Ayurvedic Medicines For Memory: When And How To Take?

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD
Ayurveda explains many memory enhancing and intellect promoting medicines. All such formulations possess multiple ingredients. They not only boost memory, they also act as rejuvenators and deep penetratives by their own way of drug action.

On a closer look we can appreciate several hidden factors behind such formulations and proper time duration of administration plays very important role in drug action.

Churna Yoga

Choorna – herbal powders:
Saraswati choorna,
Brahmi choorna etc should be given after the morning food so that quick penetration is possible along with the micro-nutrients of the breakfast. They are soothing and immune-modulators as well.

Whereas
Vacha choorna,
Ashthanga avalehika choorna etc are to be administered 5-10 minutes prior to food intake; because these have unique property of kindling the digestive fire and they are deep penetratives.
But such formulations are to be administered only if the child has good body strtength or Kapha prakruti in nature (if not, stomach irritation can occur).

Kashaya Yoga

The decoctions (kashaya) and hot infusions (phanta)  like Mamsyadi kashaya, Balashwagandha kashaya etc are also used to enhance the memory.

But these are to be administrated in empty stomach preferably after defecation and 30 minutes prior to food/breakfast.

In case if the individual is inconvenient this can be taken in the evening  hours where the body (as well as mind) is ready to accept the memory enhancers followed by carminatives/digestives and intellect promoters.

Asava arishtha

Saraswatarishtha,
Balarishtha,
Ashwagandharishtha etc are useful in this context.

They should be avoided in empty stomach and better to administer in the night, during bed time. They are pacify the anxiety, relieve stress, soothe mind, tranquilize the mental behaviours etc and hence night is better. Or else morning after breakfast can be taken in the children who are not drowsy or dizzy .

Tablets (Vati)

Brahmi vati, Medhya vati, Shankhapushpi ghanavati etc are most commonly used memory enhancers.

They are recommended to administer preferably 30-45 minutes after food during noon or night. As the drug takes time for dissociation on dissolution it is preferred to have when the food crosses small intestine so as to check the drug interaction with food.
If the tablet is taken by powdering the time duration of Choorna or Lehya can be considered.

Lehya (Linctus)

Kooshmanda rasayana,
Brahma rasayana,
Ashwagandha rasayana are the drugs of choice in this respect.

They are practiced usually after the food intake.
But if the patient is willing or in a status of manipulation 10-15 gram can be administered during the time of Ahara sevana / Bhojana kala(lunch or dinner time) with less intake of food. This will facilitate quick and maximum absorption of the drug and hence quick result.

Ghrita (ghee)

Ayurvedic herbal ghee to improve memory and concentration

Medicated ghee preparations like Brahmi ghrita, Shankhapushpi ghrita, Saraswata ghrita, Kooshmanda ghrita, Ashwagandha ghrita etc are used with this benefit.

These preparations are used preferably in empty stomach in early morning along with lukewarm milk or water. As the medicated ghee are having the ability to cross the blood brain  barrier, they are potent in lipophilic drug action, it facilitates drug action with maximum bio availability in empty stomach.

Thus one should remember to adopt proper medicine intake time while administering the memory enhancers. Drugs will surely act; but to get the benefit of the drug to its maximum extent proper vehicle(adjuvant) and apt time duration have significant role.

Formulations From Sahasra Yoga
Saraswata Choorna
Kusmanda Rasayana
Brahmi Ghrita

Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD

Intellect improving anti aging herbs

Can you give a few examples of herbs that improve intelligence and safe for long term. 
Answer by Dr JV Hebbar: 
In Ayurvedic terms, For a herb to be allowed for long term usage, it should have anti aging and rejuvenation qualities. Anti aging and rejuvenation qualities are explained as Rasayana. For example, Chyawanprash is a Rasayana medicine. 

Master Charaka has dedicated his first chapter of treatment section to the explanation of Rasayana. Wherein he explains about four major anti aging herbs which are useful to improve memory and concentration. He explains as Medhya Rasayana – anti aging+ brain power improving herbs. They are – 

Juice of Mandukaparni – Gotu Kola – Centella asiatica
Powder of Licorice mixed with milk
Juice of Guduchi (Indian Tinospora) along with its root and flower
Paste of Shankhapushpi – Convolvulus pluricaulis

These, in the forms mentioned, is the best to use for a few weeks to few months time. If fresh herbs are not available to prepare juice / paste, then they can be used in dry powder, capsule or tablet form. 

Benefits: 

• Increase longevity,
• Cure diseases, and
• Promote strength, Agni (power of Digestion and metabolism), Varna (complexion) and Svara (voice).

These rejuvenating recipes are Medhya (wholesome for intellect).  Among them, Shankha Pushpi is the drug par excellence for the promotion of intellect. [30-31]

Ghee can be the ideal co drink or ghee and honey together, in unequal proportions. 
Ayurveda recommends these herbs after Panchakarma detoxification procedure. 

Brahmi for memory and concentration

Which is the best liquid to consume with Brahmi for brain power?
Dr JV Hebbar
Brahmi is available in the form of tablet, capsule or powder in the market. If your Ayurvedic doctor has advised Brahmi to you, then below are a few liquids that go well with it.
The type of liquid depends on the purpose for which Brahmi is advised.
Read related: Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) Benefits, Dose, Side Effects, Research

Sleep problems, memory and concentration – The main purpose for which Brahmi is used is, to improve focus, memory and concentration.The problems with focus and concentration are often caused by increase of Vata and Pitta Doshas and lack of Kapha dosha. Here, you need a stabilizing, calming, brain soothing liquid to go with Brahmi. Ideally this liquid should be having memory and concentration improving effects and also it should balance Vata and Pitta doshas. Ghee is such a liquid.
Adult dose for this purpose is – 1 tablet / capsule or 2 grams of Brahmi with a teaspoon of ghee, mixed and taken with a cup of lukewarm water, usually at night, 15 minutes before food, usually advised till 1 month.
Warm milk is an alternative to ghee.  
Read: Ayurvedic Medicines For Memory: When And How To Take?
Intelligence, mental sharpness, mental alertness, laziness, procrastination – These are the circumstances in which you want to have stimulating effect, as opposed to calming effect explained earlier. Here, you need something which decreases Kapha and stimulates some amount of Vata and Pitta. If this is the purpose, then Brahmi is often advised along with a teaspoon of honey or along with 1 – 2 teaspoons of Saraswatarishta liquid. Saraswatarishta is a brain stimulating Ayurvedic tonic.
Buy good quality Saraswatarishtam from Easy Ayurveda Shop

Sometimes, brain fog, sluggishness in mood, thoughts etc. can also be caused due to very weak digestion strength. If this is the case, then Brahmi can be advised along with spice mixes like Trikatu, a combination of black pepper, ginger and long pepper fruit.
Read: Ways To Improve Knowledge, Intelligence As Per Sushruta

For example, 2 grams of brahmi mixed with 1 gram of Trikatu, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, paste is made and swallowed with a cup of cold water. But care should be taken as people with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate Trikatu well. If that is the case, then cumin can be a substitute for that.
Read: My Child’s Intelligence Is Decreasing. 9 Tips To Improve