Over the years, a lot of my patients have asked me if there are natural supplements they can take that might boost their brain power. In fact, it seems as if this question is becoming more common as of late—maybe as a society we are so busy and have so much on our plates, that we are looking for natural ways to up our cerebral functioning. Actually, just as many patients ask me this question because they are concerned about possibly developing dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. But whatever the motivation for this question, I am always glad when people seek out herbal solutions to their lack of mental acuity, rather than a quick fix like an extra large non-fat latte, or some sort of prescription medication.

These inquiries about mental alertness led me on a quest for information, and after researching the topic I have found seven natural remedies that I would feel very comfortable recommending to any of my patients.

First of all, no discussion of cerebral functioning and natural supplements can be complete without talking about phosphatidylserine (or PS). PS is an essential component of cellular membranes, including the approximate 100 billion nerve cells you have inside your brain. More than 60 human-based studies have concluded that PS is a safe and effective way to boost memory, concentration, learning, and word recall.

On the flip side, if your system does not have PS in ample supply, the membranes cannot be repaired if they have been hit by oxidative stress. Take these abnormal membranes, abnormal conductivity, and/or faulty nutritional delivery and you get dragged or knocked out, totally exhausted, and find yourself looking for more and more caffeine that over time, will work less and less well.
As a side note to this discussion, in an amazing turn of events, the FDA (yes, the Food and Drug Administration) actually went ahead and endorsed PS as a possible solution to the development of dementia. Their website now says “consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly.”

Next, I feel that ginkgo biloba should also be part of anyone’s brain-boosting regimen. A standardized extract of this plant has been shown time and time again to increase the amount of blood that flows into the brain. As a major bonus, ginkgo also works as an antioxidant. In general, I believe that using antioxidants to help protect and/or quickly repair oxidative stress is one of the smartest things that we can do for our health. So while taking ginkgo for its ability to improve cerebral blood flow is impressive, taking it for its antioxidant properties makes it simply amazing.

Another natural remedy that came up frequently in my research is the herb rosemary. Like ginkgo, this aromatic herb fights off free radicals, and also improves blood circulation in the brain. L-Glutamine, an amino acid, should also be included because it works by entering into the brain where it is used for energy and helps with nerve transmitters.

Gotu kola is another herb that appears to benefit the brain. Studies link it to improving concentration and memory, and as a bonus it may help us feel more calm and tranquil (and who among us would not like to feel more stress-free?) Choline, which is technically part of the B vitamin group, is necessary for our nerve impulses to transmit properly from our brains through our central nervous systems. If we do not have enough choline in our diets, then our memory and brain functioning may become impaired.

Finally, my research on brain boosters led me to a rather unusual-sounding supplement called Huperzine A. This is one that I was not familiar with before my quest for information, but what I have read about it is quite impressive. Huperzine A is an extract from club moss that works by inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme breaks down a substance called acetylcholine, which is necessary for memory. When we find a way to prevent this breaking down process from taking place, we end up with more of the acetylcholine in our brains, and hopefully, more memory and learning ability. Double-blind studies, both in China and the U.S., back up this information.

This combination of nutrients provides us with a simple way to be what I like to call “brain healthy.” They are not stimulants, but “salubriants.” They are a tool to use in your quest for salubrity—the state of enviable health.

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