Updates
How To Use Herbs For Your Brain – Grey Matter & Green Matter
Jan
Got brains? If you’re anything like me, I’d guess there are times when you wonder. But, believe it or not, we all have one…and they’re actually quite important. The brain runs practically every other organ and process in the body at some level or other. It monitors and manages all kinds of sensory input from everywhere in the body and sends direction to structures and organs on how to respond to those inputs. It uses complex symbols and systems to communicate with other humans. It generates chemicals called neurotransmitters that control memory, emotion, attraction, intuition, and reason.
Hmmm…maybe we should take better care of that rascal.
The good news is that the Good Lord, after having a long look at Adam, said “You know, maybe we’d better make a lot of plants to help this guy’s brain work better.” As a result, there are thousands of species of medicinal herbs that have remarkable supportive and corrective properties for brain health and function. Lets me give you some examples.
Memory & Alertness
I was once in my veterinary clinic examining the dog of an elderly gentleman. He said to me, “Doc, the older I get the more experiences I have with the Here After.” That got my attention. He continued “Yup. Several times a day I walk into a room, stand there for a minute, and then ask myself What the heck was I here after?” I wish I could say I didn’t know what he was talking about but I often have the same experience. There are a number of herbs that can have a significant effect on memory and cognitive function. Sage is one of them. Yup, the same stuff you poke into your Thanksgiving turkey can make it easier to remember the names of all those cute grandkids!
The ginsengs are also amazing at helping memory retrieval work better. They also wake up and energize the brain. Don’t take them before bed as they’re also really good at helping you count lots and lots of sheep! :0) I once had a sweet little lady attend one of my live events in Idaho. After the event, she was very tired but needed to get home to Utah about four hours to the south. She asked me if I had anything that could “wake her up” a little. I told her I had just the thing and gave her a little Panax ginseng. The next day she called me. “Oh Doc”, she said, “that ginseng was amazing. I got all the way home without a bit of drowsiness. And then I read the most wonderful book until about three a.m.” Like I said…ginseng is a lousy sedative. LOL
Ginkgo can help memory too, but through a different effect. Ginkgo is a potent vasodilator. In other words, it dilates and opens up the blood vessels to help more blood (and therefore more oxygen) get to where it’s needed. This improved oxygen perfusion markedly improves memory and cognitive function.
Interestingly, that same medley of herbs has proven remarkably effective in my hands in helping the brain to rebound from strokes. I’ve had a number of stroke cases over the years in both veterinary and naturopathy practices. And, though it is in no way a source of scientific, research data I’ve yet to have a stroke case that didn’t have a full recovery if given those herbs immediately at the time of the stroke. The formula I’ve used is called Memory & Alertness. It contains ginkgo, ginseng, ashwagandha and sage. In addition to waking you up, improving circulation, and improving memory and cognitive function generally, several of those herbs have been shown by research* to help heal brain injury from stroke. As I said, those herbs need to be used very quickly…they won’t help a stroke case that happened years ago. Since time is such a big factor, It’s a good thing to have those sorts of herbs on hand when you need them.
All The Other Brain Stuff
There are countless other herbs that are beneficial to the brain, mind, and moods. In The HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine, we have several lessons which go deep into the benefits of herbal interactions with the nervous system. There are herbs for pain, depression, bipolar, insomnia, OCD, anxiety, ADHD, stress, and about anything else that can go wrong with the old noodle.
This Friday, I’ll be doing a live Masters’ Webinar on herbs and the brain. We’ll be digging deep and learning lots of wonderful things. If you have a brain or know someone that has, I think you’d really benefit from attending. :0)
Click Here To Learn More:
Grey Matter & Green Matter: Herbal Interventions For Brain, Mind & Mood – Masters Seminar
Doc Jones
*I often make references to herbal research. Understand that just because some scientist has done a study proving that some herb he worked with is good for something does not, in any way, prove that anything I sell is good for something. Our products have never been researched or proven by the FDA to do anything. All the information I share in my writing and teaching is for entertainment and educational purposes only and cannot be considered a medical claim of efficacy for any herb or product.
Have you ever heard of gingko having a laxative effect? I looked it up online but didn’t find anything about this.
Ginkgo, like most green things, can have some mild laxative effects for some.
Drinking water and/or the ability to make it potable if you found some pooling around somewhere 😉
When I click on get your ticket it comes right back to the same page:) I would love to register!
Here ya go: https://homegrownherbalist.net/events/
I missed the boat for this one. Do you plan to release a video of it? My brain really needs help.
Thank you
Joyce
This seminar as well as all the other herbal seminars I do, are available for free to students in the HOmeGrown Herbalist School. :0)
https://homegrownherbalist.net/about-the-school/
Awesome writing!
Totally agree with you, Several different herbs and herbal supplements may help alleviate anxiety symptoms, helping you to relax and feel calmer.
Yup. Seems like the Good Lord thought folks would need some help along those lines.
Hello and good afternoon. I found your website by searching for herbs to help my 8 year old son who was diagnosed with psychosis. He hallucinates and hears evil voices. He’s on Abilify but it’s not doing anything. He suffers everyday is so young with this disease. Are there any herbs that can help him get better? I’m desperate to help my son. It’s so overwhelming. I can’t stand to see him like this. Any advice or whatever you can recommend. All he says is “Jesus won’t take it away”. It pains me to see him this way. Thank you for your time. Hope this message finds you. Bebe.
I’m sure sorry you’re having to go through that. Herbs and mental health drugs don’t mix well and the plants don’t work as well as the pharmaceuticals for that condition. I’d consult your physician and tell him/her that the meds aren’t working. There are likely many other options.