Top Herbs for Alzheimer’s Disease
Lemon Balm
Back in the 16th century, the Swiss physician Paracelsus sold lemon balm to royalty, claiming it could prevent early senility. Today, this herb is still being studied for its potential benefits for Alzheimer’s patients. Professor Elaine Perry from the University of Newcastle conducted tests on lemon balm, focusing on its effects on the enzyme and receptors that help acetylcholine transmit nerve signals. While more research is needed, the results showed that lemon balm extract successfully stimulated these receptors.
Sage
Sage was also part of the Newcastle University study that examined lemon balm. Unlike lemon balm, which stimulated receptors, sage inhibited acetylcholinesterase, similar to how the Alzheimer’s drug Aricept works. This suggests that sage might help improve cognitive function.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba is known for supporting blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which may enhance cognition. Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that Gingko could benefit Alzheimer’s patients. A 2010 study published in BMC Geriatrics revealed that Gingko was more effective than a placebo in reducing dementia related to Alzheimer’s. Additionally, a recent Chinese study involving 120 patients with mild cognitive impairment showed that those who took Gingko biloba leaf tablets for six months scored significantly higher in logical memory and nonsense picture recognition tests compared to the control group.
Cat’s Claw
The cat’s claw vine, native to the Amazon rainforest, has been traditionally used to reduce redness and swelling, particularly in bones and joints. Studies indicate that cat’s claw can dilate blood vessels, which might be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients who often suffer from poor blood flow and reduced oxygen in their brain cells.
Ginseng
Both Asian and American ginseng have been studied for their potential benefits for Alzheimer’s patients, in addition to their use in treating diabetes, cancer, colds, and flu. S. Q. Hu, in a 2008 article published in the Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials, reported that American ginseng extracts reduced cell death in animal studies of Alzheimer’s disease.
Other Measures
Besides consulting a holistic physician and using these key herbs, individuals showing early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s should focus on lowering their stress levels, increasing their intake of vitamin E, and incorporating more raw organic virgin coconut oil into their diets.
