Despite its resemblance to a spongy, boiled cauliflower, the brain is an incredibly sophisticated piece of bodily equipment. In fact, to liken it to any kind of man-made tool is a vast understatement – it surpasses our wildest technologies and defies comprehension. It processes information, navigates perception, extracting biologically relevant information from sensory input. It informs motor control and movement, learning and memory, arousal and alertness and homeostasis – bodily balance. Not only that, but the brain is implicated in processes we can’t even as yet identify. To nourish the brain is to nourish the very essence of life; our experience – certainly a universal priority. The following are my naturopathic favourites for brain health & rejuvenation.
Brain Tonics
Restore or maintain health, vigor and function of the brain. They can offer an increase in work productivity, concentration, focus, clarity, memory and mental performance, especially when under stress. These can come in the form of herbs, essential oils, flower essences or nutrients.
How do they work?
Brain tonics work in a myriad of ways:
1. As circulatory stimulants – increasing blood flow/oxygen to the head.
2. As adaptogens – increasing the resistance to physical, environmental, emotional, biological stressors.
3. As nutritives – supplying biologically active nourishment in the form of nutrient dense foods and fluids & quality, essential fats.
4. As antioxidants – to protect brain cells from damaging free radicals such as pollutants or smoking. This can lead to diminished brain function.
5. As hormonal regulators – by regulating the connection between the endocrine gland in the brain called the hypothalamus to other endocrine glands in the body such as the ovaries or adrenals.
6. As serotonin reuptake inhibitors – leading to increased levels of serotonin. Serotonin has cognitive functions, including memory and learning as well as wellbeing and happiness.
Herbs:
The best way to take these herbs are as liquid tinctures, only available with a prescription from your Naturopath or Herbalist. A qualified practitioner will ensure your medication, supplements or disease state does not interact with the herbs. When an herbalist prescribes herbal medicine they consider one’s constitution: age, allergies, sensitiveness, robustness, size, temperature, current status of health and personality. Always remember to tell you practitioner if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Some excellent brain tonics include:
Rosemary, Gingko, Bacopa, Schisandra, Ginsengs, Gotu kola, Peony, Rhodiola, Licorice & St John’s Wort.
Essential Oils:
Grapefruit, Sweet basil, Bergamot, Clary sage, Blue mallee eucalyptus, Lemon, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Black pepper in a bath, vaporizer, rub or on a hankie.
Schussler Tissue Mineral Salts:
Kali Phos – indicated for brain fog and weariness (and is an excellent pick me up!)
Australian Bush Flower Essences:
Cognis – Indicated for daydreaming, confusion, overwhelmed feelings. Helps assimilates ideas, offers clarity and focus
and enhances all learning abilities and skills.
Nutrients:
Coenzyme Q10, also referred to as CoQ10 or ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like compound that is present in all cells. It occurs naturally in the body and is found in highest amounts in the mitochondria, where cellular energy is created. CoQ10 levels are highest in the hardest-working tissues of the body, especially the heart. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, that is, it helps to protect cells from damage caused by the body’s own free radicals. Plentiful in organic chicken hearts.
Zinc, called the intelligence mineral, is required for mental development, for healthy reproductive organs (particularly the prostate gland), for protein synthesis and collagen formation. Zinc is also involved in the blood sugar control mechanism and thus protects against diabetes. Inability to taste or smell and loss of appetite are signs of zinc deficiency. High levels of phytic acid in cereal grains and legumes block zinc absorption. Plentiful in oysters.
Trytophan, an amino acid, found in dairy, eggs and meat. It is the precursor to serotonin.
Of course, all these therapies in combination with the most potent brain tonic of all – thinking good thoughts! — will ensure that your noggin’ stays nimble for years to come.
