Experiencing moments or episodes of forgetfulness is not a good feeling. We’ve all been there and we could all use some tips on effective ways to get out of that forgetful space.
Memory problems are typically caused by stagnation of kapha or aggravation of vata, according to Ayurveda. Kapha nature governs stability in the mind and influences the memory recording process. Memory recall is of Vata nature and manifests as movement, or forgetfulness when out of balance. Pitta supports strong memory with its sharp qualities. Therefore, balancing vata and kapha will aid in improving memory function and adequate pitta can help focus the mind for better memory. There are several herb, food, and lifestyle implementations and adjustments that can support this process.
Herbs
Ginko and gotu kola – these herbs are great memory tonics due to their effect of dilating cerebral blood vessels, increasing circulation to the brain.
Bramhi – a valuable herb for the brain and memory, similar to gotu kola. It’s known as a medhya herb, medhya meaning it improves memory.
Bramhi tea: steep 1 tsp bramhi in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes and drink on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. Take this tea for one month to improve brain circulation and memory. Continue using indefinitely if it is beneficial.
Bramhi milk: boil 1/2 tsp bramhi in 1 cup milk boiled for 2 minutes and drink before bedtime. Drink everyday for a month or continue indefinitely.
Bramhi oil: rub on to the soles of the feet and the scalp to stimulate cerebral neural receptors. These nerve ending under the skin will send messages to the brain and activate memory.
Bramhi ghee nose drops: “The nose is the doorway to the brain and memory” (Lad, 1998). If you are applying the ghee yourself: lightly dip your little finger, cleaned with the nail closely trimmed, into bramhi ghee and massage the inside of your nostril, then sniffle to draw the ghee upward. Repeat with the other nostril. If you have someone else applying the ghee: lie on your back with your head tilted back and nose facing to the sky, then have them apply 5 drops of warmed brahmi ghee into each nostril.
Listesyle
Associate and develop a poetic attitude – use rhymes and rhythms to remember knowledge through playful or catchy associations. When you need to remember information, string it together with a familiar rhythm. If you are remembering a new name, try to associate it with some trait about the person.
Meditation – cultivating a stable mind through meditative practices will improve memory and mental clarity. An ancient Vedic technique on recalling a lost memory is sitting with the forgetfulness. Breathe into the space in your mind that forgot it and try to find the memory. Access our article on how to meditate here.
Pranayama – breathing practices such as alternate nostril breathing balance the energies in our bodies, aiding in circulation to the brain and memory. See our article on how to practice alternate nostril breathing here.
Yoga postures – inverted poses such as shoulder stand, headstand, plow pose, and camel aid brain function by moving blood circulation to the head. Bow, cobra, and savasana are also beneficial for enhancing memory.
Write it down – simple and effective. Take note of what you need to remember and keep these notes in the same place: calendar, planner, notebook, phone app, etc.
Food
Carrots, sweet potato, tapioca, okra, and spinach – these foods are sattvic and increase pitta, making them good for enhancing memory and mental sharpness in recall. Carrots contain carotene which is good for memory.
Kitchari – a simple dish of half white basmati rice, half red split lentils, and spices can help cleanse the digestive system, reseting the body and mind. A three day kitchari cleanse, eating nothing but kitchari for three days, is helpful on a physiological and practical level. In a practical sense, you won’t need to use mental space to think about what you’ll eat for three days, because it’s always kitchari! Find our kitchari recipe here.
Avoid: heavy meat – can cause memory problems and should be avoided for anyone with memory problems.
Avoid: alcohol, marijuana, and other brain altering substances – nicotine also adversely affects memory because it constricts the cerebral blood vessels.
We hope you can recall all that is important to you!
References
Lad, Vasant. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1998. Print.
Article by Kaylee Vinson
