Also known as the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo Biloba is native to China. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant, but it also improve blood flow to the brain. Its use has become far more mainstream over the past few decades. Users have found that it increases both memory and cognitive speed. In fact, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published a study demonstrating the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba in Alzheimer’s patients. Though it is not touted as a cure to this awful illness, researchers were able to prove that it either stabilized or slowed the decline of function and cognition that is common with this disease. It has proven itself to be more effective than placebo.

From the flowering plant Curcuma longa, turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Its roots are regularly dried and commonly used in cooking. It acts as both an antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory. A study out of Panjab University in India showed that turmeric boasts protective properties when it comes to the human brain.  Not only does it protect the brain, but it also is believed to help with the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and depression thanks to its inhibition of cell death. For many years in TCM, it has been used to treat everything from gynecological problems, gastric problems, hepatic disorders, to infectious diseases, and blood disorders. It is no wonder that turmeric is often referred to as the golden spice.

Found in Korea and the Southern lands of China, ginseng is the root of the Panax plant. Like other herbs such as the aforementioned Ginkgo Biloba, ginseng has also been shown to have neuroprotective powers by a study from BioMed Research International. With antitumor and antioxidant properties, it is no wonder that ginseng has been used to improve cognitive function for many years in TCM. Ginseng works by strengthening the central nervous system and reducing brain fatigue. And as if the benefit of a brain boost is not enough to make one consider giving it a try, it is also believed to have antiaging properties as well.

The popular cooking herb sage is used in many dishes all over the world. This perennial is native to the Mediterranean region. Sometimes referred to as salvia, common sage has been shown to have many protective, cognitive-enhancing effects. Not only is commonly used for its brain-boosting properties, but it has even been shown to guard against neurodegenerative disorders in vitro. Sage can improve memory, enhance cognitive function, and assist with both problem solving and decision making. It does so by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It even has antidepressant behaviours.

No discussion about herbs for cognitive function would be complete without including cinnamon. Many may not consider cinnamon when it comes to healing herbs that enhance the function of the human brain. This aromatic bark is often used in both sweet and savory dishes. Native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, cinnamon is another herb that TCM practitioners have been using for centuries. It has been shown in studies not only to induce cognitive improvement but to decrease oxidative stress. And though further studies are needed, it is believed that cinnamon can even improve the symptoms of amnesia as Cinnamon was able to reverse induced amnesia in rats in a 2015 study.