Nervous System
Memory and Thinking
Concerns about memory, focus or mental sharpness. Memory problems that get worse over time should be checked by a doctor.
Several of these herbs can make you sleepy and add to the effects of alcohol and of sleep or anxiety medicines, so don't drive if they make you drowsy. Some, such as kava, have been linked to liver damage. For ongoing anxiety, low mood or sleep problems, talk to a health professional. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.
12 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
BrahmiBacopa monnieriReviews of trials suggest standardized extracts may improve memory and speed of attention in healthy adults.
Butterfly Pea FlowerClitoria ternateaTraditionally used in South Asia to boost memory and intellect. Not tested in trials.
Devil's HorsewhipAchyranthes asperaLab and animal studies suggest it may protect brain cells. It hasn't been tested in people.
Gotu KolaCentella asiaticaA preliminary study suggests benefit, but a meta-analysis found the evidence isn't strong enough.
Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorumA small trial in healthy young adults found better attention and short-term memory after 4 weeks.
Indian Trumpet TreeOroxylum indicumIn one trial, an extract improved some memory tests in older adults with mild memory complaints.
Lemon BalmMelissa officinalisResults for memory and thinking have been mixed.
Lion's ManeHericium erinaceusA small trial found it improved memory scores in older adults with mild memory problems.
Milky OatsAvena sativaA green oat extract improved working memory and multitasking in healthy adults.
Sceletium TortuosumSceletium tortuosumIn a 3-week trial of 21 healthy adults, the extract improved tests of task-switching and planning compared with a dummy pill.
SpearmintMentha spicataTwo trials funded by its maker found a spearmint extract slightly improved working memory in older adults with mild memory problems, and attention in younger adults.
TremellaTremella fuciformisIn one small 8-week trial, adults with memory complaints who took tremella did better on memory tests than with a placebo.