Natural Cures for Improving Memory Loss

People of all ages experience lapses of memory from time to time. Chronic memory issues can be the result of many factors, and often causes great concern. Possible causes include serious conditions like Alzheimer's disease or a stroke, drug and alcohol use, poor nutrition, certain prescription drugs and free radicals (produced from normal bodily processes) that damage brain tissue. There are many natural treatments that can improve your memory, but it may take several weeks to several months of consistent use to produce significant change.

Beneficial Herbs

Herbs and pharmaceutical agents are assigned doses based on one of their most important pharmacological properties, therapeutic range. Therapeutic range is the smallest dose that produces any medicinal benefit to the largest dose safe for consumption. Herbs are generally non-toxic, and serious complications or overdose is unlikely. However, taking more than the recommended amount is not likely to produce additional benefit, and negative side effects are possible.

Ashwaganda is a principal herb in ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Indian system of medicine. It has a long history of use for chronic memory loss. Take as directed on the label. Garlic contains substances that improve memory. Take as directed on the label. Gingko enhances learning ability and memory, particularly under anxiety-inducing or stressful conditions. Take up to 500 mg once a day. Do not use if you are taking blood-thinning medications. Gotu kola protects the blood vessels that supply the brain. Take 60 to 120 mg once a day. Soy lecithin reduces memory loss. Take 15 to 25 g daily.

Other Suggestions

Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain. Take 2,000 mg of the amino acid tyrosine daily. It helps improve your memory and attention span. Use monounsaturated fats like olive oil when cooking. They contain protective substances that help with age-related memory loss. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E are linked with improved recall, vocabulary and recognition in older adults. If you're over 65, take 200 to 400 international units of vitamin E and 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily. Eat five to seven servings of dark green, yellow or orange fruits and vegetables a week to obtain beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A.