Improving Concentration and Memory with Ayurveda

by Kottakkal Support January 11, 2024

Aging is the main reason we lose the ability to concentrate, learn, and remember new things. Ayurveda defines aging as the vata time of life which begins somewhere between 60 and 70 years of age depending on the person. This is the time of life when vata dosha naturally becomes dominant.

When vata dosha is increased the quality of dryness is also increased, for instance dry skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and internal tissues. Another quality of vata aging is lightness, this is observed when the muscles and bones become weak and lose strength. Most noticeably with vata aging is the quality of coldness. The body becomes cooler, and digestive strength weakens. This is because pitta dosha naturally weakens while vata dosha naturally increases. This is the onset of natural aging according to Ayurveda.

To slow the natural aging process, Ayurveda utilizes an antiaging protocol known as Rasayana Therapy. It is a specific protocol for slowing the process of aging and restoring the qualities of youthfulness. Medhya Rasayanas are special therapeutic plants that specifically improve memory and intellect. Medha means intellect and/or retention and rasayana means therapeutic procedure. With regular practice rasyana therapy boosts nourishment, memory, intellect, immunity, health and longevity. 

Benefits of Rasayana Therapy

• Promotes longevity and youthfulness
• Strengthens concentration, memory, and intelligence
• Boosts immunity, body strength, and digestive strength
• Enhances sexual strength
• Improves skin health and complexion
• Strengthens the voice

Medhya Rasayana for Concentration and Memory

Geniekot Syrup balances vata dosha and helps support brain function, memory, concentration, and cognitive activity. This tasty syrup contains four herbs that are well known medhya rasayana.

• Brahmi –Bacopa monnieri – Ayurvedic text describes Brahmi as a "medhya rasayana," meaning a class of herbs that help improve mental health, memory, and intellect and promote rejuvenation and longevity (1).
• Aparajita - Clitoria ternatea – is an Ayurvedic medhya rasyana that has been utilized for centuries as a memory enhancer, antistress, antianxiety, and antidepressant (2).
• Vacha – Acorus calamus linn – Ayurvedic medhya rasayana that promotes rejuvenation, longevity, and intelligence and its antiaging properties support memory loss (3).
• Jatamansi – Nardostachys jatamansi - has medhya rasayana properties that support memory loss when used on a regular basis. According to Ayurveda, the nervous system is controlled by vata and when aggravated leads to weak memory or poor mental alertness. Jatamansi is useful to balance vata dosha, support memory loss and improve mental alertness (4).

Brahmi is Medhya Rasayana

Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monieri is a common herb used widely in Ayurveda and a well-known medhya rasayana. Brahmi is an antiaging brain tonic that supports brain functions such as concentration, cognition and memory. It is also useful for relieving stress and anxiety.

Brahmi Caps balance vata dosha and the herb brahmi is a well-known herbal tonic that supports memory and concentration while promoting a calmer mind and sounder sleep. For pitta people who are feeling hot all the time, it is good to drink cool milk while taking Brahmi. For kapha or vata people who are feeling cooler, it is ideal to drink milk that is first boiled and then cooled to drinking temperature.

Brahmi Ghritam has an even greater rasayana or antiaging properties due to the qualities of ghee. Ghee is neither hot nor cold and helps improve digestive strength for those who are weak. Brahmi is a gentle herb and can safely be taken for one to two months.

Brahmi Oil supports and nourishes vata dosha and the main herb brahmi helps ease head pain and supports cognitive thinking and memory. Before bed we recommend massaging Brahmi oil into the scalp and feet, then cover with warm clothing. This will encourage a restful sleep.

Saraswata Arishtam is Medhya Rasayana

Saraswata Arishtam balances both vata and kapha, the main herbs are brahmi juice and shank pushpi which support cognitive thinking, memory and concentration. According to Ayurvedic history, this product was specially formulated by Lord Dhanvantari and can be used for both children and adults. It's ideal for people who read, talk, or sing for long periods of time.

Traditional Ayurveda mentions that Saraswata Arishtam improves Ayu (life expectancy), Veerya (sexual potency), Smruti (memory), Medha (intelligence), Bala (strength), and Kanti (skin complexion). It is one of the best rasayanas for people who have depleted strength, immunity and cognitive ability.

Manasamitra Vatakam is Medhya Rasayana

Manasamitra vatakam supports and balances vata dosha and the nervous system. The main herbs vacha and shilajatu help strengthen and nourish the nervous system, memory, concentration, and helps to promote sound sleep.

AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION

Kottakkal is committed to offering the highest quality Ayurvedic Healthcare. We offer two ways to have an Ayurvedic consultation. 1. Free 15-minute Consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner, Julie Wardwell, for when you need a product recommendation for a basic health problem. 2. In-depth Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar for when your condition is chronic with multiple symptoms.

References:

1. Morgan, Annette, and John Stevens. “Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) 16,7 (2010): 753-9. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0342
2. Mukherjee, Pulok K et al. “The Ayurvedic medicine Clitoria ternatea—from traditional use to scientific assessment.” Journal of ethnopharmacology 120,3 (2008): 291-301. Doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.09.009
3. Sharma, Vineet et al. “Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus) in Neurological and Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Study.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 9,4 1176. 19 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3390/jcm9041176
4. Rao, R.V., Descamps, O., John, V. et al.Ayurvedic medicinal plants for Alzheimer's disease: a review. Alz Res Therapy 4, 22 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/alzrt125

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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