Brain Herbs:
Growing Your Mental Alertness
In a society ruled by high stress and demands, effective brain herbs are taking on a whole new level of importance. The idea of using herbs to boost mental alertness is hardly new. Many natural doctors and alternative healers suggest there are supplements that can provide a healthy, natural and effective alternative when someone requires a little mental tune-up. The good news is, many of these supplements can provide a lot of benefits. But it's important to remember that there can be side effects -- do yourself a favor, and do your homework before you decide to add any alternative supplement to your routine.
Natural Alternatives
For Boosting IQ:
Power Of Brain Herbs
Among the more popular alternatives are the following:Gotu Kola - This ancient herb, popular in Ayurvedic medicine, is said to be excellent brain food, helping both improve memory and lessen the symptoms of senility. A study of the herb with mentally retarded children showed it helped improve concentration and attention. Gotu Kola is rich in B-complex vitamins, which may explain some of its effectiveness. Ginkgo Biloba - Another ancient Chinese herb, Ginkgo Biloba has received mixed reviews for its abilities. Ginkgo has been shown to increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which can help improve mental function, promoting alertness and short-term memory. It is also thought to stimulate brain receptors that release a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that is thought to be associated with intelligence. Ginkgo Biloba is widely used in Europe, and has become more popular in North America. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1997 stated that Ginkgo Biloba was helpful for people suffering the effects of Alzheimer's. Others studies showed that Ginkgo only resulted in a small - three percent - improvement in cognitive function. The jury is still out on the use of Ginkgo Biloba as a brain booster, though it is one of the most widely used herbs in North America today. Rosemary is a very common herb that has been shown to help increase circulation within the brain, stimulating concentration and memory. Many herbalists recommend inhaling rosemary essential oils to heighten the senses; others like to apply the leaves of the plant itself to the temples or drink an herbal tea to help improve concentration. The Vegetarian Times has an article on
brain herbs
and their benefits that's worth checking out.
The Power Of Fatty Acids:
This Time, Fat Is Good!
Brain herbs aren't the only substances that can be used to boost IQ. Pyroglutamate acid is a natural substance that has been used to develop several mind-enhancing drugs. These drugs, often called nootropics, are usually available only by prescription. Though more widely used in Europe, they have yet to gain as much popularity in North America.
Pyroglutamate itself is available over-the-counter, and has been shown to be useful in helping the brain to utilize glucose (sugar) as its primary energy source. It is also purported to improve memory and learning, and to reduce stress.
Harnessing The Power of Brain Herbs: Prescribing Caution
Whether you are using brain boosters to increase your IQ, help you concentrate better or improve your memory, it's important to be cautious. Demonstrate your intelligence by doing your homework before you make any choices about how they can help make you smarter.
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