Nature's brain boosters (herbs).

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a very ancient tree species from China that dates back over 300 million years. It's used quite widely to enhance brain function. It increases blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and memory, and has enough antioxidants to slow down loss of memory and protect from Alzheimer's. Ginkgo also stabilizes mood by boosting dopamine and serotonin levels. It comes in tablet, tincture, or tea form. Take 80–240 mg a day in two doses, preferably after breakfast and lunch. Effects may take up to 12 weeks to manifest.

Used for thousands of years, ginseng improves memory, focus, and mental sharpness. It's also an adaptogen, allowing the body to cope with physical and emotional stress by reducing cortisol levels and aiding adrenal function. It's antioxidants protect the brain from deterioration and can help individuals with ADHD or short-term memory impairment. Found in capsule, tablet, or tea form. Dosage: 240 mg daily.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava, traditionally used in centuries-old South Pacific rituals, promotes relaxation and relieves anxiety, tension, and insomnia. Its active components (kava-lactones) are potent muscle relaxants. Though there have been some concerns regarding liver safety, there is no concrete evidence. In tea, capsule, or tablet form. Take 210–240 mg daily, but avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or with liver issues. Watch for interactions with other drugs.

St. John's Wort

Native to European and North American wild-growing areas, St. John's Wort cures depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Active constituent hypericin boosts serotonin, mood, sleep, and mental function. When taken with Ginkgo, its memory benefits are enhanced. Dosage: 300 mg per day if taken alone, or 150 mg (with 30 mg of Ginkgo). Interacts with numerous medications—do consult your physician.

Gotu Kola

An Ayurvedic herb used in Indian and Asian medicine, Gotu Kola calms the nervous system and relieves stress and anxiety. Helps memory, mental clarity, and alertness. Vitamins A, G, K, and magnesium are present, and should be used as tea (similar to chamomile), but is also available in capsules. 50–250 mg, 2–3 times per day.

Ashwagandha

Native to Africa and the Middle East, Ashwagandha is a potent nootropic herb that reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and may prevent Alzheimer's through prevention of plaque buildup in the brain. Ashwagandha improves memory, calms the body, and fights against ADHD and Parkinson's. Its antioxidant action encourages nerve cell repair. Start with 300–500 mg daily, increasing to 6,000 mg if needed, taken in 2–3 divided doses.

Lemon Balm

The citrusy herb Lemon Balm minimizes anxiety and promotes sleep. It also improves memory and learning ability through enhanced acetylcholine function, a critical neurotransmitter. Research has shown enhanced performance in students who take it daily. Drink it as tea (especially if you're growing it), or 600–1,600 mg of extract daily.

Bacopa

One of the oldest Ayurvedic herbs, Bacopa is a memory-enhancing, processing-speed-raising, and learning-enhancing herb. Bacopa enhances mood by boosting levels of serotonin and protects against Alzheimer's through degradation of poisonous proteins and repair of nerve cells. Take 300 mg daily for optimal results.

Huperzia Serrata

This Asian moss battles Alzheimer's by boosting acetylcholine, which plays a key role in communication between brain cells. It also prevents plaque formation and destruction of brain cells. Due to its powerful benefits, it's becoming increasingly popular in brain supplements. Have 50–100 mcg of its active compound, huperzine A.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is an adaptogen that combats physical and emotional stress, improves mental health, and enhances immunity. Rhodiola reduces cortisol, boosts serotonin, and prevents memory loss and mental fatigue. Rhodiola can even improve concentration, mental acuity, and response time. Daily dose: 100–1,000 mg, twice a day.

Oregano

In addition to being a culinary herb, oregano amplifies brainwave activity, studying, and relaxation. Its compounds (carvacrol and thymoquinone) increase dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, mood and concentration boosters. Use it in foods, oil in an essential oil diffuser, or 400 mg two times per day as a supplement.

Rosemary

Rosemary clarifies focus, improves mood, and strengthens memory. Its active ingredients (cineole, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid) protect the brain against inflammation and aging degeneration. It's also great for improving "prospective memory" — remembering to perform an action. Take it in food or 400 mg capsules, three times a day. Don't take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Thyme

Thyme contains omega-3s, iron, vitamin C, and flavonoids. It protects brain cells, keeps brain function intact, and enhances mood because of its thymol compound. Add it to food, especially with vegetables and legumes, for its brain-boosting properties.

Sage

Sage has been prized for centuries as a brain and mental function enhancer. It blocks the acetylcholinesterase enzyme that causes Alzheimer's, and enhances acetylcholine levels. Rich in antioxidants like carnosic acid, sage keeps circulation going in the brain and is resistant to inflammation. Use it as a cooking ingredient, or as an extract (2 x 400 mg capsules, 3 times a day). Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.