Over the summer I was reading Botanical Brain Balms, a book by Nicolette Perry and Elaine Perry on ‘medicinal plants for memory, mood and mind’. It brings together a wealth of information on plants that can help us sleep or stay calm, ease our pain, improve our memory, and even provide us with mind-altering experiences. Some of the plants are exotic, in that they won’t grow in the UK climate, but which you can find on the shelves of the health food shop, but many are familiar garden plants. Each entry contains a description of the plant and its habitat, a round-up of history and folklore, and the results of modern scientific research proving its effectiveness. You will also find the key ingredients (chemicals) that provide the effect, how to use the plant and any relevant safety notes. There are even some recipes, including a sage, pine and mint cleaning spray to improve memory and concentration, a happy face cream, and teas, biscuits and cocktails.
At the back of the book there’s a glossary explaining the scientific/medical terms, a section on how to find further information, the all-important scientific references and a proper index.
Nicolette Perry has a PhD in pharmacognosy [I looked it up – it’s the study of medicinal drugs obtained from plants or other natural sources] and has spent considerable time researching plants that benefit the brain. Elaine Perry is an Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience, and again has spent a long time researching and working with medicinal plants for the brain. Both authors are connected to Dilston Physic Garden, which began as a place to research and grow plants related to memory loss and dementia. Dilston Physic Garden has expanded over time, and now contains a wealth of plants, and
Read more on theunconventionalgardener.com