DIY Brain-Aid

If there is one organ in the body we wish will stay in its prime, many will probably wish it is the brain. The brain is the seat of our intellect, mind, and emotion, and the controller of all the body parts.

Sadly, as people age, some parts of the brain can shrink and the neurons become ineffective. The mental and cognitive functions can be affected and some people may even risk losing their memories.

Some diet and lifestyle changes, exercise and quality sleep may be able to support the brain. Food supplements like Brain Aid may also provide the necessary nutrients to boost its functions and improve memory.

Herbal remedies are also effective in slowing down brain aging and enhancing its functions.

What Is Brain Aid?

Brain Aids are supplements that claim to improve brain function,  memory and neuroplasticity.  These products contain essential nutrients that may support the aging brain and improve its performance.

Some of the brain food nutrients include iron, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, L-theanine and choline.

Nature is also abundant in herbs and spices that support brain function just like Brain Aid. These are cognitive enhancer herbs (nootropic) that boost cognitive function, memory and attention.

Best Herbs for the Brain 

Fighting memory loss, improving attention and boosting the overall brain performance can be possible with powerful nootropic herbs.

To improve brain function, you also need herbs that protect and regenerate the nervous function. Plants that lower stress can delay the aging of the brain and may decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Lion’s Mane

I’d argue that this is the best Brain Aid you can find in nature. Lion’s mane is a medicinal mushroom that can be consumed as food or in its supplement form. It is a nootropic fungus and is said to give one the “memory of a lion” or “nerves of steel.” The bioactive compounds in lion’s mane may aid in the survival of the neurons and regeneration of the nerve cells.

Tip: if you want to make sure a tincture is not sprayed with harmful pesticides, make sure it has the “non-GMO” label. My Lion’s Mane tincture is non-GMO, here’s how it should look like. This tincture I’m using is actually special because it’s dual-extracted, so the effect is boosted.

Maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has an effective neuroprotective property that may preserve the cognitive function of the brain. In a study conducted in middle-aged mice, maca root powder displayed increased mitochondrial respiratory function and modulation of autophagy signaling. This result is shown to improve cognitive function, motor coordination and endurance capacity.

Bacopa

Bacopa monnierri is a nootropic herb that you can use to aid fighting against memory loss-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to rejuvenate an aging brain and increase memory retention in children.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), also known as Indian pennywort, is another Ayurvedic herb that, similarly to bacopa, is equally valued. In particular, it is widely used for treating nervous debility and enhancing overall brain functioning. Furthermore, it has been recognized for its benefits in traditional medicine for centuries. It reduces the accumulation of amyloid plaques to prevent brain and memory-related problems.

Raw Cacao

Raw cacao which is the unprocessed version of cocoa – may also help in boosting brain function. Cacao is rich in flavonoids, the phenolic compounds that slow down the aging process and the body’s degeneration. It also has serotonin and tryptophan that improve sleep to support better brain health.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is said to be the friend of the aged. A tea prepared from its leaves is a potent brain enhancer that can reduce the risk of age-related brain diseases. Ginkgo increases the oxygen and blood flow to the brain to enhance its ability and efficiency. It may prevent dendrite loss to reduce old-age memory loss.

Ginseng

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the best herbs against memory debility. Consuming it even for a short period may boost mental acuity and improve concentration and memory retention. Ginseng is also great for alleviating stress, depression and neurological disorders.

Ashwagandha

Indian ginseng or ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a nootropic and adaptogenic herb that works in the regions of the brain to restore its learning power. It can pacify the nervous system to reduce stress, anxiety and depression that may contribute to mental illnesses.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a very important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for supporting overall health. It contains curcumin which possesses excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce oxidative stress. It may shield the brain from damage by inhibiting the breakdown of its nerve cells.

Lemon Balm

Stress and lack of sleep can significantly affect brain functioning and may, over time, eventually impair it. If you are constantly battling with sleep problems, then try drinking a cup of lemon balm tea before bedtime. Additionally, developing a relaxing bedtime routine can help improve your sleep quality. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an effective calming and sedative herb that can safely induce sleep and may help in reducing nervous problems.

Check out Nicole Apelian’s Lemon Balm Tincture. I’ve only seen great reviews of it. I’ve already ordered it and waiting for arrival.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon and cinnamon extract are considered brain food essentials that can improve your brain and overall health. It contains phytochemicals like cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin that may slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Saffron

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a homeopathic remedy for problems like emotional and mental stress. It can be used to enhance the learning power and retention of memories. Saffron can suppress the deposition of amyloid beta in the brain to prevent memory loss.

DIY Brain Aid Recipe

Foods rich in iron, B vitamins, L-theanine and omega 3 fatty acids are essential brain foods needed for good functioning.

You can also give this DIY Brain Aid recipe a try. Made with brain-supporting ingredients, you can take this nutritious and luscious drink to clear brain fog and rejuvenate yourself from stress.

The ingredients include maca root powder, raw cacao and cinnamon. You can use it as a substitute for your morning cup of coffee or maybe add it to coffee for a good morning boost.

In this recipe, I used mishri or rock candy, an Indian sugar substitute. Mishri does not only sweeten a beverage or food but may also enhance brain power and memory.  You can find it in some online stores or you may use honey or maple instead.

DIY Brain Aid

Ingredients

• 1 cup choice of milk (almond or other non-dairy milk is the best)
• 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tsp maca root powder
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Pinch of black pepper
• A few drops of vanilla extract
• Mishri, honey or maple, to taste
• Cacao nibs, optional topping
• Ice cubes (optional)

Steps

1. Pour milk into a saucepan and heat until warm but not boiling. You may skip this step if you prefer your Brain Aid cold.
2. Put milk, raw cacao powder, maca root powder, cinnamon, pepper, mishri and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth. Or, you may mix it in the pan and use a whisk to blend the ingredients.
3. Add as much sweetener as it is needed before you serve the drink. Pour into a mug or glass and top with ice cubes if you want it cold. Sprinkle it with some raw cacao powder or sweetened cacao nibs and enjoy.

Take a cup of this brain-boosting beverage in the morning to get a dose of brain energy. Alternatively, you can prepare it warm and mix it with freshly brewed coffee for a delicious latte.

Always remember that, although these herbs are generally safe, any herbal preparation should nevertheless be taken in moderation. If mixing it with coffee, do not take it in the afternoon to prevent it from messing with sleep.

The key to enhancing brain function is getting active, eating healthy, and avoiding alcohol and smoking which can cause gradual damage. Do some helpful brain exercises like playing board games, learning new skills, socializing and meditation.

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