Herbs in Functional Medicine: Four Ayurvedic Herbs for Mind and Memory

The term functional medicine in Boston and elsewhere refers to a holistic approach to health and disease that emphases whole-body health, focusing on the complex interactions between the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels that together comprise the human body. Functional medicine approaches to health care often incorporates principles and practices from traditional medicine systems. One such traditional medicine that overlaps with functional medicine is Ayurveda, an Indian system of theory and treatment about health and disease that has a very long history. Along with modern functional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine emphases the unity and complex interplay between mind, body, and personality; all of which influence one another. As seen in cultures in other regions of the world, ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine has long incorporated a wide variety of herbal remedies. Some of these are still used in functional medicine in Boston, as well as throughout the nation. Some herbal remedies with a history of Ayurvedic use have applications for mind and memory functions. Four of these are guduchi, brahmi, vacha, and cinnamon.

#1: Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a vine native to areas of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. This plant has long been considered a divine herb in Ayurvedic practice and is still used today in functional medicine. Guduchi contains immune-enhancing properties, which make it a useful herbal remedy for conditions like allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms due to seasonal allergies). Although research has yet to confirm it, guduchi’s traditional uses also include enhancement of mental clarity. 

#2: Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for epilepsy and asthma. It is still sometimes used in modern functional medicine. Brahmi contains naturally occurring chemical compounds that inhibit a chemical called acetylcholinesterase and activate another chemical called choline acetyltransferase, and these ingredients help to increase cerebral blood flow. Animal studies have corroborated that Brahmi extracts may protect against neurodegeneration. 

#3: Vacha

Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used historically in Old World cultures in Britain, Egypt, and India. In Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in modern functional medicine, it is often used for its sedative effects, as well as for its laxative properties. It was also traditionally used to counteract side effects of entheogenic ritual hallucinogens, which can often cause nausea or dizziness as side effects. Studies of vacha’s effects in rats have demonstrated that it has a neuroprotective effect, protecting against stroke, neurodegeneration, and neurotoxicity. 

#4: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is usually used for culinary purposes, but in Ayurvedic medicine and in modern functional medicine it is also used for its medicinal properties. In addition to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, compounds contained in cinnamon have been shown to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease in mice, which lends credence to its traditional use for mind and memory problems.

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Warning: These Five Herbal Supplements May Be Harmful to Your Health

Many people in Mansfield use herbal supplements to either to treat a health condition or to increase their overall wellness. Although most herbal supplements are not FDA approved for the treatment or prevention of any diseases, and have not undergone rigorous, controlled peer-reviewed testing, most are benign; however, there are some supplements that could actually hurt you. There are five herbal supplements that may actually be harmful to your health and you may want to avoid if you’re interested in exploring alternative treatments like herbs and other supplements. 

#1: Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver consists of particles of silver suspended in a liquid solution. In the early 20^th century colloidal silver was sometimes used for antibiotic purposes, but by the 1940s it had been supplanted by newer, safer antibiotics. However, in the 1990s colloidal silver experienced a resurgence as an alternative remedy. No one has yet produced any evidence that silver has any health benefits, although much evidence of its adverse effects has been produced. A 2012 study indicated that when applied topically to a wound, silver may actually worsen healing time. Silver is essentially toxic. Silver does not play any role in the human body, and can accumulate to toxic levels over time. The chronic use of silver-containing products can cause a condition called argyria, in which silver or silver sulfide particles accumulate in the skin and can cause cosmetic disfigurement. Because no one has found colloidal silver or other silver-containing supplement products to be effective, and because they can actually harm your health or even cause an allergic reaction, you’re much better off using a clinically proven antibiotic instead. 

#2: Aconite

Aconite is derived from a poisonous plant called monkshood (Aconitum napellus). It has been used traditionally in both Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat pain-related conditions such as arthritis; however, no supporting evidence of any anesthetic or analgesic effects has ever been produced via scientific study. In fact, it has been shown to be toxic to animals, including humans. Aconite can cause nausea, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias, as well as muscle weakness and dizziness. Since this poisonous substance has no proven health benefits, it’s best avoided. 

#3: Greater Celandine

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) is used as a mild sedative, as well as a treatment for liver ailments and gallstones. However, little evidence has been produced for these benefits, while evidence does suggest that this plant may be hepatotoxic and cause liver disease. This plant is best avoided. 

#4: Germanium

Germanium—not to be confused with geranium, the flower—is a trace element; #32 on the periodic table. It has been promoted as a treatment for a variety of disparate ailments, including leukemia, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, fatigue, hepatitis, and Parkinson’s disease. None of these claims has been verified with scientific evidence, but germanium has been linked to liver and kidney damage. Germanium really doesn’t belong in your body and has no proven health benefits, so health-conscious Mansfield residents may want to avoid this one. 

#5: Comfrey

Comfrey is the common English name for plants in the genus Symphytum. Although this family of plants has a history of use in herbal medicine, it may not be good for your health. Although some evidence of the benefits of topical use has been produced, comfrey should not be ingested. This plant contains large amounts of a substance known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic. Ingestion of comfrey can lead to veno-occlusive disease (VOD), a condition in which small veins in the liver become obstructed. Although topical solutions containing comfrey might be beneficial, you should never ingest it. 

Most herbal supplements you’ll find are helpful at best and benign at worst; however, there are a few traditional medicinal herbs and supplements that have actually been shown to have negative health effects. These include silver, aconite, greater celandine, germanium, and comfrey. To preserve your liver and heart health, you should steer clear of supplements containing these ingredients, and find scientifically verified alternatives instead.

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