Using natural herbs for memory enhancement dates back to the very beginning of human culture as we know it.
Plant derived medicinals are indeed the origin of all of modern medicine, and today we see countless pharmaceuticals which are explicitly based upon the chemical structure of plants.
The term “herb” can describe any part of a plant, from root to leaf. In addition to being consumed as cure-alls for full body wellness, herbs have also been traditionally used for cognitive enhancement, with good reason.
Naturally occurring nitrogen compounds found in many plants called alkaloids have been observed to possess psychoactive properties when consumed, acting in concert with natural brain chemistry to produce positive mental effects. Here are 5 of the most well known and effective herbal memory boosters you can buy – or grow.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
Green Tea
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Green Tea is another name for the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Most people are very familiar with this herb in the form of a beverage.
In fact, green tea is among the most commonly consumed beverages in the world and it is well-regarded for its health-boosting properties.
Green tea’s flavonoids create powerful mental stimulation, cutting anxiety while providing a feeling of clear focus.It is though that L-Theanine within Green Tea counteracts the normal side effects of caffeine, such as jitters, overexcitement and anxiety.
Green Tea’s effects are thought to enhance the ability to retain facts, and readily access information that has already been memorized. For these reasons, it remains a wildly popular way to begin a work or school day.
Ginkgo Biloba
Probably the most well-known of all herbal supplements, Gingko Biloba comes from a nearly extinct tree which once grew wild on every continent. Now a “living fossil” which is cultivated only for medicinal purposes, Gingko has been observed to exhibit powerful effects among herbs for memory.
Flavonoids, ginkgolides, bilobalides, and terpenoids within the plant improve circulation of blood to the brain. Ginkgo also boosts levels of key neurotransmitters acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
The total effect is a clear-headed sensation, with increased ability to form new memories and retrieve data stored in your long-term memory. Ginkgo Biloba’s cognitive enhancement effects become especially pronounced when it is combined with supplements containing choline and Vinpocetine.
The total effect is strong mental focus, powerful memory retention, and excellent protection against memory loss related to aging.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is an herb gown in North India and parts of the Middle East. Bacopa improves the speed and efficacy of nerve cell transmissions, which is essential for the formation of memory.
Bacopa also acts as a powerful anxiolytic, cutting stress and creating a relaxed mental state which is conducive to learning. These effects are created by Hersaponins in the herb, which can also provide long term protection against degenerative diseases which attack memory, like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine, an herb which is derived from the periwinkle, or Vinca Minor plant, produces strong memory improvements in young and old patients. It does this by increasing circulation and metabolism in the brain.
Vinpocetine delivers a steady oxygen and nutrient-rich flow of blood to brain cells. This creates a thriving environment of new neuron and synapse growth where brain cells are protected from damage and allowed to function at their best level.
Vinpocetine also stimulates the release of more ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which increases overall brain metabolism, resulting in clearer thoughts and greater mental vigilance and sharpness. All of these factors lead to improvements in attentiveness which is another key factor in memory formation.
Like many herbs for memory, Vinpocetine adds to a sense of “fluid intelligence” by activating receptors for serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, without creating unmanageable hormonal spikes.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered a rejuvenating herb which specifically can boost memory function. Derived from the Indian Pennywort plant, it is also known as Centella asiatica. Gotu Kola works via powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which decrease tissue inflammation in the brain and lower overall blood pressure.
This combination provides strong protection for nerve cells and brain systems against age-related decay and the memory loss which accompanies it. Another Ayurvedic herb which is frequently paired with Gotu Kola is Ashwagandha. This herb’s strong anxiety-relieving properties pair nicely with Gotu Kola to create a sense of relaxed, responsive intelligence.
What’s The Best Way To Take Herbs for Memory?
With thousands of herbs known to have nootropic cognitive benefits, it can be confusing, time consuming, cumbersome, and expensive to devise a daily supplementation regimen. For this reason, most people prefer to take a pre-combined stack of supplements which is focused upon memory.
One of the most well-known memory stacks is called CILTEP (Chemically Induced Long Term Potentiation). This combo pill pairs known herbs for memory Forskolin and Artichoke Extract, along with Vitamin B-6 and Acetyl L-Carnitine.
Another very popular herbal cognitive enhancing memory stack is Alpha Brain, which incorporates natural Vinpocetine and Bacopa Monnieri into its proprietary blend. In addition to strong memory retention benefits, these stacks also can create great benefits like enhanced concentration, mental energy, and protection against disease and decay.
Just as in ancient times, using herbs for memory boosts continue to provide powerful benefits for human minds.
Article last updated on: April 16th, 2018 by Nootriment