Mother Nature’s Pharmacy, Mental Focus

By Victoria Lafean

Anne Kennedy and Mother Nature will now teach us recipes to help and aid with our mental focus. Everyday ailments can be easy to treat with basic recipes, simple kitchen tools, and a well-stocked pharmacy of herbs.

Anxiety, insomnia, illness, and stress are just a few of the things that can rob you of your ability to think clearly. According to Kennedy’s book, Herbal Medicine, certain herbs can sharpen your focus and make everyday life easier while taking steps to decrease the cause of your brain fog.

Ginseng – Rosemary Tea

Ginseng offers steady energy while increasing circulation and promoting a sense of alertness; rosemary stimulates the thought process and helps retain information.

You will need:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of dried ginseng
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

Pour the boiling water into a large mug. Add the herbs and let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Relax and drink slowly. Do not use ginseng if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Omit rosemary if you have epilepsy.

Ginkgo Biloba Tincture

Ginkgo Biloba increases circulation, oxygenates brain tissue and helps improve cognition.

You will need:

• 8 ounces Ginkgo Biloba, finely chopped
• 2 cups unflavored 80 proof vodka

Put the ginkgo in a one-pint jar and add the vodka. Fill the jar and cover the herbs completely. Cap the jar and shake it. Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Shake it several times a week for six to eight weeks. Add more vodka if some of it evaporates. Keep the jar full.

After the six to eight weeks, strain the mixture over cheesecloth through a funnel into dark-colored glass bottles. Take ten drops once a day. You can mix it into water or juice and drink. This tincture will stay fresh for up to six years.

These two recipes will help you keep your mental focus strong. Remember the herbs can be found online and local whole food stores. Remember to keep your herbs stocked for future recipes.

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Victoria Lafean has been writing since the age of seven. She previously focused on journalism in college, serving as editor in chief of the Erie Square Gazette and receiving a degree in Journalism. After starting a writer’s workshop at the Newton Falls Library in Ohio, and creating a monthly newsletter for The Pines at Brookhouse Assisted Living, Lafean shifted her focus to becoming a well-established author. Wicker Hill is her first novel and O.C.D One Cool Dude is her first children’s book. Both are available through Amazon and Createspace.

Lafean currently resides in Fort Irwin, California. Lafean’s husband Evan is currently serving as a soldier in the U.S Army. Her hometown is Port Huron Michigan. Both Evan and Victoria hope to return after Evan completes his military service.