There is no body part more taxed by an entrepreneur’s lifestyle than the brain. Entrepreneurs must have vast amounts of knowledge and be constantly learning. Everything has to be retained, recalled, processed, analyzed, and applied at lightening speed. Both the left and the right side of the brain are relentlessly called upon to perform at peak efficiency, while it also looks after the rest of the body. Combine these factors with the stress that usually comes with being an entrepreneur and it is little wonder that our brain could use a natural boost.
The brain requires nurturing to operate at peak performance levels just like your other organs, yet it is the most neglected. A healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise are crucial for optimum brain function, but like the rest of the body performance can be enhanced naturally with herbs. There are herbs available that improve concentration, learning capacity, memory, clarity, speech, and the ability to cope with stress. They can be stimulating or reduce anxiety. There are also herbs that support optimum brain function through improved oxygenation, circulation, and detoxification of brain tissue.
I’ve tried virtually all herbs on the market for improved brain function to support my work-a-holic ways. I have listed my top choices below. Your results may vary, but it will provide you with a great place to start. I take supplements throughout the day to allow each one to work individually before adding another. I also purchase some of the milder herbs in powder form to add to family meals so everyone can enjoy their benefits. You’d be amazed at what I can sneak into spaghetti sauce. 😉
Herbal Brain Boosters Used by Successful Entrepreneurs
Bacopa monnieri works with both sides of the brain to improve all mental functions, including focus, learning capacity, and memory. This herb has a bonus function for entrepreneurs with it’s ability to reduce the impact of stress. It reduces nervousness, anxiety, and improves sleep without leaving you groggy. Other benefits of Bacopa monnieri include balancing brain proteins GABA and glutamate, improved neurotransmitter function, adrenal gland healing and immune system support. Take it an hour or two before bed for best results.
Ashwagandha is the principal ayurvedic herb for chronic memory loss. It has proven useful in stress & anxiety reduction, neural protection, nerve cell regeneration, and free radical control.
In Life Extension Magazine, Dale Kiefer wrote of an Ashwagandha study in which, “Study participants reported increased energy, reduced fatigue, better sleep, and an enhanced sense of well-being. The participants showed several measurable improvements, including a reduction of cortisol levels up to 26%, a decline in fasting blood sugar levels, and improved lipid profiles.”
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) improves concentration, alertness, and stamina, while also protecting against stress. It supports the central nervous system, circulatory system and immune system. Siberian Ginseng can be taken consecutively for up to two weeks and is intended to provide an extra boost in exceptionally trying situations.
Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) enhances learning capacity, thinking, concentration, memory, work efficiency and general well-being. Experts suggest it can be safely used for up to three months at a time, but may be unsafe for prolonged use due to ‘hormone-like’ effects.
Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive functioning to a point that it has been studied for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. It improves concentration and both working and long-term memory. Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and oxygen to the brain and it’s antioxidants destroy free radicals.
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) increases concentration, improves memory, and relieves mental fatigue. Even the scent can improve mental alertness. Try adding a plant to your workspace and rub a few leaves to release the scented oils when you need a mental or emotional boost.
For full benefits, obtain your herbs from a reputable supplier that focuses on freshness and purity. I rely on Starwest Botanicals in the US for bulk herbs, due to a lack of a similar online Canadian alternative (bonus business idea there for you). You’ll find a vast array of herbal teas, smoothie powders and other supplements on Amazon Canada
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Caution: It’s important to consult with your doctor before adding herbs to your diet to avoid drug interactions or negative impact on existing medical conditions. Ginseng, for example, interacts with a number of medications and speeds the effects of alcohol. Ask your doctor before using herbs if you are pregnant or nursing, and before administering to children under 12. Using more than the recommended dosage may be dangerous.
Do you use natural brain boosters? Please share your favourites in the comments below.
Sources:
Kiefer, Dale. Ashwagandha: Stress Reduction, Neural Protection, and a Lot More from an Ancient Herb. 2006.
Cassels, Caroline. Active Compound in Rosemary May Be Neuroprotective. 2007.
Le Bars, P. L. et al. Influence of the Severity of Cognitive Impairment on the Effect of the Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 in Alzheimer’s Disease. 2002.
Wesnes, K. A. et al. The Memory Enhancing Effects of a Ginkgo Biloba/Panax Ginseng Combination in Healthy Middle-Aged Volunteers. 2000.
Zhao, R. & McDaniel. Ginseng Improves Strategic Learning by Normal and Brain-Damaged Rats. 1998.
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Herbal Healing
2012.
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Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.
Melody has worked with many businesses & brands in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.
You know what? There’s another business idea here: what about a line of herbal supplements specifically for professionals and entrepreneurs? I’m going to check into that!!
It has potential! Let us know when they’re on the shelves. 🙂
Some herbs scare me a little so I appreciate the use tips. It just goes to show you don’t have to snort something or pop a pill to be on your toes.
It’s better than turning to synthetic uppers that just give the illusion of what natural herbs make reality. Good fo ryou for promoting entrepreneur health.
I take herbs and supplements but nothing makes me sharper than a good nights sleep. It’s easy to skimp on sleep when you’re an entrepreneur but it makes you less productive so you’re no further ahead.
I take a supplement that has a few herbs listed here. I’m at work so I don’t know which ones but I remember ginseng. They perk me up.