As we get older, one of the most common problems that arises is memory loss. In fact, one in eight seniors experience some form of it. Some may eventually develop more severe conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, while others deal with mild memory issues that can still be frustrating and negatively impact quality of life.
To find a solution to this age-old problem, scientists are going back in time to an ancient Chinese method rather than looking at modern medical advancements.
Memory Loss in Ancient Times
It’s tempting to attribute memory loss to the unhealthy aspects of our contemporary lifestyle; however, memory loss has been a problem for centuries. Ancient texts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) not only demonstrate this but also provide a tried and tested solution.
Chinese researchers have recently searched the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a database containing more than a thousand Chinese medical books dating as far back as the fourth century, to investigate how memory loss was dealt with in ancient China.
The texts revealed numerous examples of people in ancient China who had memory problems similar to those experienced nowadays. Although there’s no way to be sure if they had Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as such labels didn’t exist at the time, researchers do know precisely what the people of ancient China used to treat their memory problems, which may be relevant to us now.
The Ancient Chinese Remedy
Ancient Chinese medicine primarily turned to five dried herbs to alleviate memory issues, and they are still used today in TCM to assist with memory and other health problems:
- Poria cocos – A fungus called a mushroom that can protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by amyloid-beta proteins.
- Paeonia tenuifolia – A species of peony known for protecting neurons from damage caused by Alzheimer’s-inducing amyloid-beta proteins.
- Rehmannia glutinosa – An herbaceous perennial plant.
- Panax ginseng – A root that has been shown to improve memory and task performance in scientific studies.
- Acorus species – A collection of perennial grasses. Research conducted on a particular variety, the Acorus tatarinowii, revealed it can prevent neurotoxins from overloading the nervous system.
These dried herbs are mentioned repeatedly in various formulations throughout the texts as the most effective treatments for memory problems. The herbs are still being utilized today in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help memory function.
Where to Get These Herbs
If you’re interested in using Traditional Chinese Medicine dried herbs to boost your memory, it might be a good idea to speak to a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who can set you up with a personalized combination of herbs to specifically suit your needs. These herbs are available to purchase online or at your local Chinese herb store.
By looking back at ancient Chinese medicinal wisdom, we may discover the valuable key to maintaining a healthy memory and counteracting the worrying symptoms of memory loss that so often plague our modern lives. Remember to always check with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, and you could potentially experience the rejuvenating power of these ancient herbs to help regain a youthful memory.
