Age can bring many changes to the body, and one of those changes includes a slight loss in brain function where memory and concentration are concerned, according to a report in the February 2006 issue of "Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience." There are steps that can be taken to keep the brain functions of concentration and memory going strong, including the use of certain key herbs. However, herbs can interact with medications, so speak to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, if you are being treated for a medical condition.
Rosemary
Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis is a common spice found in many home cupboards. While it can add zest to food dishes, it also has medicinal benefits. Rosemary has been used for centuries to give support to the nervous system, circulatory system and improve memory, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. One method of using rosemary to improve concentration and memory function is through aromatherapy. Researchers at the University of Northumbria in the U.K. tested the impact of rosemary and lavender essential oil on cognitive function. The results, published in the January 2003 issue of the "International Journal of Neuroscience," showed that rosemary oil was superior in enhancing memory function. The UMMC reports that rosemary can also relieve anxiety in some people, but there are others in which rosemary aromatherapy actually increased anxiety.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is an herb that is native to southern Europe though grown all over the world. It has many uses, from a garnish for iced tea to perfume oil, according to a report from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. A lesser known benefit of lemon balm is its ability to positively affect brain function. A report in the 2006 issue of "American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias" states that lemon balm improves brain function, including the areas of memory, judgment and problem solving, and relieves anxiety within 16 weeks of treatment.
Ginkgo Biloba
No list of herbs for memory and concentration would be complete without ginkgo biloba, as it is commonly consumed to improve memory function. Scientific studies on ginkgo's effectiveness are mixed, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. NCCAM reports that some small studies have found ginkgo effective at improving memory, while other studies found it to have no effect on memory performance at all. Not only do they report it does not help memory, it is stated that ginkgo does not prevent decline in brain function or the onset of Alzheimer's disease. One study that does reports positive results for the use of ginkgo for memory support is published in the May 2010 issue of "Pharmacopsychiatry." In this study, researchers at the Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine in China tested the effects of ginkgo on cognitive decline, and found that with 6 months of ginkgo biloba treatment, cognitive functions of the brain were improved.
References
- PubMed: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience: Age-related Changes in Brain Activity Across the Adult Lifespan
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rosemary
- PubMed: International Journal of Neuroscience: Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Lemon Balm
- American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dimentias: Herbal medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
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