If you are anything like me, then you more than often cannot remember why you are standing in front of the fridge, or after entering a room, you have no clue why you came there in the first place. Do you need a list every single time you visit the grocery? Even if it is for not more than one item? Well, you might not be aware of this, but dear you have a weak memory, and you need these home remedies for memory loss.
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Memory tends to get weaker as we grow old. But apart from old age, there are a number of factors that can cause weak memory.
Suggested read: 10 home remedies to improve cognitive health and fight Alzheimer’s disease
Causes of weak memory
The most common factors causing a weak memory are:
- Lack of proper sleep
- Depression
- Deficiency of B vitamins
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Alcohol abuse
- Excessive smoking
- Particular medications
Medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc. also result in loss of memory apart from other symptoms. If your memory loss is caused by such serious issues, then you need to consult a specialized doctor, undergo proper diagnosis, and receive necessary treatment.
However, for general weakness of memory, you can give these home remedies a shot. Along with these, you will also have to change your lifestyle and make it healthier.
Home Remedies for Memory Loss
1. Almonds
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To improve your memory as well as your intelligence, try almonds. Almonds are recommendable because they are a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to boost memory.
Almonds have antioxidant properties which makes them a great remedy for weak memory. Because of this property of being an antioxidant, almonds are also amazing for the eyes.
In a cup of water, soak 10 almonds, through the night. The next day, peel the almonds and mince them. Mix the paste with a glass of milk. Bring the mix to boil. Then add a teaspoon of honey, if you need a sweetener for taste. Drink it.
Drink this once every day for a month, and you will notice improvements in your memory.
2. Rosemary
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A very popular her, rosemary, is a great home remedy to improve memory. Just sniffing its scent will also help you.
According to a study conducted at Northumbria University of England, a couple of years ago, found that the scent of the rosemary herb can enhance one’s prospective memory. Prospective memory, for your information, is essential to carry out everyday functions.
Prospective memory helps us remember things that we will need to do in the future. For instance, returning a phone call, or getting the petrol tank of your vehicle filled before embarking on a trip, and the like.
To use rosemary a s a remedy for weak memory, in a glass of boiling water, add half a tablespoon of the herb and let it steep for just 5 minutes. Strain the tea. You may add honey as a sweetener. You need to drink this once every day for at least a month to see visible changes.
Alternatively, you can take a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your room diffuser, and breathe in the aroma.
A word of caution: Rosemary is not recommended for children below the age of 18 because its effects have not been tested on children. You might, however, use it as a spice in their food.
3. Black Seed
Nigella Sativa or black seeds (also known as kalonji) is antioxidant, neuron-protecting and anti-inflammatory, which make it an awesome brain-sharpening remedy.
According to a study that was published in the Ethnopharmacology Journal, if one took 2 capsules containing 500 mg of pure pounded black seed powder, then are sure to improve not just their memory but cognition as well as attentiveness.
In a small cup, mix a teaspoon of honey with a tablespoon of pounded black seeds powder. You need to ingest this two times a day for a couple of weeks.
On the other hand, one can also take supplements for this herb. Before taking the pills, do consult a doctor for the correct dosage and do not self-medicate.
4. Indian Gooseberry
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Amla or Indian gooseberry has been used in traditional practice of Ayurveda for centuries, for to improve one’s cognition ability and memory. Indian gooseberry also enhances the nervous system of our body.
According to a study in Physiology and Behavior Journal, Amla churna, an Ayurvedic preparation can improve one’s memory and help someone who is developing the Alzheimer’s disease. Indian gooseberry is an amazing source of vitamin C which makes it a good fruit to munch on for building one’s immunity.
Get yourself a packet of amla churna, and take a teaspoon of it, thrice a day, for a month to achieve an improved memory.
Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of the amla powder with a teaspoon of ground sesame seeds. To the mix, add half a tablespoon of honey and eat it daily for a few weeks.
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5. Brahmi
Another herb that is very popular in Ayurveda for its benefits. Brahmi is used as a mind tonic for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that Brahmi can enhance one’s word recall memory. The herb is also a good remedy for those suffering from anxiety and depression.
You can take one and a half tablespoon of brahmi leaves juice. You will need to do this thrice a day.
Alternatively, you may add some Brahmi powder in your warm milk. To this add a pinch of cardamom powder and mix. This needs to be drunk two times a day. To enhance the benefits, add a teaspoon of ghee or clarified butter to the milk and drink it.
You may take Brahmi supplements, but you will have to consult your physician for the correct dosage.
6. Fish Oil
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Fish oil contains omega-3s which makes it an amazing home remedy for weak memory. To improve your cognition, you need to increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
DHA or Docosahexaenoic which is found in fish oil averts the creation of the brain plagues. These brain plagues if not prevented can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
You will have to take at least 600 mg of DHA regularly. You might want to consult your doctor for the correct dosage for you.
You can increase the consumption of fatty fishes like mackerel, sardines and salmons in your daily diet.
Take fish oil supplements, containing at least 600 mg DHA, daily. For proper dosage and
7. Coconut Oil
To fuel your brain cells and enhance your memory, take coconut oil.
According to research, coconut oil has helped against dementia as well as Alzheimer’s. It also boosts our energy.
Coconut oil is good for people who want to reduce their cholesterol levels.
Every day take a teaspoon of organic and virgin coconut oil, two times a day for a month for best results.
You may also add a teaspoon of the oil while baking some cookies or preparing smoothies.
8. Cinnamon and honey
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To enhance your memory as well as nervous system, try cinnamon and honey.
According to research, just breathing in the scent of cinnamon can improve your cognitive abilities as well as memory and intelligence.
Taking a teaspoon of honey every night before hitting the bed can avert nocturnal metabolic stress. Honey improves sleep which is essential for memory. According to the Mayo clinic, proper sleep is very important to strengthen one’s memory. They say,
“Sleep plays an important role in helping you consolidate your memories, so you can recall them down the road. Make getting enough sleep a priority. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a day.”
Every day, take a pinch of cinnamon powder with half a tablespoon of honey. You need to eat every night before sleeping, for a month or two.
Suggested read: 10 natural remedies that relieve stress and improve quality of life
Additional tips to strengthen memory
- Improve your diet. Increase the amount of Vitamins A, B12 and C. Also include folic acid and calcium, magnesium and iron in your diet.
- Stop eating saturated fat foods. Try to swap them with healthy fats.
- Increase the green veggies in your diet. Eat more herbs like holy basil.
- Introduce spices like turmeric and black pepper in our diet. These improve one’s memory.
- Drink a cup of green tea every day as it is rich in antioxidants which is good for our memory.
- Keep your brain occupied with mental exercises like Sudoku and crosswords.
- To remember better, you can try mnemonic devices.
- Physical exercises apart from mental ones are necessary. This is because they help provide more oxygen to the brain. This, in turn, promotes nerve cell multiplication.
- Sleep deprivation causes our brain to not work to its full potential. That’s why you need to make sure you get 8 hours uninterrupted sleep every night.
- You might want to walk in nature every morning to get your brain the early rays of the morning sun which promotes Vitamin D in our body.
- Your stress levels should be kept in check.
That is all we have on home remedies for memory loss.
If you have any queries regarding the remedies, then do let us know in the comments below!
See you again tomorrow!
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