Herbal recipe: "Clear the Fog"
A recipe to help with focus when brain fog attacks. I take it on days when I can't seem to "get my head in the game." Also very helpful for menopausal or illness-related brain fog.
Paid subscribers get full access to all recipes! Some recipes I have posted so far:
Powerbowls for Cheapskates (this was free, to give you an idea of my style)
More herbal and food recipes to come!
Like many people, I have sometimes struggled with what is called “brain fog.” If you are lucky enough never to have experienced this particular symptom, it is the sensation that it’s hard to think or focus—like being half asleep, only you’re fully awake. You often forget simple things, or have trouble forming words. You feel like your mind is mired in molasses, and you are stuck in your head, unable to reach out and connect properly with the rest of the world. It is miserable!
Brain fog can have many causes.
It is often a symptom of perimenopause. Hormonal fluctuations can affect cognition, for reasons science does not yet know. (It only affects half the population, why would science bother to study it, amirite? OK, that’s a soapbox for another day… Ahem.)
It can be caused by poor sleep or not enough sleep.
It can also be a symptom of post-viral complications such as Long-COVID, Mono, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
It can also be a symptom of neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Major Depressive Disorder.
Whatever the cause, brain fog is a struggle for millions of people, and it should be taken more seriously than it is. It can lead to accidents on the road or around the house, it hinders clear communication in relationships, and it eats away at the self-confidence of its victims. It is every bit as painful and real as any other symptom of illness.
Every attempt should be made to address the underlying causes of this symptom. Meanwhile, figuring out how to cope is important. It’s a catch-22: You can’t think how to address the underlying causes, if you can’t think clearly at all!
When I was struggling to recover from COVID, my brain fog became particularly bad. I experimented with some herbs, and was delighted to find some that really helped! I played around with ratios and came up with a recipe that I rely on regularly to help me focus. This is one of my favorites, and I hope you enjoy it too!
This recipe is best as a tincture, since a tincture enters the bloodstream quickly, and the effects are felt within minutes. I recommend purchasing (or making) each herbal tincture separately, then mixing them together in a new bottle, so you can have maximum control over the ratios. This also allows you to take the simple tinctures separately, if you’d ever like to use them for other things.
The Herbs
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis, or Salvia rosemarinus)
Rosemary increases bloodflow to the brain, which is why it has, for centuries, been known for improving memory. It also helps with focus and boosts the mood. Astrologically, Rosemary is ruled by the Sun, whose light brings clarity to any situation.
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