“Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.”  ~John Adams

Research was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association meeting last year in Washington, D.C. showing that a high dose (800 mcg daily) of folic acid daily may slow cognitive decline related to aging.  This amount is equivalent to 2.5 pounds of strawberries.

 Researchers tested over 800 people with good cognitive functioning for three years.  Those who were given the supplement scored 5.5 years younger than their age.  On tests for cognitive speed, they scored as well as people 1.9 years younger.

Common recommended daily dosage is 400 mcg.

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends keeping your brain active by doing puzzles, word games, taking classses, and exercising - to get your blood pumping.

“We could learn a lot from Crayons.  Some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are differnt colors….but they all have to learn to live in the same box.”

Experts urge you to first decide which herb seems best suited for your needs.  Choose an herb and use it consistently for 6 - 8 weeks.  After this period, ask yourself if it seems to be doing you any good. Is your memory better?  Thinking clearer? 

If so, keep on taking the herb! If not, move on to another.

And please, if you are on blood thinning medicine, or if you have other health problems (such as diabetes, asthma, thyroid disease, heart problems…) check with your doctor first. 

On a side note, I have asthma and am on thyroid medication.  I took Saw Palmetto for a period of time and both conditions seem to benefit.  I actually don’t believe I used my asthma medication the whole time I took this herb!  I learned with Saw Palmetto that herbs are incredibly potent.  As someone who spends hours each day cooking, I guess I had always thought of them as flavor enhancers…herbs to me meant basil for my tomato dishes and rosemary for chicken!  The more I study them the more I realize that the cure for countless ailments, and probably diseases, lies within these wonders of nature.

But you shouldn’t take any without research or caution, any more than you’d walk into a Pharmacy and just start popping pills.

Herbs are very powerful.  I had to have an unexpected dental extraction while I was taking Saw Palmetto.  Obviously, I didn’t have time to stop using it a few weeks beforehand.  Anyway, I bled for 24 hours!  Like a moron, I had neglected to mention that I was taking the herb to the dentist, again underestimating herbs. If I had mentioned it as I should have - he could have taken certain measures.  Somehow, certain herbs affect bleeding….and I may or may not have had so much trouble, I really don’t know.  The point is, always tell the doctor (or dentist!) if you are taking ANY herb.

Joi

Periwinkle (The Brain Food Herb)

Periwinkle is a European plant that was once used by healers to treat nervous disorders, epilepsy, hysteria, and nightmares.

Research now shows that a compound in the plant (vinpocetine) could prove to be our brain’s best friend.  The brain is dependent upon oxygen and glucose - it needs both to function at full capacity. Vinpocetine is a vasodilator and cerebral metabolic enhancer, meaning it gives the brain all it needs of both oxygen and glucose. 

Furhtermore, vinpocetine is a very powerful free-radical warrior - which we already know helps our bodies to ward off the most evil of intruders.  Studies show that when we take vinpocetine, it makes a bee line straight for the brain, eager to get to work!

Used occasionally, it is believed to increase blood flow to the brain, increasing brainpower.

Used regularly, it may just prevent senility and dementia, by preventing free-radical damage to the blood vessels serving the brain.

Where to Buy this herb: Vinpocetine is available online and in health food stores.  If you take blood-thinning medications, check with your doctor before taking vinpocetine.

Joi

“If there’s magic in boxing, it?s the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It’s the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you.” ~Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris (from Million Dollar Baby)

Not just for boxers, eh?

What Brainpower Herbs Can Do:

1. Increase Brainpower and capacity for activity.
2. Help to prevent dementia.
3. Help you to retain your memory.
4. Help to retain cognitive functions.
5. Help you avoid the disintegration of memory.

Chinese Club Moss  (Potential Anti-Alzheimer’s Herb)

The power that lies in Chinese Club Moss comes from Huperzine A.  Huuperzine A is expected to pave many roads on the way to winning the battle against alzheimer’s.

It helps to understand a little bit more about senility.  It happens a lot more slowly than most people realize.  Over time, the brain becomes damaged until it reaches the point where memory lapses and forgetfulness are impossible to miss or overlook any longer. 

Animal studies reveal that Huperzine A  protects the brain from this type of daily damage, and experts feel that, in turn, it could help to prevent, or at the very least, to limit senility.

In a study in the US, Alzheimer’s patients were given 100 micrograms of Huperzine A daily.  More than half showed improvement.

Huperzine A’s power comes from its ability to increase brain function by supporting neurotransmitter supply.  It has even gotten attention from college students for helping with studies and exams, thought no studies have been done (yet) to support its effectiveness.

Where to buy this herb:

Chinese Club Moss is available at health food stores.  You can also find suppliers online.

Joi