4 Herbs for the Brain

Need a mental tune-up? You can invite nature’s subtle intelligence into your meditation practice with some of ayurveda’s mind-enhancing herbs. You may find that using these herbs will help you overcome the anxiety, lethargy, and chatter that can surface in the mind during meditation. As you consider the short list below. Choose the herb that offers you the benefits with the strongest appeal, and experiment with taking it daily. Later, you can try a combination herbal formula herbs often have a synergistic effect when taken in concert.


BRAHMI
The Brain Tonic

The Sanskrit name brahmi as that which “gives knowledge of Brahman, or Supreme Reality.” This herb promotes mental calm and clarity while improving memory and concentration.
Brahmi helps awaken the crown chakra and balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of brahmi powder to a cup of hot water, then add honey to taste, and drink the tea just before your meditation practice.

JATAMAMSI
The Mental Soother

For an anxious, agitated mind, jatamamsi can soothe your nerves. This Himalayan-native herb has similar calming properties to its relative valerian, but without the dulling effects. It’s also a powerful brain tonic and memory booster.

Boil 1 teaspoon of jatamamsi in 1 cup of milk for five minutes and drink in the morning.

HIBISCUS
The Devotion Potion

The Sanskrit name for hibiscus, japa, literally means “mantra repetition.” The delicate flowers of this plant strengthen devotion in japa, help make mantras fruitful, and enhance attention in meditation.

Set 1/4 ounce of the flowers in 1 pint of cool water, and drink a cup of this refreshing summer tea to encourage devotion to your spiritual practice.

SHANKHA PUSHPI
The Mind Rejuvenator

Shankha Pushpi enhances overall intelligence and creativity by increasing circulation to the brain. The ancient treatise on ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, reports that the herb promotes learning, memory, and recall, making it a favorable meditation aid.

Prepare an infusion by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of the powdered herb in a cup of hot water.


MORE MEDITATIVE HERBS


As you experiment with different herbs to see how they affect your mind in meditation, consider these other powerful ayurvedic choices:

Ashwagandha:

Known as “Indian Ginseng” in the West, ashwagandha is ayurveda’s premier rejuvenating herb, an overall health tonic which boosts vitality, virility, and stamina; stimulates the immune system; and enhances reproductive function. On top of its many rejuvenating uses, it has the ability to nurture the nervous system, and counteract anxiety and stress to promote a calm state of mind. Used traditionally in India to treat disorders such as insomnia and amnesia, modern laboratory studies are also finding it to be effective for enhancing learning and memory.

*Calamus Root:

Known as vacha in Sanskrit—meaning “speaking”—this herb has been used by ayurvedic practitioners for thousands of years to stimulate the powers of intelligence and self-expression, and rejuvenate the brain and nervous system. It “clears the subtle channels of toxins and obstructions. It promotes cerebral circulation, increases sensitivity, sharpens memory, and enhances awareness. Sattvic for the mind (bearing the principle of light and harmony), this herb is helpful for long-term memory recall, and is great in combination with Brahmi.
(Calamus should be taken in combination with at least one other herb; licorice also provides a good balance.)

*Please note: Despite being widely regarded as a safe and supreme herb in the ayurvedic tradition, Calamus is currently under F.D.A restrictions, and held to be toxic for internal usage.


HOW TO PREPARE HERBS


Many modern herbalists favor herbal extracts as the premier method of internal administration. Other herbalists prefer pills and tablets. In traditional ayurveda, primary preparations include decoctions (with the herb boiled in water), milk decoctions (herb boiled in milk plus water), hot or cold infusions (herb set in water without boiling), and pastes made with ghee or honey. Ayurvedic practitioners also advise taking herbs in combination. This will enhance their properties and yield a more balanced effect.


HERBAL SUPPLY

Buy your herbs in bulk or formula combinations from these top ayurvedic suppliers, all of whom source their herbs sustainably:

Ayurveda Institute
Find your favorite ayurvedic raw herb here or try them in a balanced combination with their Brain Tonic and Awareness Tea.
Banyan Botanicals
Get herbs in bulk or try their special herbal blends for the mind: Mental Clarity and Tranquil Mind.
Himalayan Institute Total Health Products
Order extracts of isolated ayurvedic herbs, or try their revolutionary mind-enhancing herbal formulas: Focus-X, Elixir 29, or Total Clarity Focus.
Planetary Formulas
Carrying ayurvedic, Western, and traditional Chinese medicine herbs, their Bacopa- Gingko Brain Strength supplement hits the mark.