Your brain is the control center for everything you do and experience. But how often do you actively work on your brain health?

Just as you might take on certain habits for your heart health, gut health, or skin health, your brain deserves equal attention and care. 

In honor of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we’re sharing some of the best natural tips and products to help you nurture your brain and pave the way for a brilliant future. 

Why Brain Health Matters

Over 55 million people currently live with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease. These conditions are complex and challenging, and sadly there is no known cure yet. 

Protecting ourselves against diseases like these starts with proactive brain care. But even beyond preventing issues like Alzheimer’s, prioritizing your brain health can help you live a happier, more fulfilling life. How?

Good brain health leads to improved memory, sharper reasoning, and better focus. Unfortunately, when we don’t care for our brains, we feel the consequences. Issues like chronic stress, mood swings, sleep issues, and even hormonal imbalances can have a root in poor brain health. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Brain Health

The brain is an important organ in the TCM model of health, just as it is in the West. Here, the brain is seen as a balance of both energy and bodily functions. 

The concept of "Shen" or "Mind" in TCM is actually housed in the Heart organ system, but is still closely related to the brain's function. A healthy Shen is reflected in clear thinking, good memory, and emotional balance. 

To support our Western idea of “brain health” or cognitive health, TCM recommends nurturing the Heart, Liver, and Kidneys – all of which are needed to support Shen (and indirectly benefits the brain). 

10 Lifestyle Tips to Boost Your Brain Function

Daily habits are easy to integrate into your lifestyle, but have powerful, lasting benefits for your future self. Below are ten simple tips that will boost your brain health in big ways: 

1) Try Meditative Practices

Meditation gives your mind a restorative escape while enhancing your focus and sharpness. Studies show that engaging in daily meditative practices like Tai Chi or mindfulness meditation can significantly lower stress levels, enhance mental clarity and focus, and help maintain brain plasticity. Not sure where to start? Try a walking meditation or the cloud hands exercise. 

2) Cook Yourself a Brain-Boosting Diet

What you eat has a huge impact on how energized you feel – and that includes your brain power! Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins to best support your brain. These can be found in foods like fatty fish, walnuts, blueberries, and green leafy vegetables, which are also known to enhance memory and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

Make weeknight easy with restorative soups made with Root + Spring’s Chinese Herbal Soup Mix for Stress Relief. This herbal-packed broth kit helps you infuse stress-relieving medicinals into your favorite soups, stews, and rice dishes. 

3) Exercise Regularly 

Exercise isn't just for the body. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming boost brain function by improving oxygen flow and reducing the risk of disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

4) Get Adequate Sleep

Skimping on sleep may seem like a good way to meet deadlines or catch up on your favorite shows. But adequate sleep is crucial for brain health. Without it, the brain can’t properly consolidate memories and clear brain toxins. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support cognitive functions and emotional health.

5) Drink More Water 

Do you track your water intake? If not, you may be living your days with a dehydrated brain. The brain is 85% water, and drinking enough water is essential for maintaining its optimal function. Even slight dehydration can affect your cognitive ability and the ability to concentrate. So, next time you think you need a coffee to boost your brain power, start with a glass of water instead! 

6) Learn a New Skill

Learning something new – whether it’s a hobby, craft, skill, language, or simply reading about an interesting topic – keeps your brain active. This stimulates neurons and helps build neural networks which help promote cognitive longevity. Low on time for a new hobby? Start each morning with a quick brain teaser or word puzzle. 

7) Cut Back on Sugar

When the 2 o’clock slump hits, you may find yourself reaching for a sweet treat like a soda to get through the afternoon. While this sugar surge can help you feel energized and focused for a moment, it will lead to a crash and foggy thinking not long after. Instead of sodas, energy drinks, or candy bars for energy, make a naturally energy-boosting herbal tea.

Feeling hungry? Reach for a healthy homemade treat, like these paleo brownies made with brain-enhancing lion’s mane mushrooms. 

8) Balance with Herbal Supplements

Herbs like Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng have been used in TCM to enhance memory and prevent mental fatigue.Here are a few of our favorites for overall brain health: 

• Ginkgo Biloba Herbal Tincture
  A brain tonic that helps improve concentration, mental focus, and overall brain health and function.
  
  
• Ginkgo Biloba and Red Ginseng Herbal Extract
  An age-defying liquid tonic used to protect and rejuvenate the mind and body.
  
  
• Bacopa Herbal Extract
  Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine used traditionally for benefitting the physical function of the brain & nervous system while also promoting mental clarity, awareness, and emotional equanimity.
  
  
• Healthy Brain Pills
  Healthy Brain Pills is an all-natural herbal supplement that helps maintain and increase the health and capacity of the brain. It is especially helpful for sleeplessness, agitation, mental exhaustion, dizziness, poor memory, fatigue, insomnia with nightmares, palpitations and restlessness.
  
  
• Lion’s Mane Extract Capsules
  Lion's Mane mushroom has several positive effects on the brain and nervous system. It may help protect against dementia, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, and support the renewal and rejuvenation of the nervous system.

9) Get Social  

Regular visits with friends doesn’t just soothe the soul – it helps your brain, too! Studies show that regular social interaction helps prevent depression and stress, both of which can affect cognitive function. 

10) Do a Digital Detox

While our devices can help us learn and expand our understanding of the world, too much screen time may damage the brain. Limiting screen time can help maintain a healthy attention span and reduce brain fog. Set specific times to disconnect from devices (such as 1 hour per day, or a full day or two per month) to allow your brain to recharge and restore its focus.

Boost Your Brain Power with Root + Spring  

Just like the body, the brain requires regular care and attention to perform at its best. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine and using the power of herbs for brain health, you can enjoy a sharper, healthier mind for years to come.

Shop these and other supplements for mind wellness today!