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Best Chinese Herbs for Brain Function

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

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Finding your focus can be a challenge in our modern lifestyles. From distractions to high stress to environmental toxins, we are constantly bombarded with issues that prevent our brains from working optimally. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for brain function help you regain your concentration, restore your memory, and keep your brain sharp for years to come.

What Causes Poor Brain Function?

Wouldn’t it be great if we could use our brain’s full potential, every day? Unfortunately, there are several things that rob our brains of energy and mental clarity:

Stress
Stress, overwork, and lack of sleep are some of the most common causes of brain fog and poor brain function. Unfortunately, these issues lead to adrenal fatigue, and take a toll on your brain health over time. Some studies link high stress and poor sleep to issues like memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

Toxins
If you feel foggy-headed, check your environment. Chemicals in pollution, cleaning products, and even artificial fragrances in candles or room fresheners can interfere with your brain’s processing abilities and may lead to Alzheimer’s.

Diet
Our food choices also have consequences for our brain health. Processed foods, sugar, alcohol, saturated fat, food additives, and mercury in tuna or swordfish can be toxic to the brain. These foods increase oxidative stress on brain cells and have a negative effect on brain power.

But, many foods are fuel for the brain. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and reduce oxidative stress on the brain. Colorful produce provides the vitamins and minerals your brain needs to thrive. Eat more green leafy vegetables, nuts (especially walnuts), seeds, berries, and fatty fish like salmon to feed your brain and improve cognitive function.

Brain Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine has used herbal medicine to support brain health for thousands of years. For instance, herbs like Ginkgo Biloba have long been used in TCM to retain memories and promote sharper thinking. Now, studies show that Ginkgo Biloba and other TCM herbal formulas do support those with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders.

Along with Ginkgo Biloba, many other Chinese herbs for brain health support the brain’s many functions. Here are some of our top herbal formulas for improving memory, staying focused, managing stress, and preventing cognitive disorders:

Chinese Herbs for Brain Fog

Feeling foggy-headed? Chinese herbal medicines can help you overcome confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of focus so you can live each day with mental clarity.

Healthy Brain Pills

Healthy Brain Pills are a natural way to improve your brain’s mental capacity. This herbal formula is typically used to improve a range of brain and mental health conditions such as sleeplessness, agitation, mental exhaustion, dizziness, poor memory, fatigue, nightmares, and restlessness.

Gui Pi Wan

Brain fog and trouble concentrating are common issues people face when they are under mental or physical stress. Recovering from stress, illness, or physical exertion wears out the body’s energy and there is little left for the brain to use. “Mommy brain” and “chemo brain” are commonly-used expressions for these experiences. In these cases, Gui Pi Wan is an effective formula to use. It uses tonifying herbs to replenish the Spleen Qi energy and restore brain power. 


Chinese Herbs for Focus and Concentration

If you’re looking for Chinese herbs for enhanced concentration, memory improvement, and better learning outcomes, these TCM formulas can help.

Bu Nao Pian

Bu Nao Pian is a Chinese herbal formula for brain health. Specifically, it can improve concentration and memory when there is dampness or phlegm “clouding” the mind or causing restlessness. Taking Bu Nao Pian can give you the same boost in energy and clarity that a cup of coffee might, but without the jitters.

Lion’s Mane

Of all the medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane is the one most focused on brain performance. In fact, lion’s mane is one of the best Chinese herbs for brain power. It can be used to improve brain function if you are struggling to concentrate. Or, use it to give your brain a boost for overall improved cognitive performance.

Chinese Herbs for Memory Loss

Forgetfulness and memory loss can have a big impact on your quality of life. With Chinese herbs for memory loss, you can help the brain function better and may help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Yinourish (Zuo Gui Wan)

Zuo Gui Wan is a formula that protects the Kidneys, specifically the Kidney yin. What does that have to do with memory loss? In TCM, the Kidneys connect with the brain. The healthier our Kidney system, the more likely we are to enjoy good memory, easy learning, and stay sharp as we age. Yinourish contains herbs for Alzheimer’s care and prevention, as well as other herbs that promote healthy aging.

Jiao Gu Lan (Gynostemma)

Jiaogulan is a Chinese herb for memory. This liquid tincture offers a potent way to improve memory, prevent hair loss, and reduce other signs of aging. It can also be used to reduce stress and mental tension for a happier brain.

Chinese Herbs for Brain Health

Whether you want to prevent brain conditions in the future or simply want your brain to work better now, these Chinese herbs for brain health can help.

Return to Spring

Return to Spring teapills are a classic longevity tonic that can be used to prevent memory loss as we age. Because the herbs in this formula are particularly tonifying, or strengthening, it can also be a helpful formula for mothers in postpartum, or while recovering from a severe or chronic illness. Choose this formula if you want to boost your brain health, as well as your energy and stamina.

Triple Stress Relief Tea

Stress is one of the biggest causes of brain fog and declining brain health. Support your mind and body by drinking Bravo Teas Triple Stress Relief tea daily. This not only turns down the dial on stress but also helps you reserve energy for better brain power.

Enjoy Better Brain Health with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Ready to give your brain a boost with the natural power of Chinese herbs for brain function? Shop our full collection of Chinese herbs for brain health, memory, and cognition here.

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About the Author

Kaitlan Downes, MSAOM, L.AC

Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine.

Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health.

Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.

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