Are you easily distracted or find your mind starts to wander just when you don’t want it to?
Medical herbalist Gabriella Clarke shares some top herbs to help you stay focussed.
With today’s 24/7 lifestyle, poor concentration is a common problem. Too many distractions as well as poor sleep patterns, stress and anxiety mean that many of us often find it hard to focus on the task in hand. The good news is there are several herbal remedies that can help to keep your mind firmly on the case.
RHODIOLA (Rhodiola rosea)
Traditionally rhodiola has been used throughout Eastern Europe and Asia for stimulating the nervous system, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue and preventing high altitude sickness. And for the past few years it has been slowly making a name for itself in the West.
It is thought to have anti-fatigue, anti-stress, antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects. And there is some science to back up this claim. In a clinical study it was found that rhodiola exerts an anti-fatigue effect that improves mental performance – particularly the ability to concentrate – and decreases stress in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
GINSENG (Panax ginseng)
If you are looking to boost your get-up-and-go, ginseng may help you to do just that. Long regarded as something of a wonder herb, Ginseng is a highly respected herbal tonic, which will give your body the injection of energy, you are looking for.
GUARANA (Paullinia cupana)
This is another great energy giver not to be missed. Derived from the seed of a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, it can help you feel more alert and focussed as well as less mentally tired.
VALERIAN (Valerina officinalis)
Often when people complain about lack of focus and direction all they need is a week of early nights to revive and refresh them. But what if you can’t get to sleep even when you go to bed at a decent hour? Valerian, one of the most popular sleep-enhancing herbs, could provide the answer to endless hours of tossing and turning. Taken at bedtime it will make you feel sleepy, while if you take it during the day it can help you deal with stress, which may be what’s keeping you awake at night.
CAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita)
Another popular sleep-inducing herb, camomile is best taken as a tea. To get maximum benefits, buy it loose and use a tablespoon to a cup of boiling water. Infuse it, covered for 10 minutes, before drinking.
TRY THESE BRAIN SHARPENERS
Go for a walk: a change of scenery even if it’s just getting away from your desk can make you feel a lot livelier
Get outside: natural light helps to boost levels of the hormone serotonin, which can help to boost energy and mood
Open the window: a breath of fresh air provides the perfect pick-me-up
Stretch it: stretching for two to three minutes loosens muscles, eases joints and improves blood circulation, which increases energy and concentration
Get minty: sprinkle two drops of peppermint oil on your handkerchief and sniff!
