Beneficial Herbs for the Brain

Black Cardamom / Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia oxyphylla) Fruit Extract

Black Cardamom is a member of the ginger family and is known in Chinese herbal medicine as Yi Zhi Ren, meaning the fruit that benefits intelligence or increases wisdom. It is thought to improve the thinking function associated with the spleen and the will associated with the kidney. It has a long history as a remedy for problems of the urinary tract, including urgent urination and incontinence. It is believed to help control frequent urination and loss of bladder control. It contains aromatic oil thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Alpinia oxyphylla is also used in the treatment of impotence, premature ejaculation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

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Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Leaf Extract, 20% Saponins

Brahmi is one of the most popular brain tonics and memory booster in India. It is known to increase protein synthesis and activity in brain cells and widely used to improve intellect, consciousness, and mental acuity, to calm the mind and promote relaxation, to improve memory, mental clarity and alertness, to enhance learning and academic performance and to decrease anxiety, restlessness and senility.

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Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Herb extract, 32% Saponins

Gotu Kola has traditionally been used in a variety of conditions, mainly to enhance the health of the circulatory system, to fortify the immune system and to revitalize the nerves and brain cells. It is said to stimulate the central nervous system, to rebuild energy reserves, to relieve high blood pressure, and to help the body defending against various toxins.  Further it may potentially benefit the following conditions: Poor circulation, rheumatism, psoriasis, oedema or ankle swelling, gastric ulcers, surgical scars, radiotherapy injury, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, dementia/poor cognitive function and anxiety. Gotu Kola has been reported to act as an antioxidant and to produce a powerful aid to maintaining good health.

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Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Leaf Extract 24/6%

The Ginkgo is a living fossil, with fossils recognisably related to modern Ginkgo from the Permian, dating back 270 million years.

Ginkgo is believed to have nootropic properties, and is mainly used as memory and concentration enhancer, and anti-vertigo agent. Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) and have been used pharmaceutically. According to some studies, Ginkgo can significantly improve attention in healthy individuals. In one such study, the effect was almost immediate and reaches its peak in 2.5 hours after the intake.

Ginkgo is gaining recognition as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. Benefits of enhanced circulation in the brain include improved short and long-term memory, increased reaction time and improved mental clarity. Ginkgo's effects on the circulatory system are beneficial in the treatment of eye and ear disorders. Ginkgo increases blood flow to the retina and can slow retinal deterioration resulting in an increase of visual acuity. More info

Guarana (Paullina cupana) seed extract

Amazonian Indians used Guarana for centuries as a heart tonic and to thin the blood. Today it is well known for its stimulant action and is taken as a health tonic by millions. Brazilians believe it helps over come heat fatigue, combats premature aging, detoxifies the blood, and is useful for flatulence, obesity, dyspepsia, fatigue and arteriosclerosis. In North America it is reputed to increase stamina and physical endurance. Scientific validation is given to its antiaggregation properties, meaning its ability to prevent the formation of blood clots and to help in the breakdown of clots that had already been formed.
Caution: Quantities less than a quarter of a teaspoon (500mg) of this extract are already powerful and may cause too much stimulantion in individuals sensitive to caffeine.

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Reishi / Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom

In Chinese Ling Zhi means “spirit plant” and has been prized by Chinese royalty and sages for ages for its legendary qualities. This mushroom has a 4,000-year history for use in an unusually wide range of ailments, but is particularly renowned for promoting longevity. It has shown in recent studies to be helpful for treating high cholesterol, hepatitis and other diseases of the liver, normalizing blood pressure, regulating circulatory system and help cure on allergies. Reishi mushroom contains a high amount of polysaccharides, which are essential for proper functioning of the immune system. Chinese and Japanese herbalists have traditionally recommended Reishi mushrooms for insomnia due to their “sleep-promoting factor”. Long-term use may cause significant promotion of slow wave sleep. Further Reishi seems to improve blood oxygenation and makes it greatly helpful to reduce altitude sickness. More info

Rhodiola / Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) Root Extract 10:1

Rhodiola has been extensively studied as an adaptogen with various health-promoting effects. In traditional folk medicine the roots were used to increase physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders. In Middle Asia, Rhodiola tea was the most effective treatment for cold and flu during severe Asian winters. Mongolian doctors prescribed it for tuberculosis and cancer. Vikings used the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance. Researchers described its benefits for pain, headache, scurvy, hemorrhoids, as a stimulant, and as an anti-inflammatory.

Rhodiola rosea may be effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Pilot studies on human subjects showed that it improves physical and mental performance, and may reduce fatigue.

Shilajit / Mineral Pitch (Asphaltum puniabiunum)

Shilajit is a natural concentrate of fossilized plants appearing as a compact mass of bituminous substance that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas during hot weather. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine had attributed divine powers to it. In India Shilajit is called the “destroyer of weakness” and is used since ancient times as a powerful tonic to increase energy, strength, and libido, to boost the immune system, to treat diabetes, kidney disorders, gall stones, bronchitis and asthma, skin diseases, enhance brain functioning, speed recovery from injures, reduce the effects of arthritis, hypertension, and obesity and much more.

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Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Root Extract

Siberian Ginseng has a long history in Eastern Medicine and has quickly gained a reputation in Western natural medicine for its nervine tonic effects. It is an adaptogen that has a wide range of health benefits, including increased endurance, anti-fatigue, memory improvement, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, immunogenic, chemoprotective, and radiological protection.

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