5 Herbal Alternatives to Increase Your Focus

It's the middle of the day and you have been spacing out for a good 20 minutes. At times like these, it can seem impossible to redirect your focus to the tasks at hand. Whether you are tired of, disinterested in, or frustrated by the subject on which you wish to focus, put down the energy drink and tune into these alternative remedies.

When you've reached that slump of the day that you dread, and a power nap is not in the cards, assistance is near in the form of energizing, clarifying, and relaxing herbs.

1. Coffee (Coffea arabica)

Researchers have verified that caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, gives an effective boost of energy, and other compounds in coffee also work to improve cognitive function¹. This helpful surge of motivation is observed to be paired with more efficient and logical thinking, and with an increased ability to concentrate.

In addition, studies have found an association between regular consumption of coffee (2 cups or more per day) with a lower prevalence of depression during a lifetime². It also can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's³, a disease affecting memory.

2. Guarana (Paullinia cupana)

If coffee isn't quite doing it for you, guarana will. It more than doubles in caffeine content, which will make you very alert, though research points to additional compounds that improve cognitive performance⁴. In addition, guarana also contains additional antioxidants that have been linked to stress relief, and it's moderate sugar content can also work towards a more immediate surge in concentration.

3. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

When your cognitive function is slowed, you will have trouble handling simple to complex daily activities. Ginkgo possesses many unique flavonoid glycosides that have been used since ancestral times to enhance memory, learning, and thinking, among other cognitive abilities⁵. Ginkgo nuts are a great addition if you are looking into easing your daily performance and productivity. It will also help you interact in social situations, since many have reported that its stimulating effects can boost self-confidence.

4. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Called the "fountain of life" in China, gotu kola is great for mental wellness. Instead of getting caught in worries, utilize this herb for the vitality you need. Studies have found that the triterpenoids in this plant calms you nerves and improves mental functioning⁶. You will not be as distracted by little things. It also helps fight insomnia, which otherwise makes completing tasks effectively nearly impossible.

5. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca, a root from the Peruvian Andean Mountains, is becoming more and more popular thanks to its many medicinal benefits. In addition to boosting energy and sexual health, maca - especially the black variety - can also improve memory and learning, and it acts as an antidepressant as well⁷.

With all the work and daily activities that you must tend to, it is perfectly natural to experience a slowing of mental functioning throughout the day. In these moments, make sure you are hydrated, breathing, and assisted by helpful herbal remedies. All of these are effective when taken in tea and supplement form, and will provide short and long term improvement for troubling concentration issues.