Have you ever walked into a room and forgot why you went in there in the first place? Can’t seem to remember what you did yesterday or having trouble keeping your train of thought? Then you, my friend, are suffering from brain fog.
Brain fog, or mental exhaustion, describes mental episodes where you have difficulties concentrating, focusing on daily activities, and trouble learning new things. Although it isn’t considered a serious condition, brain fog can be depressing because it interferes with your ability to execute daily tasks, hindering your productivity.
Brain Fog Symptoms
As we get older, our memory starts to fade and losing track of time starts to become a common occurrence. While a decline in cognitive function shows a sign of aging, research proves that millennials aren’t the only ones affected; the younger generation is affected too. According to a study conducted by UCLA, researchers found that 14% of young men and women between 18 and 39 complained of poor memory. If you are struggling with mental fatigue, you may be experiencing the following complications:
- Struggle focusing
- Poor memory
- Stuttering when you speak
- Slow to process information
- Feeling confused or groggy
Causes of Brain Fog
Brain fog and mental fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors. Getting to the heart of what causes mental fatigue is the key to unlocking the solutions to this troublesome condition. Common causes of brain fog include:
- Neurological disorders
- Anxiety
- Excessive drinking
- Brain damage
- Depression
- Over-exercising
- Hormonal imbalance
- Hypothyroidism
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
Most people are unaware of this fact, but brain fog is an early sign of inflammation. When inflammation occurs in your brain, it causes neurons to react slowly, causing your reflexes, mental acuity, and recall to slow down. Slow neurons also prevent your cells from producing energy, so your tired cells are going to stunt your ability to focus.
Nutrient deficiencies are also a common cause of brain fog. You are what you eat, so if you’re constantly eating processed and sugary foods, you are depriving your brain of the proper nutrients it needs in order to perform.
By eating the right foods with the proper nutrients, you are giving your brain a fighting chance to think clearly and remain focused. Along with healthy eating, try adding these super herbs to your diet to really help you stay focused and promote mental clarity.
Natural Remedies for Brain Fog: Herbs You Should Try
Brain fog can make everyday activities difficult to manage. Luckily, the herbs listed below are easy to find and can help keep mental fatigue at bay:
Mugwort
Aside from this sounding like a character from the Harry Potter series, mugwort is proven to have extraordinary, medicinal capabilities. Mugwort is not only beneficial for headaches and digestion, it also helps with relieving brain fog, especially if the brain fog is triggered by a digestive issue.
Mugwort’s botanical name is Artemisia Vulgaris, derived from the ancient Greek goddess of the moon “Artemis” and “Vulgaris,” which has been historically used to aid menstrual cramps. Along with being of assistance during a very delicate time of the month, mugwort helps promote a better nights sleep, something imperative for combating brain fog.
Rosemary
Rosemary has been known as the “herb of remembrance” ever since ancient Greece. In fact, folklore claims that Greek scholars used to wear rosemary on their heads while studying to help them remember what they learned when it was time to take an exam.
According to a study that was conducted by the International Journal of Neuroscience, participants who used rosemary for aromatherapy reported improved memory and alertness, proving that the use of rosemary has positive effects on cognitive function.
Ginkgo Biloba
This particular herb is most commonly used for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and various types of dementia. According to research, ginkgo has been proven to help with concentration, improved memory, and enhance cognitive memory.
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine capabilities, ginkgo promotes brain function by increasing blood circulation to your peripheral nerves. As a result, fresh blood is pumped to your brain, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, making ginkgo beneficial for cognitive function.
Unlocking Your True Mental Capabilities
The previously mentioned herbs are all beneficial to improving mental function and alleviating brain fog. All of these herbs are easy to find and easily accessible. You can find them through online retailers or natural food stores.
You can reap the medicinal benefits of these herbs in the form of a tea, tincture, or as a spice in your kitchen cabinet. While these herbs are reported as safe for general use, always make sure to do your research or consult a health professional to ensure using these herbs are the right fit for you.
Along with incorporating these herbs into your daily lifestyle, a balanced diet comprised of magnesium, omega 3’s, and vitamin B is imperative for combating brain fog. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep and consistent, moderate exercise. With the use of these simple tips and herbal remedies, you can fight the fog and clear your mind.
