PART 3. THE REMEDIES
8
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
MEMORY PROBLEMS
Most people think forgetfulness is a sign of brain function, but it’s often a result of lifestyle. Forgetfulness could be caused by too little sleep, stress, or even diet. Whatever your reason, natural remedies can often help. While working to alleviate your symptoms, consider the cause of your memory problem. Because forgetfulness can be a sign of a more serious issue, talk to your doctor if it continues or worsens despite your efforts.
Rosemary Smelling Salt
YIELD: 1 OUNCE
STORAGE: SMALL GLASS JAR
TIME: 2 MINUTES
Rosemary essential oil helps to improve memory, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of overall well-being. Use this treatment alone or in combination with others.
1 ounce coarse sea salt
20 drops rosemary essential oil
1.In a small glass jar, combine the sea salt and the rosemary essential oil.
2.Shake well to blend.
3.Breathe deeply for 20 seconds.
4.Use this remedy regularly, particularly when undertaking cognitive tasks. If you like, you can leave the jar open near your work area. Refresh the smelling salt with more essential oil when the fragrance begins to fade.
Green Tea with Ginseng and Sage
YIELD: 1 CUP
STORAGE: NOT RECOMMENDED
TIME: 15 MINUTES
Green tea, ginseng, and sage combine to boost the chemicals responsible for transmitting messages within your brain.
1 tablespoon dried sage, crushed
1 teaspoon dried ginseng root
1 cup boiling water
1 green tea bag
Honey or stevia (optional)
1.Place the dried sage and ginseng in a tea ball or infuser. In a mug filled with boiling water add the tea ball and the green tea bag.
2.Steep for 15 minutes.
3.Sweeten with honey or stevia, if desired. Add lemon if the sage flavor seems too strong.
4.Enjoy 2 to 3 cups of this tea each day during the morning and early afternoon hours.
Blueberry–Gingko Iced Tea
YIELD: ½ GALLON
STORAGE: REFRIGERATE IN PITCHER
TIME: 15 MINUTES
Blueberries enhance cognitive functioning and boost memory, as does gingko biloba. You can find unsweetened blueberry juice at health food stores and some supermarkets, and gingko biloba liquid extract is available at health food stores or online.
4 cups boiling water
4 green tea bags
4 cups unsweetened blueberry juice
1¼ tablespoons gingko biloba liquid extract
Stevia (optional)
1.In a pitcher, combine the water and green tea bags.
2.Steep the tea for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags.
3.Add the blueberry juice and gingko biloba extract.
4.Drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea each day, adding a little stevia to sweeten, if desired.