Natural Ways to Enhance Memory and Overall Brain Health Pt 1


In this two-part blog series, I’d like to share some incredible herbs and supplements that can be used effectively to enhance memory, cognitive function and overall brain health.

We are placing more demands on our brains and nervous systems than ever before. We want greater memory cognition, the ability to retain information better, have a stronger recall, and to be able to think clearer.

Many of us are juggling work, study, kids, social lives; perhaps working shift work, prepping for exams or dealing with an illness, whether yourself or a family member – and who has time to be so mentally exhausted?

Combine all that with increasing stress levels, sleeping problems, environmental toxicity and never-ending fad diets, our mental health can be left a little frazzled, not to mention our cognitive abilities.

brain health and memory

Here’s where herbs and supplements come in.
When it comes to having a healthy memory, cognitive function and brain, these can be very supportive. That’s whether you’re in the thick of it or just wanting to prevent mental deterioration.

The basic principle behind them is simply that specific herbs and supplements may keep the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems healthy and strong. Since these are the systems that affect memory, we want them in tip-top shape.

When used regularly and mindfully, they can be incredibly supportive of our memory, cognitive function and overall brain health.

Let’s get to them!

gotu kola for memory

No. 1 – Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

Gotu kola (also known as Brahmi) is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used as a brain tonic to increase memory, concentration, and comprehension for over 2,000 years. This herb is highly regarded in India as it is one of the most spiritual of all herbs.

It has a diverse range of actions in many bodily systems, but what makes this herb such a friend of the brain is its actions on the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine offering relaxant and adaptogenic properties, hence why it is often recommended for balancing the nervous system.

Not only can Gotu kola support our body’s ability to acclimate to temporary stress, but it even boasts anti-anxiety effects. This is thanks to its modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that encourages feelings of relaxation and calm.   

We all know that stress is bad for us, and the same goes for our memory. Those two do not get along!
That’s why this herb is commonly used in cases of mental fatigue and stress, since encouraging a calm body and mind is very helpful for improving cognition and memory.

Gota kola also has an affinity for the cardiovascular system, helping to improve vascular tone and protect against cardiovascular disease.
This herb has been shown to increase circulation specifically to the brain, as well as increasing neuronal branching and improving free radical scavenging activity.
This results in a reduction of oxidative stress and damage, making it supportive for improving memory and cognition.  

Gota kola has even been shown to improve the body’s ability to use glucose, the brain’s primary fuel, when blood sugar levels are low.

How do I take it?

We stock Nature’s Answer Gotu Kola, Solgar Gotu Kola and Pukka Herbs Turmeric Lifekind.

Lions mane for memory

No. 2 – Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)

One look at lion’s mane mushroom and you’ll understand where it got its name from. Unlike many mushrooms that grow with a smooth cap and stem, this mushroom cascades down in a cluster of fluffy, white strands, looking almost like the mane of a lion.

Lion’s Mane is an edible mushroom native to North America, Asia and Europe and typically found growing on hardwood trees.
It has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting immune health, reducing inflammation and generally working as a restorative; but it is Lion’s Mane’s effects on the brain that really distinguishes it from other medicinal mushrooms.

The brain-supporting benefits of lion’s mane mushroom have been studied for centuries, and now we’re learning that it has both short-term and long-term benefits. It not only supports memory and concentration but also supports cognitive function and the nervous system.

Lion’s Mane mushroom has the ability to repair and regenerate neurons in the body which results in improved cognitive function, and can even reverse and lessen the effects of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.


This all happens thanks to Lion’s Mane’s neurogenesis and myelination actions, leading to improvements in brain health.
This can get pretty complicated, and I encourage you to do your own research as it’s quite fascinating.
In short, our body’s contain nerve growth factor proteins which protect existing neurons and stimulate new neuron growth.
These are vital for a fully functioning nervous system, and when our brains are unable to produce enough for whatever reason, new neurons aren’t able to be produced. This can lead to degenerative neurological diseases.

Lion’s Mane can actually stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) protein production from within the brain!
The has enormous potential for those already suffering and for anyone in the future who find their cognitive function is degenerating.
This is exciting news!

And I’ll leave you with this tid-bit of information. A human study conducted in Japan found that supplementing with 3g of Lion’s Mane per day could enhance cognition including improved memory, recall, focus, and attention.

How do I take it?

We stock Four Sigmatic Lion’s Mane Elixir, and it’s amazing!

rhodiola for memory

No. 3 – Rhodiola 

Rhodiola is a hardy herb that grows at high altitudes in the arctic areas of Eastern Europe and Asia. It is Rhodiola’s ability to thrive in such harsh environments that allow this herb it’s supreme adaptogenic status.

Rhodiola is an amazing adaptogen which offers extraordinary support, helping our bodies adapt better to physical, mental and environmental stress. This allows them to adapt and respond to stress instead of succumbing to it.

This herb helps us meet the challenges of today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, with its anti-stress and fatigue-fighting properties and its ability to promote energy, endurance and stamina.

Rhodiola is also home to health-benefiting antioxidants, including a group of compounds rosin, rosavin and rosarin, known collectively as rosavin; as well as containing salidroside, both of which have been shown to have anti-stress, antidepressant and anti-anxiety actions on the body and mind.

From a brain health point of view, these antioxidants have been shown to support brain function by protecting both the body and the mind against oxygen deprivation, fighting depression and improving energy levels.

Rhodiola has shown to help improve attention, memory, learning, thought formation, planning and calculating.
And from a stress perspective, the compounds found within Rhodiola have been shown to help the body balance cortisol.

We all know by now that cortisol is associated with stress and that a prolonged state of stress can accelerate ageing in the body and ultimately impair the brain’s ability to function optimally.

Because stress can negatively impact brain function, this is where Rhodiola’s adaptogenic properties really come in handy and what makes it a great addition for brain support.

How do I take it?

We stock Viridian Maximum Potency Rhodiola, Viridian Enhanced Rhodiola and Terra Nova Rhodiola.

Learn more about Rhodiola here and here.

Check out part two of this blog series to continue learning about how to naturally improve your memory, cognitive and brain health.

Emily Nöth

Any questions? Drop into your local Nourish store to chat with our expert team and explore our full range of foods, supplements and skincare. You can also find our full product range in our online store.


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