Boosting brain health with plants.

The brain is the master board of the body so taking care of it is everything. Neurological issues have been on the rise year by year in the United States.  Two of the main factors are diabetic neuropathy and and aging population. Aging does not necessarily mean that you will have neurological issue is just increases the risk factor. And the main factor behind that is people tend to not be knowledgeable on how to take care of their brain throughout their life.  A 2001 study found that over 50% of people in this country had one neurological disorder. 

Neurological disorders are the number one leading cause of disability in the United States. Since 1990 to 2001 neurological disorders have increased by over 34%. And the deaths amongst these conditions has has rolls by over 64%. Tension type headaches, migraines and diabetic neuropathy have been some of the most common conditions in 2021.

Air pollution is a overlooked but powerful factor when it comes to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, strokes etc. Especially the fine particulate matter that causes blood-brain barrier damage, inflammation, oxidative stress,  etc increasing the cognitive decline and other neurological disorder risk. 

Microplastics have been found in the brain increasing over time. That lead to inflammation, neurological damage, neurodegenerative diseases etc. microplastics have been shown to get into the body from the olfactory bulbs. Which end up traveling directly to the brain by bypassing the blood brain barrier.

The average person is exposed to hundreds or thousands of different chemicals a day affecting the neurological system especially the brain.

This is where plants can come in to save the day. They haven't used a thousands of years to help enhance memory, calm the mind, help with focus/alertness, boost brain energy, increase oxygen flow, protect against neurological issues especially the age-related ones. 

1. Ginkgo Biloba

Is one of the oldest living plants.  It has been shown to help with cognition function, increase in circulation / oxygen to the brain, neuroprotection, boost cerebral blood flow, balances neurotransmitter, slows down aging etc 

🔬 Scientific support:

• A study in Psychopharmacology found Ginkgo improved attention and memory in healthy individuals.

2. Matcha (Green Tea Powder)

Matcha contains l-theanine/ EGCG helps improve focus, memory, provides clean energy, protects neurons from oxidative stress etc 

🔬 Scientific support:

• A study in Nutrients showed that matcha enhances attention and reduces stress, thanks to its combo of caffeine and L-theanine.

3. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Called the herb of longevity helps supports mental clarity, reduces anxiety, improves brain cell regeneration, improves dendrite/axon growth etc 

🔬 Scientific support:

• Research in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found it enhances cognitive performance and protects against neurotoxicity.

• Promotes dendrite and axon growth—important for brain plasticity.

4. Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)

This mushroom stimulates nerve growth factor NGF which is essential for brain regeneration and memory, repair is nerves, fights neuroinflammation etc

🔬 Scientific support:

• A 2009 study in Phytotherapy Research showed significant cognitive improvement in older adults taking Lion's Mane.

• Also helps repair nerves and fight neuroinflammation.

5. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha reduces cortisol, improves mood, boost brain derive neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/ cognitive fatigue, helps with anxiety / insomnia etc 

🔬 Scientific support:

• Research in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found it improves memory and executive function.

• Helps manage anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive fatigue.

6. Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin)

Cayenne enhances blood flow to the brain and may stimulate the release of endorphins and dopamine.

🔬 Scientific support:

• Capsaicin improves oxygenation and nutrient delivery to brain tissues, supporting alertness and performance.

7. Olive Leaf Extract

Packed with oleuropein, decreases inflammation / oxidative stress in the brain.

🔬 Scientific support:

• Studies show it protects neurons against oxidative damage and reduces neuroinflammation—key in preventing Alzheimer's and dementia.

8. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Calms nervous system and helps with deep sleep which helps the glymphatic system flush out waste products from the brain. The glymphatic system is the waste clearance pathways in the brain and transport glucose/lipids/amino acids. Decreases amyloid beta build up which is the foundation for Alzheimer's disease.

🔬 Scientific support:

• A study in Phytotherapy Research found it significantly improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety in participants.

9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

improves memory, alertness, focus, protects against brain aging, protects against brain cell damage (carnosic acid);🔬 Scientific support:

• Inhaling rosemary essential oil has been shown in studies to improve cognitive performance and mood.

• Contains carnosic acid, which protects brain cells from damage.

10. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Smooths and restores the nervous system.

🔬 Scientific support:

• Clinical trials show that American Skullcap reduces anxiety and mental fatigue, while boosting attention and mood.

11. Valerian Root

Helps deep restorative sleep which is foundational for memory consolidation and brain detox. 🔬 Scientific support:

• Shown in studies to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality without next-day grogginess.

12. Kelp

Contains iodine which the thyroid uses to control brain functions and energy. 

🔬 Scientific support:

• Thyroid hormones influence neurogenesis, mood regulation, and cognitive performance. Kelp also contains tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine.

13. Chlorella

Great for brain detoxification, and eliminating heavy metals, bringing oxygen to the brain.

🔬 Scientific support:

• Studies show chlorella enhances mitochondrial activity and reduces neurotoxic heavy metal burden, improving mental clarity and energy.

14. Black Seed (Nigella sativa)

Has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, boost T cells etc

🔬 Scientific support:

• A study in Basic & Clinical Neuroscience showed that black seed extract improved memory, attention, and cognition in healthy adults.

Should not be taken with blood thinners, antidepressants, ibuprofen, naproxon etc.

To get maximum benefits from supplements eating/ drinking better is mandatory. Example: 1.5 pound high calorie/ low nutrient meal is always heavier than grams of low calorie/ high nutrient supplements.

“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”