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How Flowers and Herbs Improve Your Memory for Studying

Written by CB Community

It’s a common practice for us to reconnect with nature when we’re feeling sad or want to heal from deep emotional wounds.

The increase in oxygen helps us think clearly, which helps with sleep and increases our memory to improve studying.

While we may not have time to go into the wilderness for our fix, you can simulate the effect by adding plants and herbs to your home.

How Flowers and Herbs Boost Brain Power

Do you feel like you can’t concentrate on schoolwork?

Good news! Plenty of flowers and herbs can act as a powerful brain stimulant.

A study done at A&M University by Charlie Hall determined that tasks performed under the calming influence of nature actually produced a more accurate, higher quality product.

Just place an ornamental plant around your room or office to produce that effect. A beautiful rose bouquet can boost clarity and focus based on studies.

Merely looking at them will help you feel relaxed, clear-headed, and focused. This result is amplified if you enjoy the rose’s color, so pick out whichever shade you find most appealing.

Other Positive Effects of Flowers and Herbs

Having nature within your space also creates a feeling of happiness.

In particular, flowers will release oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, three neurotransmitters that are linked to reward and mood stability.

Herbs will also reduce your perceived stress levels to help you feel happy, secure, and relaxed throughout the day.

Plants can also improve your personal relationships because they increase your feelings of empathy and compassion. Being an overall happier and calmer person will improve all aspects of your life, including focus.

If you want to do better on your test, place some calming lavender in your workspace to produce a soft ambiance that will eventually result in restful sleep.

The Best Flowers and Herbs for Memory

Rosemary

In ancient Rome, rosemary had an association with memory retention.

Inhaling the oil that rosemary produces helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is the chemical used for concentration, memory, and thinking.

It is also likely that rosemary improves brain function in adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia, although further research is needed.

Roses

We already discussed how roses would help you feel calmer, but the power of this flower goes beyond that.

Smelling a rose while studying, then smelling the same scent during your test will actually help you recall learned material.

Your sense of smell is the first scent that digs itself into your long-term memory, thus making memory reactivation and storage more efficient.

Ginkgo Biloba

One of the masters of improving memory, the ginkgo biloba, is said to boost short term memory and improve our ability to process information.

Ginkgo even improves blood circulation, which delivers more oxygen to the brain.

Simply get a vial of ginkgo essential oil and rub it onto your temples, wrists, and the bottom of your feet to see your memory expand.

Bacopa Monnieri

The bacopa monnieri is a flowering Ayurvedic herb that lowers inflammation and reduces beta-amyloid in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s and anxiety issues.

It’s safe to consume this herb (just wash it first) as a way to reduce stress and keep your mind focused.

You can also place the bacopa monnieri leaves in a tea or as a spice in your dinner.

Periwinkle

Both periwinkles (the Vinca major and Vinca minor) have their use in medicine as a treatment for menstrual bleeding, digestive issues, and gastric inflammation.

However, they are also known to improve oxygen and blood circulation in the brain.

It’s a powerful striking agent that prevents possible damage to brain vessels, which can help slow the process of Alzheimer’s.

Takeaway

When it comes to being a student, focus and concentration are necessary for achieving academic success.

With all of the other stresses that come from post-secondary studies, such as finances and socializing, paying attention to your studies can be a challenge.

Why not beautify your study space and improve your concentration with one of these memory-improving flowers or herbs?

About the author

CB Community

Passionate members of the College Basics community that include students, essay writers, consultants and beyond. Please note, while community content has passed our editorial guidelines, we do not endorse any product or service contained in these articles which may also include links for which College Basics is compensated.