Fortunately, there are holistic ways to sharpen your mind and focus your thoughts. According to Dr. Aviva Romm, MD, herbalist, and midwife, many herbs have been used for centuries to support mental clarity and cognitive function. Many of these herbs work because they increase blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and support healthy neurotransmitter function.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the top herbs for mental clarity. We’ll also take a look at some other habits that can help us stay sharp.

Herbs for Mental Clarity

1. Bacopa

First on our list of herbs for focus is Bacopa, a powerful herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory and cognitive function.

Bacopa supports a calm state of mind. Sometimes the stressors clouding our thoughts make it difficult to concentrate. This herb also contains compounds that can improve blood flow to the brain, allowing for increased oxygenation and nutrient delivery to this vital organ.

2. Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is another herb people use for its cognitive benefits. This herb is believed to help increase mental alertness and improve memory recall. Gotu Kola is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a well-known herb that people have used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support brain health.

This herb contains compounds that improve blood flow to the brain and increase oxygenation, enhancing mental clarity and focus. Ginkgo Biloba also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which offers the brain protection from damage as we age.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is a common herb found in many kitchens, but it also has cognitive benefits. This herb contains compounds that can improve memory and concentration. Rosemary has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the brain from damage. We love it for being one of the most accessible herbs for mental alertness there is.

5. Ashwagandha

We also have to mention Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb that people use to help strengthen the body against stress. Stress can often impact our mental clarity and ability to focus, but Ashwagandha can help support our bodies’ stress response and promote a sense of calm and clarity.

A good way to think about Ashwagandha is that it’s very grounding, so if you feel like your lack of focus is due to a hyperactive state of mind, it may be a good one to reach for.

6. Holy Basil

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is an adaptogenic herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body cope with stress. Like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil can help promote a sense of calm and clarity during times of stress, which can help support mental focus and clarity.

7. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane is a type of mushroom that offers profound cognitive benefits. This mushroom contains compounds that can help promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells in the brain, which can improve memory and cognitive function. Lion’s Mane also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the brain from damage.

8. Rhodiola

Rhodiola is another adaptogenic herb that helps support mental clarity and focus. This herb has been shown to help improve cognitive function, reduce mental fatigue, and enhance physical performance. Rhodiola can also help promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which can support mental clarity and focus.

9. Sage

Sage is a common herb found in many kitchens, but it also has cognitive benefits. This herb is linked to improved memory and concentration. Sage contains compounds that can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can promote healthy brain aging.

10. Peppermint

Peppermint is another aromatic and abundant herb that stimulates mental clarity and focus. This herb has been shown to improve cognitive function in test-takers, reduce mental fatigue, and enhance alertness. Peppermint can also help support digestion and reduce stress, which can indirectly support mental clarity.

Habits for Mental Clarity

While herbs are a powerful tool on the quest for mental clarity, it’s also important to cultivate healthy habits that support your brain, too. Here are a few habits to cultivate if you want to improve your mental clarity:

Mental Clarity Self Care Tools

Improve mental clarity with these self care tools.

By Staff

On Apr 18, 2023

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1. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for brain health and cognitive function. Sleep is the key to memory consolidation. If you’re mentally fatigued, lack of sleep might be the culprit.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can also impact cognitive function and mental clarity. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your brain health.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Try incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, into your daily routine to support your mental health.

4. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help improve cognitive function, reduce mental fatigue, and support brain health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to support your mental clarity.

5. Limit Distractions

Distractions make it difficult to focus. Limit them as much as you can. For example, turn off notifications on social media or email during times when you need to focus on a task or project.

6. Eat a Balanced Diet

We all need plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Our diet has a big impact on our brain function. Aim to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods to support your mental clarity.

Additional Tips

For even more ways to feel more mental clarity, follow these suggestions when the situation calls for them.

1. Use a Timer

Having trouble completing a task because of brain fog? Set a timer. When you focus on a single task for even a short amount of time, such as 15 minutes, you’ll have an easier time. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, involves working on a task for a set amount of time, taking a short break, and then repeating the process.

2. Take Breaks

If you start to get distracted while working on a task, you might just need a break. Try to take short breaks throughout the day. You can spend time on other positive activities, like a quick walk or meditation, to support your mental health.

3. Prioritize Tasks

If you’re not sure where to begin, prioritize your tasks to help you stay organized and focused. Create a to-do list each day and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.

4. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Commit to a daily gratitude practice, such as writing down three things you’re grateful for each day, to support your mental health.

5. Learn Something New

Could boredom be the culprit? If you’re unable to concentrate, see if doing something new helps. Take up a new hobby or learn a new skill to support your mental health.

Sources:

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The post Plant Allies for Mental Clarity first appeared on Self Care School.

1. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and body. Just a few minutes of exposure to nature can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood.
2. Living in harmony with the seasons can help align our bodies and minds with the natural rhythms of the earth. Each season brings unique energy and opportunities for growth, and by paying attention to these cycles, we can cultivate a deeper connection with nature and ourselves.
3. Spending time in nature can increase creativity and problem-solving skills. When you disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in nature, you give your mind the opportunity to rest and reset, making it easier to focus and be more productive.
4. Nature helps promote physical activity. Whether it’s a hike, a walk, or a bike ride, being outdoors encourages movement and exercise, which is essential for physical health and self-care.
5. Nature provides a sense of perspective. When we spend time in nature, we are reminded of our place in the world and the interconnectedness of all things. This can help put our problems and worries in perspective and provide a sense of peace and calm.

Nature Syncing Practices

So how can you connect with nature and live in harmony with the seasons to stay consistent with your self-care routine? Here are some ideas:

1. Pay attention to the changes in the natural world and adjust your self-care routine accordingly. For example, in the summer, you may want to spend more time outside and incorporate more cooling practices, while in the winter, you may need more rest and warmth.
2. Practice seasonal self-care rituals, such as creating a fall altar, taking a winter solstice bath, or spring cleaning your home and mind.
3. Eat seasonal, locally grown foods. This not only supports local farmers and reduces our carbon footprint, but it also provides our bodies with the nutrients they need to thrive during each season.
4. Incorporate seasonal herbs and plants into your self-care routine, such as lavender in the summer for calming, or ginger in the winter for warmth.

Connecting with nature and living in harmony with the seasons is a powerful tool for consistent self-care. It allows us to step away from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with our true selves.

By paying attention to the natural cycles of the earth and adjusting our self-care routines accordingly, we can cultivate a deeper connection with nature, ourselves, and each other. So, make time to get outside, pay attention to the changes in the natural world, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.

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The post The Key to More Consistent Self Care is Harmonizing With Nature first appeared on Self Care School.

I know that a lot of people are really curious about herbalism and want to learn more, but aren’t really sure how to begin. They see the benefit of using natural remedies, but feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the information out there. If that sounds like you, here are five ways to learn about herbalism today:

1. Read Books

There are many great books available on herbalism. Start with a few general books that cover a wide range of herbalism topics.

Some of well-loved books I learned a lot from as a beginner include:

• Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide
• 101 Easy Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health, & Home by Jan Berry
• Foxfire
• The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne

2. Take Classes

There are often classes offered on herbalism at local community colleges or through parks and recreation departments. If you can learn from a local herbalist, that’s even better!

I enjoyed my time studying with Herbal Academy, and recommend them all the time because you can take the classes at your own pace online from wherever you are. The Introductory Course is a great place to get started, but they have courses and workshops available for a range of skill levels.

3. Join an Herbalism Community

It’s always good to connect with other like-minded people. There are online communities, local meetups, and even Facebook groups devoted to herbalism where you can ask questions and learn from others.

One of my favorite groups is the student group on Facebook for Herbal Academy students. I also recommend searching for herbalism communities specific to your region, since you’ll learn more about the plants that are in your area.

4. Study Plant Identification

Learning to identify plants is a key part of herbalism. You need to know which plants are safe to use and which ones to avoid.

Here is one of many great starting points for learning plant ID.

5. Make a Simple Herbal Remedy

One of the best ways to learn about herbalism is to get your hands dirty and start making your own remedies. There are many simple recipes that you can try, such as:

• How to Make a Tincture
• Warming Herbal Foot Soak with Cinnamon + Magnesium
• First Aid Kit Yarrow Tincture

One thing to know about herbalism is that you never really stop learning. There are always more plants to learn about and different situations to apply your knowledge.

Have you ever wanted to learn about herbalism? What stopped you from getting started? Let me know in the comments below! I’m happy to answer any questions you have as you begin your herbalist journey.

The post 5 Ways to Learn About Herbalism Today first appeared on Self Care School.