Ever find yourself unable to remember what you did just two minutes ago? Or maybe you experience brain fog more often than you’d like. These days it seems to happen more frequently to all of us. Information overload, stress, and even the assortment of environmental toxins which assault us on a daily basis can impact brain function. While I recommend diet, exercise, and reducing use of electronics as the best ways to get the brain back to working order, sometimes we need a little help to restore mental balance.
The following nine herbs have a traditional history of promoting mental health.
The indigenous people of South and Central America have used mulungu (Erythrina mulungu) for centuries to calm nerves, improve mood, and aid sleep. Erythravine, one of mulungu’s active alkaloids, may also help reduce anxiety and protect brain function.[1, 2] Flavonoids present in this herb are known antioxidants and have been shown to support cardiovascular health and a healthier brain.
Commonly known as brahmi or water hyssop, Ayurvedic medicine relies on Bacopa monnieri to improve memory, reduce stress, and support cognitive function. Cortisol — the body’s stress hormone — can even decrease when you take bacopa.[3] It supports the physical health of brain cells and offers protection against brain aging.[4]
Mucuna or velvet bean contains L. dopa, a biochemical precursor to several neurotransmitters including dopamine. Supporting dopamine levels may improve brain function and support memory. This effect probably contributes to Mucuna's popularity as an anti-aging herb. Antioxidant properties linked to Mucuna also discourage damage from free radicals and suggest protective effects for neurons.[5]
This traditional medicinal herb contains two powerful natural compounds that have been proven to play a role in brain health. Salidroside is one of these compounds and is known as a potent antioxidant. Rosin is the other, and this compound appears to reduce inflammation of neural cells, possibly protecting against neurotoxicity.[6] Both of these compounds reduce fatigue, improve mood, and lower the effects of stress.[7] This may lead to better mental performance and a more positive response to stressful situations.
Also known as “sour date,” Zizyphus jujuba or jujube is one of the many herbs that may support mental health while encouraging a good night’s rest. Day-to-day activities can be draining on energy levels, not to mention mental strength. The plant’s saponins have demonstrated sedative effects, possibly supporting relaxation.[8]
This traditional herbal sedative has been used as a sleep aid for years. Passionflower also appears to help relieve anxiety, a major cause of sleep disturbance for many individuals. Without a good night’s sleep, mental acuity is compromised and memory degrades. Small servings of passionflower in a tea help healthy adults experience more restful sleep.[9]
Native to North America, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has a history of use for calming nerves, easing stress, lifting the mood, and aiding sleep. It possesses mood enhancing effects and its antioxidant properties may provide significant protection for the brain against the damaging effects of inflammation.[10, 11]
The clear oceans and sandy beaches of the South Pacific may be ideal for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. For those of us unable to get there, kava kava (Piper methysticum) may offer an alternative experience. Used traditionally to relieve stress, anxiety, and poor sleep, kava contains compounds known as kavalactones. These compounds offer a non-opiate and non-narcotic means to supporting a good mood. Kavalactones perform as well as certain pharmaceutical drugs.[12]
Saffron, also known as Crocus sativus, does more than add color and flavor to food. It has a long history of use for encouraging a balanced mood, relieving stress, and calming anxiety. It's very effective for lifting mood.[13]
Herbs aren’t the only way to keep the brain sharp and running smoothly. Lithium and zinc are two naturally-occurring minerals that support memory, focus, and overall health.
Lithium orotate supports a positive mood and positive responses to stress. It supports gray matter in the brain.[14] Unlike other forms of lithium, lithium orotate easily passes through cell walls for greater bioavailability. Global Healing’s Lithium Orotate nutritionally supports mood, boosts focus, and provides a healthy response to stress.
Dr. Hans Nieper discovered zinc orotate was more easily assimilated by the human body. This neutrally-charged form of zinc crosses cell membranes, getting where it’s needed most to support hormone production and balance, metabolism, tissue growth, and nerve function.
For mental health support, it's hard to beat rest, sleep, and exercise; they remain the best places to start for reducing feelings of fatigue and mental cloudiness. Sometimes the body needs help to restore balance and find shelter from environmental toxins. Some people prefer to take one herb while others prefer to take a mixture of herbs which nutritionally support a sound mind and healthy mood. Stress Relief provides an ideal mix of the best organic herbs and minerals, including several of those mentioned above.
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