As we age, it is normal to forget where your keys are, forget the names of familiar people, and to look for your glasses only to find them on top of your head. All signs of aging, but would you consider using weeds found in your backyard to improve your memory? The following are some weeds that may help you out.
Dandelions: who doesn’t have them? As a child, my mother made dandelion tea. No doubt it had been passed down through the family as a treatment for colds and flu. Our ancestors had no idea that dandelions have antioxidants and can protect your brain cells. Dandelion roots and leaves have been used to help prevent oxidation in brain cells. It is a cleansing and healing herb.
Dandelion tincture:
- 2-3 whole dandelion plants for root tincture, 10 large dandelion roots. Wash thoroughly; scrub the roots well.
- Finely chop the plant material for whole plants. For roots, pulse-chop in a food processor.
- Pack the chopped plant into a clean Mason jar about 2/3 full.
- Pour in vodka until it reaches an inch below the top of the jar. Make sure all plant material is covered.
- Cap the jar, label it with the contents and date. Store in a cool, dark place.
- Shake the jar daily for one week, then every few days.
- Let macerate for 6-8 weeks for full potency.
- Strain the finished tincture through a cheesecloth-lined, meshed strainer.
- Store in amber dropper bottles. Label with date and contents. Take one to two drops under the tongue daily.
Before I knew what it was, I pulled this weed out of my flower beds. It grows in rows in your garden or can appear in sidewalk cracks. It is the richest plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Purslane is loaded with ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an omega-3 that reduces inflammation and protects brain cells. Purslane is edible and has a lemony taste. Add it to your salads to naturally nourish your brain.
Just smelling rosemary’s pine-like aroma helps you feel awake, focused, and sharper. A study of older adults using rosemary and a placebo found that a small amount of rosemary significantly improved memory. A second study using high doses of rosemary had the opposite effect. Rosemary rosarinic acid increases circulation, fights inflammation, and protects the brain from damage. Rosemary can also bring thinning hair back to life. Rosemary hair growth serum is available everywhere online.
Healers in India have used Bacopa monnieri for over 5,000 years; they call it a “rejuvenator of the mind.” A year-long study was conducted with Alzheimer’s patients and those with mild cognitive impairment. Some took Bacopa monnieri (300) mg and the synthetic drug donepezil 10 mg. There was no significant difference. Bacopa works by enhancing communication between brain cells, reducing beta-amyloid plaques, and fighting oxidative stress to slow dementia.
A natural remedy that has been a breakthrough in brain health is Lion’s Mane. Its shaggy white appearance resembles a lion’s mane. Lion’s mane contains compounds, including hericenones and erinacines, that have been studied for their effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) pathways. NGF is the molecule your brain uses to grow, repair, and maintain neurons.
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment took Lion’s Mane for 16 weeks and showed significant improvements in mental clarity. A second 49-week study in people with mild Alzheimer;s disease found that daily Lion’s Mane extract improved cognitive test scores and preserved daily function compared to the placebo group. Scientists continue to study this mushroom as human evidence is limited. However, if you are set on staying sharp, independent, and mentally vibrant, Lion’s Mane stands out as the most promising.
These five plants can detox your liver, sharpen your memory, regrow brain tissue, and calm your nerves. Lion’s Mane fresh-foraged tincture is available online; shop from a reputable source.
Get on board and boost your brain health and clarity using these weeds!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings ❤️
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