Herbs for Memory and Brain Health

4 Sri Lankan medicinal plants traditionally used for this purpose. Open a herb to see its Sinhala, English and botanical names, the parts used, how it is prepared, the research behind it and safety notes.

Use with care: Traditional use does not prove that a herb works or that it is safe for you. Talk to a doctor or a registered Ayurveda practitioner before using herbs to treat a condition, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicines, or treating a child. Read our disclaimer

Fruits & Seeds

Alu Puhul (Benincasa hispida): The Cooling Ash Gourd of Sri Lankan Homes

(Benincasa hispida)

Alu puhul (Benincasa hispida) is the big, pale gourd dusted with chalky white bloom that is piled up

Leaves

Gotukola (Centella asiatica): The Brain Herb Sri Lankans Eat for Breakfast

(Centella asiatica)

Gotukola (Centella asiatica) is unusual among medicinal plants in that most Sri Lankans consume it w

Leaves

Lunuwila (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi, and the Evidence for Memory

(Bacopa monnieri)

Lunuwila (Bacopa monnieri) is unusual on this site for a straightforward reason: there are actual ra

Flowers

Nil Katarolu (Clitoria ternatea): The Blue Flower Tea That Turns Purple with Lime

(Clitoria ternatea)

Nil katarolu (Clitoria ternatea) is the slender climber whose deep-blue flowers peep out of hedges a

Other uses

Digestion (42) Coughs and Colds (22) Skin Conditions (22) Blood Sugar and Diabetes (18) Fever (16) Urinary and Kidney Health (16) Cooling the Body (14) Joint Pain and Arthritis (13) Wound Healing (12) Sleep and Stress (9) Immunity (8) Diarrhoea (8) Oral and Dental Health (8) Constipation (7) Cholesterol and Heart Health (7) Hair Care (7) Liver Health (6) Asthma and Breathing (5) Women's Health (4) Inflammation and Swelling (4) Eye Health (4) Weight Management (3) Piles (Haemorrhoids) (3) Intestinal Worms (3)