Do you often feel forgetful and unfocused? Are you having a hard time concentrating on the tasks at hand? If so, you may be suffering from brain fog.
Brain fog is a common symptom that can be caused by many different things, including stress, anxiety, and poor diet.
Luckily, there are several herbs that can help clear the fog away and restore your mental clarity.
In this blog post, we will explore 15 of the best herbs for brain fog and discuss how they can help you improve your overall brain health.
So, let’s get started.
What exactly is brain fog, and how does it make you feel?
Brain fog is a term used to describe feelings of mental confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of focus.
The symptoms can vary from person to person but often include problems with memory, thinking, and concentrating.
People who suffer from brain fog often feel tired and sluggish and may have difficulty completing even the simplest tasks.
Brain fog can make you feel like you’re in a dreamlike state where everything around you is blurry and hard to understand.
You may also experience problems with your memory and find it difficult to recall details from recent events or conversations, even though they were once important to you.
What causes brain fog?
Brain fog can be caused by many things, including stress, anxiety, depression, poor diet, and lack of sleep.
It is also common in people who suffer from thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances like menopause or perimenopause.
People with autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis are more likely to experience brain fog as well.
Brain fog can also be caused by other neurological disorders and medications used to treat conditions like depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus type II (also known as adult-onset diabetes).
Best Herbs for Brain Fog
The herbs listed below have been shown in clinical studies to be effective in clearing up brain fog.
Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a sour fruit that is often used in Ayurvedic medicine.
It has been shown to be effective in improving mental clarity and reducing anxiety and stress.
In one study, amla was found to be just as effective as the prescription medication lorazepam in treating anxiety.
Amla can be taken as a supplement or consumed as a fruit or juice.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with stress and anxiety.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of brain fog, including confusion, fatigue, and poor concentration.
Ashwagandha can be taken as a supplement or consumed as tea.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to support cognitive health.
A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complement Alternative Medicine showed that Bacopa monnieri was effective in improving brain function and memory in healthy adults.
Bacopa monnieri is available as a supplement and can be found at most health food stores.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is an herb that has been used traditionally in South American medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis and inflammation.
Recent research suggests it may also be effective in treating brain fog due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress.
Cat’s claw can be taken as a supplement or consumed as a tea.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in the spice turmeric that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help clear up brain fog by reducing inflammation in the body.
A study published in the journal Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology showed that curcumin was effective in improving cognitive functions and memory for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Curcumin is available as a supplement and can be bought at most health food stores.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a herb that has been used for centuries to improve mental clarity and focus. It also helps in increasing blood flow to the brain, which can help relieve symptoms of brain fog.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that ginkgo biloba was effective in treating brain fog caused by menopause.
Another study published in the same journal showed that ginkgo biloba was helpful in improving brain function and memory in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Ginkgo biloba is available in extract form and can be purchased at most health food stores.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat skin conditions and improve memory.
One study found that Gotu Kola was effective at improving vascular cognitive impairment after stroke.
Gotu kola can be taken as a supplement or consumed as tea.
Guduchi
Guduchi is a herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including fever, inflammation, and liver disease.
A study published in the journal Ancient Science of Life showed that Guduchi was effective in reducing symptoms of brain fog.
Guduchi can be taken as a supplement or consumed as a tea.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a herb that has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
A study published in the journal Nutrients showed that lemon balm was effective in reducing stress and fatigue, which are the common causes of brain fog.
Lemon balm can be taken as a supplement or consumed as a tea.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is a mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cognitive decline and memory loss.
A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine showed that lion’s mane was effective at improving symptoms of brain fog caused by menopause.
It can be taken as a supplement or consumed as tea.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to improve mental clarity and energy levels.
A study published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed that Rhodiola Rosea can effectively combat mental fatigue and improved cognitive function in people who were under stress.
Rhodiola Rosea is available in capsule form and can be seen at most health food stores.
Mugwort
Mugwort is a herb that has been traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese medicine to improve cognitive function.
A study published in the journal Molecular Diversity Preservation International showed that mugwort was effective at improving cognitive function, working memory, and task flexibility in people who were under stress.
Mugwort can be consumed as tea or an extract.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to improve memory and cognitive performance.
A study published in the journal Antioxidants showed that rosemary leaf extract was effective at improving blood flow to the brain, which can help relieve symptoms of brain fog caused by poor circulation.
Rosemary leaf extract is available in tea bags and capsules and can be purchased at most health food stores.
Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to improve working memory and overall cognitive function.
A study published in the journal Chemical Neuroanatomy suggests that Shankhpushpi is effective in enhancing memory and cognitive function, reducing stress and anxiety, and treating conditions such as insomnia, diabetes, and other degenerative brain diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It can be consumed as an extract or tea.
Tulsi
Tulsi is a herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine to improve mental clarity, focus, and energy levels.
A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine showed that Tulsi was effective at reducing stress and anxiety, which can help relieve symptoms of brain fog.
Tulsi can be consumed as an extract or tea.
Tips for Staying Focused and Sharp
In addition to consuming herbal medicine for brain fog, there are a few things you can do to help improve your mental clarity and focus:
Get enough sleep
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night in order to function at their best. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and stress, which can aggravate symptoms of brain fog.
Eat healthily
Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good mental health. Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as lean protein and healthy fats.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help improve circulation to the brain, which can relieve symptoms of brain fog caused by poor blood flow.
Get enough vitamin B12 and other nutrients
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body needs in order to make red blood cells. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to feelings of fatigue and brain fog.
Reduce your sugar intake
Sugar can have a negative impact on cognitive function and mood. Limiting your sugar intake can help improve mental clarity and focus.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate the body, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and brain fog.
Take breaks during work
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes to step away from your work and relax. Taking breaks can help improve focus and productivity.
Conclusion
Several studies from clinical and experimental pharmacology suggest that herbal medicines are an effective way to improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels.
By incorporating these herbs into your daily routine, you can enjoy improved mental clarity and focus.
The herbs described above have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve cognitive function and overall well-being.
In addition to herbs for brain fog, there are a few things you can do on your own to help improve your brain health.
If you want to learn more about brain fog and how to get rid of it efficiently, here are some educational articles that can help and check out this online community of brain health professionals and enthusiasts.