Food for Brain
Nuts like almonds and walnuts; herbs like sage, rosemary and holy basil; spices like turmeric; seeds like linseed, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds; foods rich in fiber like beans, pulses, wholegrain cereals, vegetables and fruits help the brain to function effectively.
Almonds and Walnuts: Soak a few almonds overnight in water and in the morning, remove their outer skin. Grind them into a fine paste and eat the paste along with honey or butter. This is a useful home remedy in fighting brain weakness. Walnuts also help in countering any problems of brain weakness. Eat about 20 grams of walnuts on a daily basis to enhance memory.
Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables: Vitamin B12, folate and niacin are some of the essential requirements for the brain to function well and they are found in ample amounts in meat, eggs and dairy products. Eggs, in particular, contain choline, a nutrient that protects memory loss due to aging. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are useful for the cognitive skills of the brain and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Avocados, fresh coconut and extra virgin olive oil are also good sources of fat supplying nourishment to the brain cells.
Cow’s Milk with Nuts and Seeds: Soak one tablespoon of unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds, a half teaspoon of sunflower seeds, five raw almonds, one fig, two dates and two black peppercorns in water overnight. Next morning, blend them with ten ounces of cow’s milk. Heat the mixture over low flame for ten minutes till it reduces to seven or eight ounces and drink this mixture.
Rosemary: Rosemary has been found to be the herb of remembrance. When inhaled it causes the brain to clear up. It is found to be an antidote for forgetfulness and fatigue. It also enhances mental agility.
Sage: Sage is found to be a useful herb in helping to treat memory loss and a weak memory. This herb should be dried and then ground in a little water along with a few almonds and a dash of pepper. When taken regularly on an empty stomach, it is found to have a good effect on the memory. Alternately, you may also sip a cup of sage tea with a dash of honey in it on a regular basis, along with some raw almonds and two to three whole black peppercorns.
Chyawanprash: Considered an Ayurvedic super food, it is a mixture of 52 different herbs, flowers and spices in the base of Clarified butter (known as ghee) and honey or raw cane sugar. Chyawanprash, taken with warm milk or warm water, helps as an antioxidant, boosts immunity and improves the functioning of the brain cells and the nervous system. It is also an anti-aging herbal tonic.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Head Massage: Apply warm almond oil, two to three times a week, on the scalp. Massage properly for five minutes. Wash the head after thirty minutes.
Nasya: Nasya (Ayurvedic nasal oleation) is beneficial in boosting memory. Instill two to three drops of warm, melted Clarified butter or almond oil in the nostrils everyday.
Herbs: Herbs such as Brahmi, Amalaki, Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi have special benefits to the brain and nervous system. Please consult your Ayurvedic physician to inquire about the dosage as per your age, condition and dosha.
Other Practices
Walking, swimming, learning musical instruments – such activities keep the brain in a young receptive mode. The best way to keep the brain active and alert is by being a student. Keep learning new activities on a regular basis.
