The 10 Best Herbs and Spices for Brain Health, Memory, and Staying Sharp

Rosemary isn’t just a tasty herb, it’s also great for your brain. Studies show that rosemary can improve concentration and memory. This is because it helps increase blood flow to the brain, giving it more oxygen and nutrients to work better. Amazingly, even just smelling rosemary has been linked to better focus and mental performance.

I think about memory a lot, and if something as simple as rosemary can help keep my brain sharp, it’s worth using. We already cook with it all the time, especially on lamb and roasted baby potatoes. It’s cheap, easy to use, and even easier to grow. My wife grows it in the garden, and it barely needs any care. She just cuts what we need, and the plant keeps growing.

Since rosemary is so simple to add to different meals, it tops my list as the best herb to support your brain’s health. 

Also Read: The 10 Best Foods to Support Healthy Aging After 50

Peppermint is more than just a fresh-tasting herb, it’s also great for your brain. Studies show that peppermint can improve alertness, long-term memory, and working memory. Just the smell of peppermint has been linked to better focus and quicker thinking. This is why it’s often used in essential oils, teas, and even chewing gum.

I’ll be honest, peppermint isn’t really my thing. But I do keep peppermint tea in the pantry because it’s great for digestion. A few times a year, I’ll have a cup after a heavy meal. Since learning about its brain-boosting benefits, though, I’ve started sneaking in a few cups a week. If something as simple as a cup of tea can help keep my memory sharp, I figure it’s worth a try.

Peppermint is an easy way to give your brain a little boost and is easy to fit into a busy schedule (whether drinking a cup of herbal tea or chewing peppermint-infused gum). 

Turmeric is a powerful spice that helps protect the brain. It works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which helps your body fight damage in brain cells and keeps them healthy. Some studies show that turmeric may even help lower the risk of memory loss and brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

My wife has me drinking turmeric with hot water and other herbal mixes. I won’t lie—it’s not my favorite, but I can’t argue with the health benefits. Turmeric is also great in curries, giving them a rich color and an earthy taste. It’s a bit tricky to prepare, though. If you don’t get it right, it can make your meal taste bitter.

Even though turmeric isn’t the easiest spice to use, it’s worth adding to your diet. Whether in tea, food, or supplements, it’s a simple way to help protect your brain.

Some studies show that saffron can improve brain function, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It has been used as medicine for centuries and is still known for its cognitive benefits today.

I’ve never really used saffron, but what I learned about it is fascinating. It was once more expensive than gold. Ancient Persians used it as medicine, as an offering to the gods, and even as money. That alone makes it unique on this list. 

For those curious, saffron has a floral, slightly sweet taste. Some may describe it as a mix of earthy and honey, while also bitter. Since it’s packed with brain-boosting benefits, it’ll be a spice on this list I’ll be trying in the not-so-distant future. 

Ginger potentially helps protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s and reduces damage to brain cells. It also fights inflammation, which can help keep your mind sharp as you age.

We use ginger in drinks and even add it to smoothies. But be warned, ginger has a strong taste and can easily take over. I once saw a recipe that added ginger to bolognese sauce. Big mistake. It turned my dinner into a minced beef dessert. Never again. 

Even though ginger can be overpowering, it’s worth using for its brain benefits. Whether in tea, food, or smoothies, a little ginger can go a long way.

Also Read: 10 Circulation-Boosting Foods to Support You as You Age

Yashtimadhu, also known as licorice root, is great for the brain. It helps support cognitive function and improves mental clarity, making it easier to focus. Some studies suggest it may even help protect the brain from aging.

Sadly for me, I loathe the taste of licorice. But with all the brain-boosting benefits, it earns a spot on this list. If you can handle the flavor, it might be worth adding to your routine. 

Licorice root comes in many forms. You can find it as a powder, in supplements, or as a tea. It has a unique taste, intensely sweet, slightly bitter, and a little earthy. Some people even compare it to a medicinal flavor, but it’s definitely an acquired taste. 

There’s a health store near me, and based on my family’s history of dementia and memory issues, this herb was recommended. We had to special order it, and it arrived as part of a root herb tea pack. The downside? It was crazy expensive, it worked out to around  $3 per cup. The taste was mild and earthy, but for that price, it might be more affordable to try the supplements. 

For those wondering why Siberian ginseng was recommended to me, it’s known for improving mental performance and concentration. It helps the brain stay sharp and focused, making it a popular supplement for those looking to support their memory. Some research suggests it may also help with brain aging, which is the main reason why I was interested in trying it.

While Siberian ginseng has great brain-boosting benefits, the high cost might make it hard to justify. Supplements are cheaper and might be the better option for those looking to help with brain aging. 

Please know that for any supplement, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner. 

Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is an herb that helps with memory, brain function, and even anxiety. Studies show that it can improve thinking skills and may help protect the brain from aging. It’s often used in supplements to support mental well-being.

Back in 2012, a family friend who was into alternative medicine recommended Brahmi to me for anxiety. I gave it a try as a supplement for about three months, but it didn’t work for me. That said, the research on this herb is solid. Many people use it to boost memory and reduce stress, so it has to make the list. 

Even though it didn’t help me personally, Bacopa monnieri has a strong reputation for brain health. If you’re looking for a natural way to support memory and focus, it might be worth trying.

Ginkgo biloba is a powerful herb that helps improve blood flow to the brain. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients, which can boost memory and overall brain function. Some studies suggest it may even help slow down cognitive decline.

Before researching this list, I had never heard of ginkgo biloba. What makes it stand out is that it focuses on brain circulation, something the other herbs don’t. Because of that, I’ve been trying to get my hands on a supplement, but it hasn’t been easy. Many stores list it, but few have it in stock.

Since good circulation is key to brain health, this is one I’ll keep searching for. If I can find it, it might be worth adding to my routine.

Also Read: The 12 Best Foods for Heart Health That You Should Eat More Of

Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is packed with antioxidants that help protect the brain from stress. It also improves blood circulation, which keeps the brain healthy and working at its best. Some studies suggest it may even help with focus and mental clarity.

Like Ginkgo biloba, this is a supplement I’ve struggled to find. Since it helps with brain circulation and stress protection, I really want to try it. But so far, every place I’ve checked has been out of stock (or unavailable in my area). 

With its mix of antioxidants and brain-boosting benefits, holy basil seems like a great herb for mental health. If I can get my hands on it, it might make it on my list of supplements (which is ever-growing).