The Herb that Boosts Your Brain Power
Herbs aren’t just for making our food taste good, they are an important part of the nutrients we get from our food. This herbal powerhouse is a great food for your brain and people around the world are already experiencing its benefits.
It’s called duan kesum, Vietnamese mint, Laska leaf, and other names across cultures, has a fresh, aromatic taste that is used in traditional asian cooking. But more than tasting great, kesum has been known to improve overall mental and physical health.
Kesum is good for your brain
Kesum has been known as “smart weed” because of the way it improve cognitive functioning. In one study, half the subjects were given daily kesum extracts, after six weeks, the group that had been given the kesum scored higher in short-term memory, IQ, and overall mood.
In the US, Kesum was developed into a multi-herb formula that improved mood, cognitive flexibility, reaction time, and memory. It worked as early as four hours after consumption.
What about kesum is good for your brain? First of all, it is full of flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables and have electrolyte principles that help your cells communicate with each other. Electrolytes carry electricity through the body to send messages to and from the brain. This results in a healthy nervous system, which is good for both mental and physical health.
In addition to flavonoids, there are other antioxidants in Kesum. The herb is full of vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenes, which are known as effective antioxidants. Antioxidants fight the free radicals in our bodies that can cause harm if left unchecked. Free radicals may lead to diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Studies show that vitamin E was connected to slowing down cognitive decline.
Other benefits of kesum
Kesum has been used for centuries in Asia to:
- Improve symptoms of indigestion
- Aid in postnatal recovery
- Promote good eyesight
- Reduce inflammation
It’s even thought to cure dandruff if you make a paste out of it and place it on your head.
How to incorporate kesum into your diet
Kesum is easy to grow on your own. It just needs water and sunlight. You can grow it in a pot on your windowsill, on a balcony, or in your backyard.
There are plenty of delicious recipes to try that include this delicious, nutrient-packed herb:
Have you tried cooking with kesum? Let us know in the comments below.