In today’s fast-paced world, the ultimate goal of every individual is to beat the stiff competition and emerge victorious. Be it in an academic setting in school, college, at an advanced level sports event or even in a professional environment at the office.
And in order to achieve success in any field of work or study, besides physical fitness, hard work, discipline, healthy diet and proper sleep, the uplifted functioning of the brain and nervous system is rather important.
The brain is one of the most vital organs in the body, which not only relays information between organs via nerve signalling pathways, but also houses centres of memory, retention, knowledge absorption, creativity and talent. These factors, in turn, hone the intelligence of an individual, to ensure outstanding performance in any endeavour.
Adhering to a holistic lifestyle of nourishing meals, daily exercise and steering clear of bad habits such as smoking, drinking indeed goes a long way in preserving brain wellness and guaranteeing a better quality of life in the later years. However, incorporating some beneficial natural ingredients as part of routine lifestyle amazingly aids in boosting memory and acumen.
What Is Medhya Rasayana?
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian practice of medicine, highlights the value of Medhya Rasayana – a group of nootropic herbs that offer a plethora of benefits for brain functions.
The classical ayurvedic manuscripts of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita mention four main Medhya Rasayana herbs as Mandukaparni, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi and Shankapushpi. In addition, numerous other herbal remedies such as Brahmi, Kushmanda, Jatamansi are also documented for their highly effective and brilliant nervous system enhancing characteristics.
These plants encompass myriad advantageous organic constituents, which confer noteworthy merits for intelligence, memory, stress relief, improved understanding, clarity of thought, concentration, productivity.
Moreover, Medhya Rasayana herbs vastly reduce the risk of acquiring neurodegenerative disorders or mental illnesses, like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, in the older stages of life, thus assuring sound mental operations and conserving longevity.
Read on, to know more.
5 Spectacular Ayurvedic Herbs That Boost Brain Power:
Mandukaparni
Scientifically termed Centella asiatica, mandukaparni, also commonly called gotu kola or vallarai keerai, is a perennial herb that immensely enhances cognitive functions. It contains powerful saponins – medacoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, medacassoside, which work in synergy to confer neuroprotective traits and elevated memory.
Yashtimadhu
Yashtimadhu bears the scientific name Glycyrrhiza glabra and is a small shrub generally known as liquorice/licorice. Rich in glycyrrhizin, flavanones, isoflavones and other phenolic antioxidants, this potent herb increases blood circulation in the central nervous system (CNS) and regulates sugar levels in the brain.
Guduchi
The Tinospora cordifolia plant, otherwise referred to as guduchi or giloy, is a big-sized deciduous tropical bounty that detoxifies the nervous system. Abundant in glycosides, polyphenols, zinc, copper, guduchi efficiently flushes out harmful free radicals from the brain, nerve endings, to greatly bolster intellect, concentration and productivity.
Shankapushpi
Shankapushpi, with the scientific name Convolvulus pluricaulis, is renowned for healing depression and anxiety. Comprising significant quantities of shakapushpin, microphyllic acid, kaempferol glucosides and sitosterol phytonutrients, this magical herb pacifies the nerves by lowering the levels of stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol.
Brahmi
Also called water hyssop, with the botanical terminology Bacopa monnieri, Brahmi possesses remarkable sedative traits, develops astuteness and thinking capabilities. Bestowed with profuse volumes of saponins and bacosides, both proven nootropic elements, brahmi promotes deep sleep, mitigates seizures and uplifts mental power.