Herbs For The Brain

 © Anne Calzada Herbalist

If I only had a brain...most of us remember this song from the legendary movie The Wizard Of Oz. Actually, that is my favorite movie! In reality though, we all have a brain. All brains function better with certain nutrients and practices. Lets take a look at some basic natural healing for mental prowess! 

The first thing that you should do is to throw out any aluminum cookware and use cast iron or steel. Removing all carcinogens from your environment such as aluminum cans, products with chemicals like hair dye, round up weed remover, junk food. Chemicals like red #40, certain cosmetics and body care etc...Try to eat as natural as possible and at home and cook for yourself as much as you possibly can. 

Once you clean your life of these toxic influences, then you want to infuse antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, supplements and enhance your diet. Start getting adequate daily rest and exercise. If you are prone to insomnia, get some cardio going, then you will have a deeper sleep at night. We have to defrag our subconscious mind during sleep time. We need cardio and circulation to frrd the brain with fresh blood loaded with nutrients, This is where hanging upside down, headstands, handstands and shoulder stands come into play. Nourishing the blood and removing stagnation in the body. Lymphatic fluid and the fascia of the body benefit. Pranayama exercise will saturate the brain and the body with oxygen. 

Hydrate, we know this, but it is true. The brain is an electrical organ, relying on the quick action of neural synapses to fire. Water is a conduit and will help to clear toxins, keeping everything lubricated, Essential fatty acids will help in this process as well. Coconut oil, fish oil, hemp oil, flax seed oil etc...a TBSP a day. Get your multivitamin going.

Foods that stimulate brain health are of course all the spicy peppers and onions. All berries. Fish. Walnuts. In the doctrine of signature, they resemble the brain. Walnuts also feed the brain with healthy fats. Probiotics support brain power. Foods heavy in B Vitamins like spinach, kale, beans, eggs, dairy, nutritional yeast and lecithin. The brain enjoys antioxidant herbs like chorella, rosemary, garlic, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, cinnamon, sage, bay, cardamom, pepper. 

Gingko...This is my favorite plant for brain power, remembrance. This herb supports circulation to the brain. It also thins the blood, as it is a vasodilator. It helps to break up blood clots as it decreases platelet aggregation and inflammation. It is an antioxidant, stimulating mental faculties. Do not use if pregnant or taking blood thinners. 

Gotu Kola ...is an ayurvedic herb, similar to gingko with its properties. It is revered in India for helping brain related trauma such as dementia, Alzheimer's and depression, cognitive reasoning and mental stress. Improve the energetic movement between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. 

Rosemary...It is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Stimulates the brain with circulation of the blood and it is a very potent antioxidant. Reduces oxidation in the body. Reduces stress and tension in the nervous system.

Lemon Balm...Another antioxidant and strong antiviral plant. It gladdens the heart. Anti-inflammatory, calming, antispasmodic, elevating the mind. Use for depression, anxiety, insomnia and mental agitation. A great safe healing plant for kids.

Passionflower...Antispasmodic, a cerebral vasorelaxant. Soothes the nervous system, relieving stress, tension, anxiety, depression and emotional upset. It slows and calms the movement of the neurotransmitters for relaxation of the brain. 

Essential oils of Frankincense and Sandalwood are the best because they are able to cross the blood brain barrier with super potent antioxidant power. They are also calming for the nervous system. Citrus oils like Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange and Bergamot are potent antioxidants and are very uplifting. They can alleviate nervous system tension, anxiety, depression and sadness. 

Smoothie Power

Blueberries

Banana

1 TBSP Lecithin

1 TBSP Nutritional Yeast

1 tsp Chorella or Kelp or Spirulina powder

Orange Juice

Blend and enjoy the energy and antioxidant powers!

Serenitea

2 part Hawthorn Berries

2 part Lemon Balm

1 part Roses

Blend and brew. Throw some in the bathwater as well. Use 1 tsp to 1 cup of water. Enjoy the serene vibrations!

Support your spiritual, mental and emotional well being with counselling or therapy if needed. Some may need medication. Some people are bipolar, manic depressive, schizophrenic and even suicidal. Find constant daily support or a regular routine of therapy. Seek help when necessary. Remember that a thought is just that. A thought. A mindset, a belief. Change your mind, free your mind. Stinking thinking, they call it. Sometimes we need to vent! Find a good friend or therapist. There is help available and there are people who care. Stay positive!

Love, Anne

HEALING HEART HERBS