This blog is about the entrants in the year 1960, to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ceylon, Colombo. The email address for communications is, 1960batch@gmail.com. Please BOOKMARK this page for easier access later.Photo is the entrance porch of the old General Hospital, Colombo, still in existence. Please use the search box below to look for your requirement.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Herbs That Can Give A Memory Boost!
emaiol from Muttuvelu Maheswaran
Occasional forgetfulness or loss of short-term memory may indicate specific factors and causes, which may be attributed to alcohol, tobacco, certain medications, sleeplessness, stress and depression, nutritional deficiency, head injury or even a stroke.
It is normal to forget things once in a while; but forgetting how to use the telephone or how to find your way home may indicate a more serious memory problem.
So, whether it's to prevent or treat memory loss, these natural herbs have served the mankind time immemorial. Let's take a look:
This popular herb is well-known for its many therapeutic
benefits, particularly
its power to enhance memory.
Studies done on this herbal supplement have found gingko's potency in aiding memory and thinking power among people with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia.
Gingko protect the nerve cells damaged by these disorders to improve learning, daily activities, social behavior, as well as reduce feelings of depression.
Further tests conducted on gingko also have found that it can improve blood circulation along the central nervous system, promoting brain development and functioning.
What makes gingko so potent? Gingko leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids, both of which have antioxidants to combat free radicals that contribute to health of disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.
In the studies conducted, mice were given dosages of ginseng extracts showed remarkable improvements in water maze tasks.
Ginseng was shown to activate neurotransmitter activities that promote memory enhancement.
Traditionally, this aromatic herb has long been used to improve memory. Like gingko, rosemary has been shown to contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.
When used in aromatherapy, rosemary has also been found to reduce cortisol levels in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety.
Further, when combined with other essential oils, rosemary has been shown to alleviate stress and increase concentration and memory of graduate nursing students.
4. Sage.
Studies have found that sage contains active ingredients that
boost the chemicals that trigger transmission of messages within the brain.
Scientists from the Universities of Newcastle and Northambria also tested the herb on 44
people. Half the group were given sage, while the other half were given a
placebo. Results showed that those who were given sage performed better in a word recall test.
Green tea is best known for its antioxidant properties.
Scientific research conducted in March 2013, confirmed that green tea extracts
help shield proteins and lipids (fat soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K) from age
associated activities caused by oxidation. In the study, animals treated with
green tea extracts showed better spatial learning abilities.
Further, studies suggest that this plant can protect the hippocampus (the part of the brain
responsible for emotion, memory and the autonomic nervous system) from age-related
decline.
Rhodiola Rosea has long been used to treat
various kinds of illnesses.
But, rhodiola is best known for
enhancing memory. In fact, it is considered to be one of the best herbs to
do so. Studies have also discovered that rhodiola not only has the ability to
improve one's focus and memory, it can also relieve depression. Furthermore,
researchers believe that this herb containsadaptogenic qualities which stimulate the
central nervous system of the body, resulting in enhanced memory and
concentration. Another study also found that taking rhodiola regularly increases
memorization abilities.
Bacopa has a
long history. It was used inayurveda (a 5000-year-old ancient system
of natural healing) to enhance learning, concentration and memory.
Numerous studies conducted on bacopa found it to be an effective
herb in improving one's memory and mental function. In one study, conducted in
Australia, 46 volunteers aging from 18 to 60 were divided into two groups. In
one group, each volunteer was given 300mg ofbacopa everyday. After 12 weeks, the
subjects' verbal learning abilities, speed of information processing, and
memory significantly improved.
Gotu Kola
shows promising results in enhancing memory and improving brain function. In
traditional Chinese and ayurvedicmedicine, gotu kola has also been used in
rejuvenating the mind and the body. In fact, it is considered to be an
anti-aging herb. Studies have found that gotu kola contains certain
substances that increase brain power and improves blood circulation to the
brain, resulting in better memory, concentration, intelligence and attention
span.
This herb is best known for its antispasmodic, antibacterial,
anti-cancer and sedative effects. It is also a great herb to use to enhance
memory. The seeds and leaves in periwinkle contain a blood thinner that
improves circulation of the blood to the brain, promoting better oxygen use. It
also prevents any damages to the blood vessels, preventing dementia and
senility. Furthermore, it encourages the brain to absorb more nutrients,
significantly improving its functions. By increasing oxygen supply to the
brain, cognitive and memory abilities are significantly enhanced.
Modern
science has discovered that blueberries contain powerful compounds like flavanoids, believed to be
effective in enhancing learning ability, cognitive functions, verbal
comprehension, numerical ability, decision making, reasoning ability, and more
importantly, memory. Eating foods rich inflavanoids regularly, helps in slowing
down the decline in cognitive ability, offering protection against diseases
like dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Moreover, a study conducted at
Harvard University found that eating blueberries helps in boosting brain
power. It has also been found to stave off cognitive decline and prevent memory
loss, that is normally associated with aging.
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