Brain fog is something that many people experience, either intermittently or persistently. Whether brain fog affects you from time to time or all the time, you probably know how frustrating its effects can be.
Not being able to remember why you walked into a room, forgetting a certain word or somebody’s name, or just the feeling that your brain hasn’t quite woken up for the day, even if you have had sufficient sleep.
There are five common causes of brain fog, according to Harvard Health. While this is not an exhaustive list, brain fog is most frequently attributed to :
- Medication side effects from over-the-counter medications for incontinence and allergies; and prescription medications for depression or muscle spasms, or any medication that has a sedative effect.
- Low levels of vitamin B12.
- Excessive anxiety or depression.
- Underactive thyroid gland.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
In addition to those five common factors, persistent or lingering brain fog has also been observed in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
However, you may be experiencing occasional brain fog even if none of these scenarios apply to you. No matter what the cause of your brain fog, there may be certain herbs that can support your overall cognitive and neurological functioning and your energy levels. If you are looking for ways to wake up your mind with herbs for brain fog, you might want to start with the herbs below.
Herbs for Brain Fog
Gingko Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a commonly used herbs for support of cognitive health. It is hypothesized that ginkgo biloba may support improved brain function in a variety of ways. This is due to how it affects changes in cerebrovascular circulation through cerebral vasodilation, meaning it aids blood viscosity, seeks to control free radicals, helps to maintain neurotransmitter receptors during normal aging.
Vitamin B12
While vitamin B12 is a vitamin, not an herb, there is a large body of research that has been conducted on the ways that vitamin B12 affects brain function and cognition. Research shows that an adequate intake of vitamin B12 is essential for brain health, as it is involved in important metabolic processes that support cognition and energy.
Salvia
Plants in the Salvia family have been used historically in natural medicine to treat a wide variety of concerns, particularly with a focus on their potential benefits for cognitive and neurological functioning. Research appears to support that many species of Salvia may in fact have an influence on neurological and cognitive function. Some preliminary studies support that Salvia plants may enhance cognitive skills, and help to support focus and clarity during normal aging.
Bacopa monnieri (BM)
Bacopa monnieri, also known as BM, is well known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic and memory enhancer. Some research suggests that BM indeed “demonstrates immense potential in the amelioration of cognitive disorders, as well as prophylactic reduction of oxidative damage, NT [neurotransmitter] modulation, and cognitive enhancement in healthy people.”
If you need a place to start in your quest to wake up your mind with herbs for brain fog, start with these three supplements from Designs for Health, Neuroscience, and Lidtke.
SAMe – Designs for Health
SAMe from Designs For Health is a supplement formulated with vitamin B6, B12, and 5-MTHF to support a positive mood, healthy liver function, and joints and cartilage. SAMe is naturally synthesized in humans from the amino acid methionine in the presence of the cofactors vitamin B12 and folate. SAMe may help support your mind when dealing with brain fog because it is involved in many crucial brain and body functions, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the hormone melatonin, phospholipids, and polyamines, which control cellular growth. It is also the source of methyl groups inside the nucleus for DNA methylation, which controls gene expression and masking of genetic damage.
L-Tryptophan Powder 500 Mg – Lidtke
L-Tryptophan Powder 500 Mg from Lidtke is a non-GMO powder supplement formula made with a naturally produced, ultra-premium ingredient called TryptoGOLD, an amino acid that is created using a natural fermentation process. Since L-tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin, this supplement may support a balanced mood, appetite, behavior, nervous system function, and sleep.
ExcitaPlus – Neuroscience
ExcitaPlus from Neuroscience is a supplement that provides non-glandular ingredients such as L-tyrosine, Rhodiola rosea root extract, L-methionine, Mucuna cochinchinensis, and Vitamins B and C to support adrenal health and reducing stress-induced fatigue.
How do you wake up your mind with herbs for brain fog?
