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As we get older, many of us start thinking more about supporting our heart, joints, or digestive health, but what about our brains?

Brain health plays a role in everything from memory and focus to learning and decision-making. Yet it's something many people don't prioritize until they notice themselves becoming more forgetful or mentally fatigued.

Fortunately, small daily habits can make a big difference. Alongside a healthy lifestyle, certain herbs have been traditionally used and are now being studied for their ability to support cognitive function and healthy brain aging.

Let's take a look at four of our favorites.

 

 

 

 

4 Herbs For Better Cognitive Function 

 

1. Tulsi (Holy Basil): For Stress-Related Brain Fog

Have you ever noticed that it's harder to think clearly when you're stressed? Chronic stress can affect memory, concentration, and mental clarity. When your body is constantly producing stress hormones like cortisol, it can become more difficult to focus, process information, and remember things.

That's one reason we love Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil.

Tulsi is both an adaptogen and a nootropic, meaning it's traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress while supporting cognitive function. In clinical studies, Tulsi has been associated with improvements in areas such as attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and stress-related symptoms. Researchers believe these benefits may stem from its ability to help support a healthy stress response while also protecting brain cells from oxidative stress.

If your brain fog seems to get worse during particularly busy or overwhelming seasons of life, Tulsi is one of the first herbs we'd recommend adding to your daily routine.

Fun Fact: Tulsi is known as "The Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda and has been revered as a sacred plant for more than 3,000 years.

Drink Tulsi In: Cortisol Daytime Tea, our adaptogenic and nervine herbal tea blend designed to support healthy cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and promote steady energy throughout the day.

Tea Accessory Pairing: We love sipping the Cortisol Daytime Tea on the go, and this glass tea tumbler makes it possible.

 

 

2. Turmeric: For Long-Term Brain Health

Turmeric has earned its reputation as one of the best natural anti-inflammatories. Its vibrant golden color comes from curcumin, a naturally occurring plant compound that's been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response.

Why does that matter for your brain?

Your brain uses a tremendous amount of oxygen every day, making it especially susceptible to oxidative stress over time. Researchers continue to study curcumin for its potential role in supporting memory, cognitive function, and healthy brain aging by helping protect brain cells from oxidative damage.

Whether you sprinkle turmeric into soups, curries, smoothies, or enjoy it in tea, it's an easy ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine for brain health.

Fun Fact: India produces nearly 80% of the world's turmeric, where the spice has been an important part of cooking and traditional healing practices for thousands of years.

Drink Turmeric In: Joint Support Tea, where turmeric is paired with warming herbs and spices for a comforting tea that aids circulation, supports digestion, and reduces inflammation.

Tea Accessory Pairing: We absolutely love the Joint Support Tea as a latte, and these tea infuser mugs make it so easy to brew your tea, add your honey, milk, and enjoy.

 

Joint Support Tea as a latte

 

 

 

 

3. Peppermint: For Focus & Mental Clarity

Ever notice how the scent of peppermint instantly makes you feel a little more awake?

There's actually research behind that refreshing feeling.

Studies suggest that peppermint aroma may help support alertness, attention, and aspects of working memory, making it a popular herb for staying mentally sharp during the workday.

Peppermint has long been enjoyed for its invigorating properties. Whether you're tackling a long afternoon of emails, studying for an exam, or simply trying to beat the afternoon slump, a cup of peppermint tea can feel both refreshing and revitalizing.

Fun Fact: Peppermint is actually a natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint.

Drink Peppermint In: Daily Detox Tea, where peppermint pairs with herbs that support your detox pathways, helping you glow from the inside out.

Tea Accessory Pairing: Most people who are offered a cup of peppermint tea, like our Daily Detox Tea, will surely say yes, which is why we love this glass tea pot because it makes enough to share.

 

 

Can you smell the peppermint through your screen?

 

 

 

4. Cacao: A Chocolate Treat for Your Brain

Chocolate lovers, this one's for you.

Raw cacao is much more than the ingredient behind your favorite desserts. It's naturally rich in flavanols, plant compounds that have been studied for their ability to support healthy circulation, including blood flow to the brain.

Healthy circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients where they're needed most, supporting overall cognitive function and healthy brain performance. Some research also suggests that cacao flavanols may support mood and cognitive performance, making cacao both a delicious and functional addition to your routine.

Of course, we're talking about minimally processed cacao, not candy bars loaded with sugar.

Fun Fact: The ancient Maya and Aztecs valued cacao so highly that it was sometimes used as currency and reserved for special ceremonies.

Drink Cacao In: Bulletproof Breakfast Tea for a rich, energizing start to your morning that is the perfect replacement for coffee or Liver Cleanse Tea for a deliciously chocolatey tea that supports the liver and digestion.

Tea Accessory Pairing: Want to enjoy your tea with no clean-up? Then these drawstring paper tea filters are perfect. They make enjoying loose leaf tea effortless and don't come with the microplastics found in many grocery store tea bags.

 

 

 

 

Other Ways to Support Brain Health

Pair your tea with these habits:

• Prioritizing quality sleep

• Managing everyday stress

• Eating plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables

• Staying physically active

• Drinking enough water

• Challenging your brain through reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and meaningful social connections

The small choices you make every day often have the biggest impact over time.

 

One Last Thing...

There's no single herb, food, or supplement that can magically eliminate brain fog and cognitive issues overnight. But consistently supporting your brain can make all the difference.

Whether you're sipping a calming cup of Tulsi tea during a stressful afternoon, adding turmeric to your meals, refreshing yourself with iced peppermint tea, or starting your morning with antioxidant-rich cacao, every small habit is another investment in your long-term brain health.

Your brain works hard for you every single day. Give it the nourishment it deserves.

 

Disclaimer: The information on this website has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. While every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness. Although all of our teas are generally regarded as safe, please consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies, especially if you are currently taking medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding.