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Pinging the list - most of these I posted before, but people have asked about herbs for mental acuity and memory, and so...pinging the list. Freepmail me to get on/off this list.

I recently started taking Saraswati Churna as my memory and mental acuity really dropped off after general anesthetic for cancer surgery last year, and then 4 weeks of Temoxifen turned me into a total idiot. Taking these herbs has really helped, and Saraswati Churna added some high octane! I can send links to where I get these herbs, just ask, or any other questions about how to use them.

Some Very Important Herbs for the Nervous System, Brain function, Mental acuity and memory

In Ayurveda herbs are generally used in formulation, not just as single herbs. I explained back up the thread why this is; in short: Herbs of similar action support the main herb or herbs, herbs with somewhat different action can help balance the formula so it is not extreme, some herbs help catalyze the action of the other herbs, and help digest and assimilate, and some carry the energy to specific organs or systems.

I have used or currently use all these herbs except Ginkgo, and have seen them work very well for numerous people. They have helped with memory and focus, anxiety and stress, depression, pain, nervous exhaustion, sleeping difficulties (some other herbs as well not listed), nervous tics and twitches and probably other conditions I can’t remember.

Some of the herbs below are used for more severe conditions such as Parkinsons and MS, and I have not tried to assist anyone with these conditions other than MS but she did not take her herbs regularly, and lived far away in a non-supportive atmosphere, sadly. The suggested doses are suggestions only, I might suggest more or less depending on the person, and also would be different if used in a blend.

Saraswati Churna – Traditional Ayurvedic Compound
Helps pacify and nourish the brain and nervous system. Commonly used for treating poor memory, speech disorders, improving mental acuity and function, anxiety, mental weakness and even mania, epilepsy, hysteria , depression and paralysis.
Ingredients: Vacha (calamus), Ashwagandha, Shankpushpi, Ajwan, Cumin, Guduchi, Bibhitaki, fresh Brahmi juice (gotu kola). 1-3 gm 2-3X a day

Bacopa – Bacopa monniera Up to 2 grams 2X a day
Nervous disorders, neuralgia, mental disorders, epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, autism, adrenal insufficiency, rejuvenating tonic for mind/nervous system, sharpens intellect, concentration and memory.

Neurological ailments such as Parkinsons, MS, dementia. Depression, mental exhaustion, anti stress. Convulsive disorders, general stress, nervine. Enhances nerve impulse transmission, strengthens memory and general cognition. Potent anti-oxidant.
Replenishes nerve tissues and marrow.

Jatamansi – Nardostachys jatamansi Up to 2 grams 2X a day
Nervine, relaxant, anti-spasmodic, nervous convulsive ailments, increases awareness while very calming and balancing
Anxiety, depression, spasms, convulsions, epilepsy, hyper or hypo-tension, palpitations/arrhythmia, memory loss.
Rejuvenative for nervous system, affinities for mind, nerves, muscles, muscle and nervous tension.
Revitalizes mind and nervous system, ADD/ADHD, improves memory, concentration and awareness, helps anxiety, tics, tremors, spasms, restlessness. Vertigo

Shankpushpi – Evolvulus alsinoides 1-2 grams 2X a day
One of the main nervines in Ayurveda, brain tonic, sedative, memory
Epilepsy, insomnia, mental /emotional exhaustion, anxiety, fear, depression, mania, stress.
Outstanding rejuvenative for nerve tissue and mind. Strenghtens cognition and awareness while relaxing/calming the mind

Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera 3-9 grams a day
Brain tonic, nervine, sedative (not dulling), anti-inflammatory, immune strengthener, rejuvenative, increases strength and tone in muscles, rejuvenates nerve tissue.
Balances and regulates immune system, replenishes energy from stress, overwork, old age, or debilitating or wasting diseases.
For anxiety, stress, nerve exhaustion, overwork, old age, senility, insomnia, lack of energy in general. Helps with mental clarity.
Pacifies nervous system – used in Parkinsons, MS, paralysis, muscular dystrophy, all neurological conditions, auto-immune diseases, nerve exhaustion.
General tonic, for loss of muscle energy, panic attacks, sleeping disorders, chronic fatigue or anxiety, anti-oxidant.

Gotu Kola – Mandukaparni Centella asiatica
Nerve disorders, mental calming, revitalizes nerve and brain cells, fortifies immune system, heals nerve tissues.
Nervine, rejuvenative, purifies Nadis (subtle channels), helps with a wide array of psychological and neurological conditions, neuromuscular disorders, Alzheimers, senility.
Repairs nerve tissues from injury or damage. For longevity, intelligence, memory.
Improves brain function, memory, concentration, mental acuity, for mental disorders, epilepsy, clams nerves. Helpful for meditation.
Purifies blood and adrenals.

Vacha - Calamus – Acorus calamus (Only use kind from India) 1-4 grams a day
Nervine, rejuvenative for mind and brain, antispasmodic, for mental clarity, memory
Powerful brain rejuvenation, promotes cerebral circulation, detoxifies subtle channels, sharpens memory and mental functions, nervous system rejuvenative (Rasayana)
Helps with hysteria, neuralgia, nervous tension, hemiplegia, epilepsy, headaches, seizures, loss of consciousness, loss of speech after stroke, aids circulation to and within brain

Ginkgo biloba
Memory loss, Alzheimers, dizziness, dementia, tinnitus, ischemia, vertifo, hypoxia, varicosity, MS, depression, blood clots, stroke, mental exhaustion, fatigue
Precaution – can thin blood, care if taking blood thinning drugs, avoid high doses in nervous individuals
Widely used for supporting mental functions by improving blood flow to the cerebral region, often used for short or long term memory loss, Alzheimers, strokes, dementia, vertigo, etc. For nervous or high strung individuals, best used with balancing and nourishing herbs such as Bala and Ashwagandha. Effective heart tonic and vasodilator.