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5 Brain Boosting Herbs to Make You More Productive
Do you often feel drained or stressed-out? Unable to come up with creative ideas? If so, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 83% of people suffer from work-related stress in the US alone. Getting enough sleep and exercise are important factors in a healthy lifestyle. It’s also important, however, to consider the food we eat. We’ve listed some herbs that could boost your mental resilience and help you become more productive. Grow these in your Click & Grow smart garden, use them in your cooking and enjoy as part of a healthy diet.
1. Garden Sage
According to research published in 2016, sage contains compounds that may boost cognitive and neurological function. Further studies carried out with young adults suggest that appropriate doses of sage can improve mood and focus. It’s also been suggested that sage could lower anxiety levels while also promoting calmness and feelings of contentment. Furthermore, the potent antioxidants found in sage can help improve focus and concentration. Sage also contains a host of essential nutrients (such as vitamin K) which promote bone health and boost the immune system.
2. Holy Basil
Holy basil has a rich history within Indian medicine and has been used as a treatment for numerous conditions. Research has found that it can have a positive effect on the brain too. This 2015 study suggests that leaf extract from holy basil has cognition-enhancing properties. Holy basil also has the potential to normalize the body’s stress response, allowing it to be more stable and calmer over time. It’s believed the herb could also counter metabolic stress by stabilizing blood glucose levels.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that nourishes the nervous system. According to this study, rosemary could have positive effects on cognitive function among the elderly. Further research has found that exposure to rosemary’s aroma can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, making participants faster and more accurate on cognitive tests. Exposure to rosemary essential oil could also assist children’s working memory.
4. Lemon Balm
A 2014 study looking at the effects of lemon balm on cognitive function produced some interesting findings. Participants took part in computerised, cognitive tasks that involved maths, concentration and memory. The results suggest that participants who ingested lemon balm performed better than those who didn’t. Further research indicates that lemon balm can improve memory performance and increased calmness. Lemon balm tea is often used to ease insomnia and anxiety.
5. Peppermint
Researchers at Northumbria University found that peppermint tea could boost working memory and long-term memory in healthy adults. The research was based on 180 participants who were randomly allocated a drink of hot water, chamomile tea or peppermint tea. Before drinking the beverage, they filled out questionnaires to describe their mood. After a break of twenty minutes, they completed tests to assess their memory and various other cognitive functions. After the tests were completed, the participants filled out another mood questionnaire. The findings indicated that peppermint can improve long term memory, working memory and alertness significantly more than both chamomile tea and hot water.