Several Indian herbs have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for brain health and cognitive function, and some show promise in supporting Alzheimer’s treatment. Seven well known herbs that are known to improve brain health and function are easily available either in herbal form or in the form of herbal supplements.

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi is known as a powerful brain tonic in Ayurveda. It contains bacosides, which help improve memory, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance neuron communication. Studies suggest it may help slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. Tea: Steep dried Brahmi leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes and drink daily.
2. Smoothies: Add ¼ tsp of Brahmi powder to green smoothies.
3. Chutney: Blend fresh Brahmi leaves with coconut, ginger, and lemon juice for brain boosting chutney.

2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, a key factor in Alzheimer’s. It is known to enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron growth.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. Golden Milk: Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric with warm almond or coconut milk, a pinch of black pepper, and honey.
2. Curries and soups: Add turmeric to dals, sabzis, and soups for daily consumption.
3. Turmeric paste: Mix turmeric with ghee or coconut oil and use it as a spread.

3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha reduces cortisol stress hormone, which can contribute to cognitive decline. It has neuroprotective properties that may prevent nerve cell degeneration. It also helps to clear amyloid plaques from the brain.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. Ashwagandha Tea: Boil ½ tsp of Ashwagandha powder with milk or almond milk and drink before bedtime.
2. Smoothies: Blend ¼ tsp Ashwagandha powder with banana, almond butter, and plant-based milk.
3. Energy balls: Mix Ashwagandha powder with dates, nuts, and coconuts for a healthy snack.

4. Shankhavali (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Also known as Shankhpushpi is a well-known Ayurvedic herb for memory enhancement. Plants with white flower is well known for its medicinal property.  It is known to improve cognitive function and reduce stress-induced neuroinflammation.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. Herbal infusion: Steep dried Shankhpushpi in warm water and drink before bedtime.
2. With honey: Mix ½ tsp of Shankhpushpi syrup with honey and warm water in the morning.
3. With milk: Take Shankhavali extract (2 tsp) in one glass of warm milk.

5. Gotukola (Centella asiatica): Gotukola enhances circulation to the brain, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery. It supports nerve regeneration and may help slow cognitive decline.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. Salads: Add fresh Gotukola leaves to salads with lemon dressing.
2. Juice: Blend Gotukola leaves with coconut water for a refreshing drink.
3. Soup: Add chopped Gotukola leaves to vegetable soups or stews.

6. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi is Known for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports brain function and may help reduce oxidative damage in Alzheimer’s.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. Herbal tea: Boil Guduchi stems in water and drinks as a detoxifying tea.
2. With honey: Mix Guduchi powder with honey and take in the morning.

7. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii): Guggulu or Myrr contains antioxidants that may help prevent cognitive decline. It may support brain detoxification processes.

Ways to incorporate in diet:

1. With warm water: Take Guggulu powder mixed with warm water or milk.
2. Herbal supplements: Often taken in Ayurvedic formulations for brain health.

Brain boosting foods to pair with these 7 herbs:

1. Nuts and seeds-Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia
2. Leafy greens -Spinach, moringa, methi
3. Berries -Blueberries, amla, pomegranate
4. Healthy fats -Coconut, olive oil, ghee
5. Whole grains -Millets, quinoa, brown rice

These 7 herbs can be taken as powders, teas, capsules, or extracts. However, it is best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor before starting any herbal treatment, especially for a condition like Alzheimer’s and you are already on prescription medicines.

• Bacopa : Image credit: By Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6181211
• Guggulu: https://www.agrifarming.in/
• Turmeric: Image by Nirmal Sarkar from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)
• Ashwagandha; By Wowbobwow12 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60520795
• Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)
• Tinospora : Image by Chiring Chandan https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tinospora_cordifolia_ripe_fruits.jpg (CC 4.0)
• Shankhavali: Image credit; https://www.theayurveda.org/