An additional gland in the brain is the Pineal gland. It is nessled right in the center of the brain. This tiny gland produces Melatonin as directed by the Hypothalamus. Its main function is to maintain the circadian rhythm. (A large and importatn job!) Melatonin is essential for healthy sleep/wake cycles, body temperature, skin pigmentation, immune function, menstrual cycle, and is influential in the metabolism. It affects many different things happening around the body.

Energy Centers – The Brain is supported by two energy centers, or chakra’s. The Crown center which is located across the at the top of the head and the Third Eye which has its seat in the Pineal gland. The Crown center supports the spiritual connection to the Divine, to Consciousness and our “higher self”. When in balance a sense of inner peace, oneness and purpose is present. This center being out of balance can manifest as lack of focus or purpose, confusion and often a feeling of not being understood, or not understanding why life is playing out the way that it is. Depression and a lack of empathy for others and the self can be the predominant experience. These experiences can stem from not fully trusting that the Divine is there to support us. Simply the belief or feeling of distrust. Simply ask yourself., “Do I trust God? In what ways do I not? With my ______(health, abundance, love, safety, etc.” Not being supported by the loving Divine is a lie.

The Third Eye, seated in the Pineal gland and having a crystalline structure, like those used in radio transmissions, which produces and projects an electromagnetic signature in the quantum field that is uniquely yours. It also acts as a receiver of information back from the Divine. Spiritual teachers alike call these inspirations, downloads, which can come in a vision of image accompanied by a “knowing” or understanding of the complete meaning.

Let’s discuss the nutritional needs of your brain and some foods and herbs that can be taken in to support them. I am not going to cover any medical supplements or procedures. That is not my area of expertise.  I am going to list the foods and herbs that I know and love for the brain and its partnering glands. I always will suggest that anything that is purchased to put into your body attempt to find organic, or wild harvested and non-gmo when you can. They will be better in terms of being chemical/pesticide free and easier for the body to utilize the benefits of.

I have been using herbs for health benefits for over 30 years, so I know their value. Many animals’ lives have been saved in our care through the use of herbs and modern medicine combined. As you know, I started my self-love healing journey at the same time as beginning a full-body herbal and nutritional regiment. I can assure you that the combination is responsible for my incredible health today. 

One of the things super interesting is that many of the brain healthy foods are shaped like a brain. Knowing that is helpful in remembering them. Also the brain uses a high amount of healthy fat to perform many functions. It is made up of more than 70% fat. The “Low fat” diet craze is one of the leading causes of Alzheimers today. The fat in the composition of the brain acts as insulation for the neru (electrical) transmission taking place in the brain. When the fat in the brain becomes scarce it starts pulling fat from the “less important” areas of the brain to protect the important areas. Areas such as keeping your heart beating while robbing it from areas such as memory storage. Once the memory storage gets to a critical level of low fat the Nero transmitters start interfering with and essentially shorting out on each other. It would be like taking the rubbish coating off the wires that run to your computer and just letting them bump into each other. Might be detrimental to the wires and the computer in the long run don’t you agree? The fat composition of your brain is also higher than any other organ of the body. And it needs it to be present in your bloodstream at the time it needs it. 

So, to understand this, don’t skip the foods high in Omega 3, 6, and other healthy essential fats, -then also needed are – antioxidants, flavonoids, Vitamins A, B, C, and K, Selenium, Magnesium, Iron, and Choline. 

 I’m going to list the foods highest in these beneficial nutrients:

• Nuts – Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds
• Seeds – Hemp, Flax
• Oils – Avocado and Olive Oil, MTC (Coconut) oil
• Meat – Salmon, Tuna, (marbled) Red meat, Eggs
• Berry – Blueberry, Cherry, Strawberry
• Vegetables – Avocados, Brussel Sprouts, Garlic, Spinach, Kale,  Cabbage, Dark leaf lettuces, Cilantro, Cayenne pepper
• Mushrooms – Portobella, Lions Mane, Shiitake
• Coffee
• Dark Chocolate

Another source of less-known nutrients for the brain comes from herbs. While they are more commonly used in Eastern cultures, they are quickly gaining popularity in the West because of their effectiveness. They are generally very safe and have few adverse side effects. * They can be made into teas, used for flavoring, or powdered and taken in capsule form as a supplement. I often say it doesn’t matter how – just get them inside of you. The body will do the rest! I am going to provide some of their benefits individually. Since they are less commonly known than the food source I listed. Foods are, of course, more common knowledge and easy to research.

Ginseng is a well-known herb used for centuries in Chinese Medicine. My experiences and research have led me to understand that there isn’t a part of the body that ginseng doesn’t improve. As a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it is hugely beneficial from head to toe. Ginseng possesses potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, which support everything about the immune system and bloodstream. It increases overall energy and fights off fatigue by supporting the cells. It supports healthy cellular development and is thought to inhibit the production of cancerous cellular growth. Your brain benefits significantly from the increased energy available for its use. It enhances cognitive function and sharpness. Essentially, everything connected to your bloodstream benefits from its natural and powerful presence. If you use no other herb in your life, this one would be my recommendation.

Gota Kola is often called the “herb of longevity” and is a staple in Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic Medicines. It is a brain power booster, improving overall cognition and nerve function. It protects the brain cells from toxicity and plaque in the memory center, where Alzheimer’s affects them. It improves circulation in the brain as it lowers fluid retention. And with that, relief of fluid retention decreases symptoms that can create headaches. It also heals the skin and promotes liver and kidney cleansing and function. It reduces anxiety, stress, and sleep deprivation. It has positive effects against depression and on the heart. 

Ginkgo Biloba is a commonly known tree native to China. It is rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which are potent antioxidants that are very beneficial. Nitric Oxide levels tested after ingesting were shown to increase by 12%. This dilates the blood vessels and makes it a mighty friend of the brain, eye, heart, sexual organs, liver, and kidney. Honestly, the entire body benefits from its presence as it enhances the flow of blood around the body and dilates the vessels. 

Bacopa monnieri, the water hyssop, or “herb of grace,” is a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is used for improving memory and brain function, alleviating anxiety and stress, and treating epilepsy. Bacosides, the main active compound in this herb, neutralize free radicals. And prevent fat molecules from reacting with free radicals. That process, called lipid peroxidation, is linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative disorders. So, this plant is highly protective.

Ginger root is another well-known friend of the brain. It offers 6-shoal and 6-ginger oil compounds that are thought to help prevent degenerative diseases. Ginger has antimicrobial properties that make it excellent for fighting bacterial and fungal infections all over the body. Ginger greatly helps gut health, which has a very intimate relationship to brain health. One can not have issues with the gut and it not negatively affect the brain. So, ginger root has a great benefit to both. 

Stinging Nettle Root grows here in the Midwest, where I am from. I did not care for it growing up. It does sting, as its name suggests. However, the roots are greatly beneficial for reducing inflammation and increasing circulation. They also naturally decrease allergies. If you suffer from allergies, you know how they make your head feel! Not much fun!

Lobelia is referred to by one of my favorite herbalists, Dr. Christoper, as the “thinking herb.” Much like the hypothalamus is the control center for your hormone systems of the body, the lobelia is the organizer, according to Dr Christophers. Lobeline, the active compound in it, does remarkable things such as open airways, stimulate breathing, clear mucus, stop the production of inflammatory proteins, and is thought to block receptors in the brain that cause depression. So for the brain, this is a wonderful one.

Basil is one of the absolutely wonderful flavors of the spice kingdom! I love basil. Basil improves memory, depression, and stroke damage, thins the blood similar to aspirins effects, and increases mental alertness. It is superb in my experience as a tea for headaches. 

Lions mane is called the “brain mushroom” and even shaped like the brain. They contain compounds that stimulate brain cell growth, reduce memory loss, and provide protection against Alzheimer’s. It can relieve mild symptoms of depression caused by inflammation in the brain matter. It supports the health of the nervous system, including the spinal column, and is touted for removing parasites beyond the blood-brain barrier. It’s also very yummy as a food source.

All of the above and more are in many of our formulas. All can be found in our two combinations – The Super Food and Badd A$$ Hormone Balancer on our store.