Plants to boost concentration and memory

When memory starts playing tricks on us, we shouldn’t blame it solely on old age; quite the opposite. Lack of concentration and memory issues are typical even in young students, especially on the brink of important exams. This indicates a close correlation between stress levels and cognitive performance.

The loss of memory due to physiological causes, such as old age (in severe forms referred to as senile dementia), brain damage, use of sedative medications, psychological repression mechanisms, and degenerative diseases, is one thing. Another is when attention disorders manifest due to increased stress levels in everyday life (overwork and important exams). In the latter case, we can turn to the plant world, which can provide excellent assistance!

Firstly, we must not forget the importance of essential oils and their effects on our nervous system!

In particular, the essential oils of rosemary, basil, and mint are perfect for restoring mental tone, increasing concentration, and attention levels.

A suggestion is to disperse a few drops of these essential oils, blended together, in the home or work environment.

This will be a small, pleasant, and effective aid to combat fatigue and stimulate attention.

To regain concentration and mental freshness, we cannot overlook Ginkgo Biloba, an ancient plant native to China and Japan.

The leaves are used, and thanks to the synergy of the active principles they contain (flavonoids, terpenes, and lactones), they perform the so-called nootropic action, meaning they could stimulate an individual’s cognitive abilities.

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to identify the mechanism of action of Ginkgo, but there are still no definitive data on the matter.

In any case, in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed its tissue vascularization activity.

Ginkgo is capable of improving cerebral blood flow, promoting the use of glucose and oxygen by brain cells, which, with more nourishment available, would enhance intellectual performance.

The plant is widely used for its antioxidant action, providing protection, especially at the vascular and nervous system levels.

Another important action of Ginkgo Biloba is to inhibit platelet aggregation. One must take into account this activity if taking anticoagulant medications (for example, warfarin and aspirin), as the simultaneous administration of the plant would potentiate the effect of this class of drugs; in this case, the intake of Ginkgo must be carefully evaluated.

All medicinal plants classified as adaptogens, capable of improving an individual’s physiological adaptation, prove effective in combating stress, increasing an individual’s defenses, and improving physical and mental performance.

Particularly suitable ones may include Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim.), Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea L.), and Ginseng (Panax Ginseng C.A Meyer.).

Less known but equally effective are Withania (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian Ginseng, and Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), whose berries exhibit stimulating activity, promoting the maintenance of the body’s tone and balance.

Another plant typical of Ayurvedic medicine, but increasingly present in our markets, is Bacopa Monnieri.

Widely spread in India, it seems to act directly on the central nervous system, improving neuronal transmission, and could thus be an effective remedy for increasing mental concentration and memory.

Scientific studies confirming its cerebral action are still ongoing; however, Bacopa is a plant that has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic tradition and still finds widespread use as an energy tonic.

As we mentioned, the lack of concentration and mental fatigue often become apparent during periods of stress.

Therefore, we recommend using drugs containing caffeine in moderation.

Despite caffeine acting as a stimulant for the central nervous system, excessive use could increase anxiety and nervousness, typical during times of high tension. Consuming large quantities of coffee and energy drinks often can have the opposite effect.