How to Improve Your Memory and Libido
What I love about herbal medicine, is that one herb can be used for a diverse range of conditions. In the case of blood circulation, herbs that boost blood flow to the brain, also increase blood flow to the genitals, making that herb great for both memory and libido!
We usually notice changes in our memory starting from our first pregnancy for a woman and for a man, once bub is born and sleep deprivation occurs. It doesn’t get any better for a woman unfortunately when she starts to go through perimenopause, usually in her 40’s. A change in hormones, such as experienced during perimenopause or menopause can affect memory, libido and sexual function.
Men can also experience a reduction in testosterone as they age which may be linked to a lower libido. Poor circulation and blood flow to the penis or vagina may also affect libido and the ability to become aroused and affect the ability to orgasm. Some studies suggest that 30 to 50% of difficulty becoming and maintaining arousal may be due to blood vessel disease and poor circulation.
Libido varies considerably from one person to the next. It can be impacted by a variety of both external and internal factors. A common culprit that can affect libido in both men and women is stress and this can have a big impact on a couple’s ability to conceive.
Top tips for boosting both memory and libido
Reduce stress
Stress is detrimental to our mental and physical wellbeing and periods of intense stress can lower your IQ momentarily. This includes our ability to recall information and our interest in the fun things in life such as sex. Ways to reduce stress include meditation, yoga, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, learning to be assertive and having sex!
Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Exercise is also great for improving circulation which helps improve sexual function.
Get adequate sleep
Sleep processes short term memories and turns them into long term ones. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation impairs performance on memory tests. Aim for 7-9 hours per night and to wake up feeling refreshed.
Increase iron intake
Iron is a co-factor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin and during the late stages of pregnancy, is vital to brain development of the baby. Anaemia is associated with memory loss.
Increase choline intake
Choline is required to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is essential for a healthy brain and nervous system functions such as memory, mood and muscle control. Choline during pregnancy is associated with a better memory in the child.
Increase folate intake
Lower folate levels are associated with cognitive decline and dementia so eat your greens!
Increase vitamin B12 intake
A deficiency in B12 has been associated with memory loss and may help prevent brain atrophy (the loss of neurons in the brain). Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal foods so vegans usually need to supplement.
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity is a risk factor for cognitive decline and is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Losing weight benefits every aspect of your health – physical, mental and even boosts your fertility!
Limit alcohol
Binge drinking on a regular basis can damage the hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a key role in memory. Alcohol may enhance the libido in small doses but is a libido/orgasm killer if you drink too much!
Eat more walnuts, blueberries and dark chocolate
All of these foods are superfoods for the brain and have been shown in studies to boost brain function and delay cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has the added benefit of releasing endorphins. These increase pleasure, improve mood, and simulate the feelings of falling in love. Throw some frozen blueberries and walnuts into a smoothie for a delicious and nutritious breakfast!
Take Ginkgo biloba
This is one of the herbs that are good for boosting circulation to the brain, enhancing memory and also boost blood flow to the genitals, enhancing sexual performance!
Take Siberian ginseng
This herb helps to improve mental and physical stamina as well as concentration and memory, especially when under stress.
Take Bacopa
Bacopa is backed by several clinical trials for its effectiveness in improving memory and concentration in people of all ages.
Take Damiana
Damiana enhances libido in both men and women and is a nervine tonic which means it nourishes the nervous system. In traditional Western herbal medicine, it is often prescribed for people who suffer from mild anxiety and depression. Both of these conditions can affect memory and libido.
Take Tribulus leaf
This powerful herb is often used to enhance male and female infertility. As an aphrodisiac, it boosts libido in both men and women. Often Tribulus berries are used in supplements because they are cheap, but it is the leaf that contains the active constituents needed to have a therapeutic effect.
A combination of diet, lifestyle and supplementation, especially herbal medicine, can really help to boost both memory and libido.