if you're experiencing brain fog and want to improve your cognition?
There are many amazing herbs that have an affinity for the brain. They work to increase cognition and enhance concentration and memory so well that many have been used traditionally for thousands of years, particularly throughout China and India, as powerful brain tonics.
So what are the best herbs for boosting brain function? Below you will find my top herbal brain tonics that can help you to lift the brain fog, improve your concentration, memory and learning.
Bacopa - A popular brain tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, Bacopa, also known as Brahmi is great for enhancing concentration, memory and learning. It also helps with mood and healthy brain aging. Evidence suggests that it also helps us retain new knowledge more effectively.
Gingko - Researchers believe that ginkgo improves cognitive function because it promotes blood circulation to the brain and protects the brain from neuron damage. Gingko contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, antioxidants that provides protection against oxidative cell damage from harmful free radicals.
Gotu Kola - Gotu kola improves brain function via the release of a protein called Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF increases the creation of new brain cells and improves the health of existing ones by boosting brain plasticity and improving communication between brain cells. It's antioxidants neutralize the damage of free radicals, preventing them from harming our brain cells. It also helps to reduce anxiety, boost mood and promote restorative sleep.
Rosemary - Several studies have found Rosemary to help increase cognition due to it's anti inflammatory and blood circulatory properties. Rosemary essential oil in particular has been found to help increase concentration, mood and memory recall. Rosemary also appears to have some antioxidant properties which may offer some protection against free radical damage.
Ginseng - Ginseng has been shown to prevent memory loss and guard against age-related mental decline via it's ability to promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. Ginseng also increases important neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and norepinephrine for mood regulation as well as increase neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein which encourages the growth of new brain cells.
Lions Mane Mushroom - This interesting looking mushroom helps to generate new brain cells via 'Nerve Growth Factor' which not only generates but organises brain cells, and promotes the brain plasticity that underlies memory and new learning. It also helps to counteract the effects of age-related cognitive decline.
Rhodiola - Modern evidence suggests Rhodiola rosea works to improve cognition via it's ability to promote calm, focused mental clarity by increasing the body's resistance to stress. Rhodiola has also demonstrated brain antioxidant and neurotransmitter support as well as it's ability to treat depression.
Taking any or a combination of these herbs daily is a great way to lift the fog and enhance your cognition. If you would like a custom tonic you may like to book an online Naturopathic session with me to discuss your needs!