The Gotu kola leaf is a fine example of the ‘doctrine of signatures’ whereby the features of plants resemble, in some way, the condition or body part that the plant can treat. Gotu kola leaves look like the brain’s cerebellum and in Ayurveda “Gotu kola is traditional renowned for its intellect-promoting, nervous system soothing and general mind enhancing properties” (S. Pole, 2013).

Gotu kola has a long history of use in Ayurveda as a rejuvenating tonic for vitality and memory. Through relaxing the central nervous system Gotu kola is used in nervous conditions where stress, insomnia and emotional turbulence are present- these factors can directly impair our memory! A general health prompter, gotu kola can be used to slow the ageing process. By offering protection for the brain, Gotu kola can assist with reducing stress and promoting longevity. Improved concentration, intelligence, memory, and alertness are key features of this incredible Ayurvedic herb. Oh, Gotu kola is also called brahmi which can be confusing!

Brahmi or Aindri, has been shown to help regulate dopamine and serotonin production (helping us to feel good) and works to relieve stress naturally. Nicknamed “the memory herb”, brahmi reduces anxiey and depression as well as supports focus, attention, learning and recall.

Brahmi is non-addictive with almost no side-effects and is often used to help manage mental and mood-related health concerns from anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

Shankhpushpi, as a specialised tonic for the brain, is used in Ayurveda to rejuvenate, maintain and potentiate our mood, intellect and memory. Shankhpushpi regulates stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol and assists to calm the brain and relieve stress and anxiety. By assisting the secretion of dopamine neurotransmitter, Shankhpushpi helps us to feel good. Various phytonutrients found in Shankhpushpi stimulate the brain and boost our ability to concentrate. It reportedly slows the aging process in the brain and offers neuroprotection and is commonly found in herbal formulas that support good sleep, such as Tulsi SLEEP.

Yuastimadhu, or sweet stick as it is called in Ayurveda is a nourishing tonic for our nervous system and adrenals and a handy herb to use in times of stress and anxiety. There are approximately 300 bioactive compounds found in licorice root, many of which offer neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycyrrhizic acid can help prevent depression and nervousness by promoting adrenal gland function while carbenoxolone helps maintain normal cortisol levels and nourishes the adrenal glands.  Licorice will support blood circulation to the central nervous system and blood sugar balance (high blood sugar levels affect our ability to think straight). The antioxidant content in Licorice protect brain cells from oxidative stress, resulting in improved neuronal function and memory.

Licorice should be taken with caution since glycyrrhizin, the major bioactive compound found in licorice, can raise blood pressure and heartbeat.

Pudina, or Peppermint, is a vibrant Ayurvedic and a time-tested mood-enhancer that supports all constitutions.  Our brain’s ability to learn from and to remember our experiences depends on a cellular mechanism called long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP creates long-lasting increases in signal strength between the neurons on our hippocampus – the area of our brain vitally important for long-term memory. Signal strength is strong when the neurons are subjected to LTP for longer, resulting in easier and faster learning and recall.

One study of peppermint’s effect on LTP showed a direct link to increased LTP after inhalation of pure peppermint essential oil, an indication of improved cognitive function. Simply inhaling the aroma or peppermint oil or drinking a good quality cup of Tulsi peppermint tea, could improve memory, reasoning, concept formation, attention span and problem solving.

Considered by some to be The Tree of Life, Moringa or “drumstick” is traditionally used by tribal women in India and Africa to supplement nutrition for their family – this is their traditional herbal superfood! All of the essential amino acids, plus many of the B vitamins and a host of other vitamins minerals are found in Moringa. Nutrition plays a crucial part in wellbeing across our whole lifecycle, supporting healthy growth, development and ageing.

Moringa can nourish our brains and our bodies. Studies are finding that Moringa has the following to offer us as a herbal nootropic;

Supports neuroprotection & reduces neurodegeneration
Cognitive enhancing
Reduces memory impairment
Antioxidant rich, offering protection from oxidative stress (implicated in age-related dementia)
Provides nourishment where there is anxiety and depression.
Studies suggest Moringa could be beneficial in prevention of age-related dementia.