5 Ayurvedic Brain Hacks to Boost Brain Power

Forgetfulness and problems with memory or focus can be quite troubling. They may worsen with age, but can also affect young students. This is precisely why parents are always on the quest to find natural Ayurvedic brain tonics. Every Indian kid who grew up in the 80s and 90s remembers having to consume such tonics! As it turns out, those tonics may have helped more than one may realize. Evidence suggests that ancient Ayurvedic insights on combating memory problems, distractedness, and brain degeneration are extremely effective. 

Here are some simple Ayurvedic tips and remedies to boost your brain power.

1. Brahmi

This wonderful herb has been recommended as a brain tonic in almost every classical Ayurvedic text. Today, it remains the most important ingredient in any Ayurvedic tonic to boost brain function. It is this effective as the herb relieves stress and anxiety, improving mental health; at the same time it directly promotes memory, learning, and other brain functions by increasing the length of nerve cell dendrites. 

2. Shankapushpi

Shankapushpi is another highly valued herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Like brahmi, it is used to relax the mind and also as a memory booster. It soothes the mind, reduces stress, tension, and anxiety. This improves concentration and focus, reducing mental clutter and distractions. The relaxing effect of the herb is also known to promote better quality sleep. This is significant, as Ayurved stresses the importance of sleep for healthy brain function.

3. Ashwagandha

Familiar to every Indian fitness buff as a natural bodybuilding or immunity booster, ashwagandha is a super herb and has benefits to boost brain power as well. This is not surprising to Ayurvedic physicians as they have always recognized its potential to treat both mental and physical stress. The herb is known to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, preserving healthy brain function. Not only does this strengthen memory and focus, but it also reduces the risk of degenerative brain diseases.

4. Meditation

Unlike other health systems, Ayurved doesn’t just encourage medication, it is actually a part of the Ayurvedic lifestyle. Ayurved follows a holistic approach and is not only about medicine, but also stresses the need for lifestyle changes. Stress reduction and adequate sleep are critical requirements for good memory and the ability to focus. This makes meditation one of the most useful tools to boost brain power - it costs nothing and can be practiced anytime anywhere. Meditation is so effective that it is even used as a therapeutic aid in western medicine to treat mental health issues. Yoga is also known to calm the mind and boost endorphin secretion and thus is a great addition to meditation in the Ayurvedic lifestyle.  

5. Say No to Sugar

The first rule in almost any Ayurvedic diet is to ditch processed foods and stick with natural foods. This is especially important with snacks and beverages that contain added sugar. Most Indians now understand the connecting between sugar intake and obesity, but high sugar consumption is also known to cause decline in brain volume, impacting memory. Eliminating added sugar and using Ayurved-recommended sweeteners like jaggery and dates will help boost your memory, focus, and general health. 

There is more wisdom to be found in ancient Ayurvedic texts than in the pages of most magazines. So, don’t be quick to dismiss recommendations from our traditions and Ayurvedic heritage. The next time your mum and dad or grandparents give you such advice, start taking notes.