So here we are again and another week of my chatterboxing
This week I want to chat about herbs and what are the best ones and why? I remember as a child herbs being talked about as medicines and this has been the case for THOUSANDS of years, well before the pharmaceutical giants came along with their chemical formulas to make us feel better (or worse). According to the bible of google ‘The first written record of medicinal plants was created on clay tablets over 5000 years ago by the Sumerians, in ancient Mesopotamia (Iraq). Around 1500 BCE the Ancient Egyptians wrote the Ebers Papyrus which listed over 850 herbal medicines.
So I decided to have a browse to see what are the best herbs to add to my diet for my brain and also my moods, I’m only looking at herbs that the taste isn’t disgusting though, what’s the point in adding a vile taste to my food or drink that might make me want to vomit?
Rosemary
Known as the “herb of remembrance,” is used in aromatherapy for improving memory, concentration, and mental clarity. 1,8-cineole, the chemical constituent of the plant is responsible for this effect, and it becomes more concentrated when produced in essential oils.
This scent of Rosemary has been shown to improve speed and accuracy in mental tasks. In one study, the more 1,8-cineole was absorbed by a participant through smelling rosemary the higher they scored on tests.
Periwinkle contains more than 400 active alkaloids some of which improve blood supply to the brain which increases the oxygen and glucose available for your brain to perform well. Vincristine which is found in periwinkle, is known to counter the decline in intellectual and academic abilities due to cancer-causing agents in children. The alkaloids in Periwinkle also raise levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. However don’t go picking your own periwinkle because there are varieties that are poisonous, I’ll definitely be getting mine from a herbal shop and making sure there are no contradictions to any medications before taking it as a cuppa.
Ginseng
(Asian Ginseng, Oriental Ginseng, or Siberian Ginseng) is an adaptogenic herb used to help resist stress and boost energy, concentration, and mood — without the negative effects found in stimulants like caffeine. Ginseng can improve memory and attention, lengthen mental and physical endurance, and ease anxiety. Ginseng has been used as a natural alternative to synthetic ADHD and ADD medications, with fewer side effects.
Parsley, Thyme and Sage
Adding herbs like parsley, thyme and sage to your diet may help boost your brainpower. This is due to a flavonoid, apigenin, found in these herbs. The flavonoid is also found in other plants like chamomile, and vegetables like celery and red pepper. In a recent paper published in the journal Advances in Regenerative Biology, scientists found that apigenin boosts neuron formation and creates strong connections between brain cells.
A lot of the information above comes from the link below, where there is more information on herbs, their uses and benefits. http://theutopianlife.com/2016/05/23/10-natural-herbs-boost-brain-performance/
If you’ve read before, you’ll notice that there is a change in this weeks format. I’m learning my way around this whole blogging thing and very very slowly getting there.
I hope you enjoy this weeks chat and learned some stuff about herbs and their benefits for the better. If there’s anything you want to share please feel free to drop me a message, I’m happy to chat on most subjects.
Have a great week
🙂
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