hold that thought

Vegetarian Times, June, 2001 by Janet Webb

When your powers of concentration are functioning at their best, the mind works like a high-intensity beam, zooming in on one point at a time. But when the mental batteries start to fade, that focus can become as scattered as a strobe light. "Your ability to concentrate, like most human traits, is a matter of potential," says David Frawley, an Ayurvedic physician in Santa Fe, N.M. "And there are plenty of things you can do to nourish this potential."

Concentration is a function of the nervous system, the brain's tool for responding to stimuli. Eating well, getting enough sleep and managing stress are good ways to balance nerves. The nervous system flourishes on B vitamins, the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and amino acids, such as tripeptide, explains David Winston, an horbalist in Washington, N.J. And since high levels of the stress hormone cortisol impair cerebral circulation and memory, it's also helpful to practice meditation and get regular exercise, both of which have been shown in studies to decreases stress and promote circulation in the brain.

Improving focus is also a matter of staying mentally fit. "The mind can be developed just like a muscle," says Frawley, author of Ayurveda and the Mind (Lotus Press, 1996). He suggests taking up a creative activity like writing or painting or even learning a new language to keep the brain challenged.

The herbs listed below are excellent supplements to proper diet and lifestyle habits. They can help improve your powers of concentration by increasing circulation in the brain, reducing the damaging effects of stress and balancing the nervous system. Along with Frawley and Winston, this month's contributors are Chanchal Cabrera, an herbalist and cofounder of Gaia Garden Herbal Dispensary in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Asa Herschoff, N.D., D.C., a homeopath who practices in Los Angeles and New York City.

Herb              Function                     Dosage(*)

Asian ginseng     An adaptogen (a substance    Tincture: 40 drops
(Panax ginseng)   that boosts the immune       mixed with juice or
                  system); balances the        water, 3x/day for 2 - 4
                  nervous system and           months
                  improves circulation         Capsules: 300 milligrams
                                               (mg.) 2x/day for 2 - 4
                                               months

Ginkgo            Circulatory stimulant,       Tincture: 30 drops mixed
(Ginkgo biloba)   anticoagulant; increases     with water or juice, up
                  oxygenation and blood flow   to 4x/day for at least 4
                  to the brain                 weeks
                                               Capsules: Standardized
                                               herbal extract of 40
                                               mg., 3x/day for at least
                                               4 weeks

Gotu kola         Nerve tonic, rejuvenative    Tincture: 40 drops mixed
(Centella         and brain tonic              with juice or water,
asiatica)                                      3x/day to treat
                                               symptoms; take for up to
                                               3 months
                                               Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried
                                               organic leaves in 1 cup
                                               boiling water for 10
                                               minutes; drink 2 - 3x/
                                               day for up to 3 months

Oat straw         Nerve tonic; soothes and     Tincture: 60 drops mixed
(Avena sativa)    nourishes the nervous        with juice or water, 3x/
                  system                       day for 4 - 6 weeks
                                               Capsules: 500 mg. 3x/day
                                               for 4 - 5 weeks to treat
                                               symptoms

Rosemary          Antioxidant, cerebral and    Tincture: 15 - 30 drops
(Rosmarinus       circulatory stimulant,       mixed with juice or
officinalis)      especially effective for     water, 3x/day for 2 - 3
                  blood flow to the brain      months
                                               Tea: Mix 1 tsp. dried
                                               leaf with 1 cup boiling
                                               water; steep, covered,
                                               10 minutes and drink
                                               warm to inhale steam,
                                               3x/day for 2- 3 months

Herb              Comments

Asian ginseng     Avoid if you're taking anticoagulant medication,
(Panax ginseng)   have heart problems, such as high blood pressure, or
                  an irregular heartbeat or are pregnant.

Ginkgo            Can be taken indefinitely. Avoid if you have high
(Ginkgo biloba)   blood pressure, are taking blood-thinning
                  medication or are at risk for stroke.

Gotu kola         Entire plant is eaten in India, where it's a common
(Centella         Ayurvedic remedy. Also used to heal connective
asiatica)         tissue. Pregnant and nursing woman should avoid
                  because of its diuretic qualities.

Oat straw         No known side effects. Especially recommended when
(Avena sativa)    concentration is weak due to overwork and severe
                  stress.

Rosemary          No known side effects, but avoid in large quantities
(Rosmarinus       during pregnancy. Herb is also effective if you
officinalis)      inhale its essential oil, chew on leaves or add them
                  to food.

(*) Note: Dosages given are recommendations only; check with your
health care professional before using any herbal or homeopathic
supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking
prescription drugs.