Several herbs and spices which look promising with respect to brain health based on the existing research are black pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, lemon balm, nutmeg, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, saffron, sage, tea leaves, turmeric, thyme and the list continues.

Black pepper has been introduced last time. This time lets have a look on how cinnamon and ginger may help improve brain function .

CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, family Lauraceae)

Parts Used: Dried bark, Essential oil

Main constituents in cinnamon are volatile oil, eugenol, tannins, resin, mucilage, trace coumarin and complex sugars

One study has shown that cinnamon can increase cognitive functioning, even just through smell alone, and it is being considered as a possible treatment to enhance cognition in the elderly and people with symptoms of dementia.

Ingredients in cinnamon, mainly epicatechin and cinnamaldehyde, play an important role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, prevent abnormal swelling of brain cells (this phenomenon has been linked to complications following brain injuries and stroke), and neurological problems associated with aging. they can also provide protection against In addition to having an extremely good effect on our brain, cinnamon essential oil soothes and reduces anxiety.

GINGER (Zingiber officinale, family of Zingiberaceae)

Main constituents of ginger are volatile oil, (mainly zingiberone and bisabolene), oleoresin (containing the pungent principles gingerols, shogaols and zingerone), fats, protein, starch, vitamins a and b, minerals and amino acids.

Ginger boasts innumerable benefits to health. It is great for digestion, fighting inflammation, and arthritis. The antioxidant effects of ginger root are thought to safeguard the neurons (nerve cells) of the brain against the oxidative stress that is common in many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.

According to Arabian folklore, ginger has been claimed to improve memory. The studies showed that ginger rhizomes extract could enhance memory and protect against brain damage. Ginger extract enhances both attention and cognitive processing capabilities of healthy, middle-aged women, with no side effects reported.

Cinnamon and ginger are delicious in sweet treats and if we consume them regularly, not only will we be able to do our job perfectly, but we will still have our strength and energy for our favourite hobbies. Not only do they have a good effect on our memory, but they can also help us overcome our anxiety.

Use them with confidence and enjoy!

by Helena Szollosy, Naturopath, Phyto-therapist