Introduction
Amnesia refers to partial or complete loss of memory. Different types and degrees of amnesia occur in old age and in some mental disorders. Recent memory is far less efficient in the elderly, although long-term memory still functions well.
Symptoms
The most common form of this disease is verbal amnesia. In this condition, the patient forgets words and names. A very uncommon form of amnesia is temporary loss of memory, in which a person even forgets his own identity, including his name, age, family background and any recollection of the past. In case of poor memory caused by brain weakness, the patient may suffer from mild headache, intolerance to noise and inability to concentrate.
Causes
The main cause of amnesia is the impairment of brain cells caused by diseases directly affecting them or, indirectly through a poor blood supply due to circulatory diseases. Poor memory also results from dullness of intellect and weakness of brain. Many cases are, however, largely psychological in origin, caused by anxiety, neurosis, resulting from lack of attention in persons obsessed with their own problems.
Remedies
Almonds (Badam): Almonds are very valuable for restoring a poor memory caused by brain weakness. They contain unique properties to remove brain debility and to strengthen the brain. Ten to twelve almonds should be immersed in water overnight and their outer skin removed. They should then be made into a fine paste and taken, mixed with one teaspoon of butter or even alone. Inhaling ten to fifteen drops of almond oil through the nose, morning and evening, is also beneficial in the treatment of brain weakness.
Walnuts (Akhrot): Walnut is another unique dry fruit, valuable in countering brain weakness. The efficacy of about twenty grams of walnuts gets enhanced, if they are taken with figs or raisins in a proportion of ten gram each, everyday.
Apples (Seb): Apples are useful in amnesia. The various chemical substances contained in this fruit such as vitamin B1, Phosphorus, and Potassium help in the synthesis of glutamic acid. This acid controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. Eating an apple a day with one tea-spoon of honey and one cup of milk, is beneficial in the treatment of loss of memory and mental irritability. It acts as an effective nerve tonic and recharges the nerves with new energy and life.
Other Fruits
All fruits which are rich in phosphorus are valuable mitigators of amnesia, as they invigorate the brain cells and tissues. Other than those mentioned earlier, figs, grapes, oranges and dates may be eaten to enhance memory.
Herbal remedies for amnesia
Cumin seeds (jeera): The use of cumin seeds is a valuable remedy for amnesia or dullness of memory. Three grams of black cumin seeds should be mixed with two teaspoons of pure honey and taken once a day, preferably, in the morning.
Black Pepper (Kali mirch): Five seeds of finely ground black pepper, mixed with one teaspoon of honey, are also beneficial in the treatment of this condition. This preparation should be taken both in morning and evening.
Rosemary (rusmary): The most remarkable remedy for loss of memory or forgetfulness is the use of the herb rosemary, botanically known as Romarinus officinalis. It has long been regarded as a herb for remembrance. In ancient times, the Greeks and the Romans prepared fragrant distilled water from the flowers of this plant and inhaled the odor so that ‘the evils were destroyed from the mind and the memory no longer played tricks.’ Rosemary is considered to be an antidote for mental fatigue and forgetfulness. A tea made from this herb, taken once or twice a day, is a refreshing drink and an effective natural remedy for enhancing mental agility.
Sage (sefakuss): The herb sage has also been found beneficial in the treatment of a week memory or loss of memory. It acts on the cortex of the brain, mitigates mental exhaustion and strengthens the ability to concentrate. A tea prepared from dried sage leaves can be used regularly for this purpose.
Brahmi Booti: Another herb useful in amnesia is brahmi booti, botanically known as Bacopa scrophulariaceae. About seven grams of this herb should be dried in the shade and ground in water, along with seven kernels of almonds and half a gram of pepper. This mixture should be strained and sweetened with honey or jaggery. It should be drunk every morning for a fortnight on an empty stomach.
Dietary Consideration
Diet is of utmost importance in the treatment of amnesia. It should be so arranged as to provide all essential nutrients, as even a single nutritional deficiency can cause anxiety neurosis in susceptible people. Persons suffering from amnesia should avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, flesh foods, white flour, sugar, and all products made from white flour and sugar.
Other measures
Persons suffering from amnesia should have sufficient rest and sleep under proper conditions. They must also learn the art of scientific relaxation and meditation.
