Child’s Short Term Memory Loss
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Dianne
Posted on: October 16, 2003

My daughter has been testing for learning disabilities and has been found to have short term memory loss. Are there any natural herbs that may help her retain information more easily?

First, look at possible causes of short term memory loss: drugs, surgery, head injury, high fevers, hormonal imbalances, underactive thyroid, anemia, excessive stress, hyperactivity and nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies may be related to digestive or absorption problems. If any of these or any other health problems may be involved, consult with a health care practitioner for assessment and advice. It is possible that your child has a different way of learning - not a "disability". Ask your health care practitioner to give you information on organizations who work with similar learning "disabilities". There are more appropriate ways of teaching a person with short term memory loss than the methods generally used in schools. There are some organizations that teach brain exercises that help the different parts of the brain communicate more effectively, eliminating the short term memory problem.

Foods that nourish the brain and improve memory include essential fatty acids like freshly ground flax seed or cold-pressed flax oil; lecithin, taken in food sources or as a supplement (adult dose is three tablespoons of the granules daily, mixed in milk or water or sprinkled on cereal). Good food sources of lecithin are egg yolks, cabbage and cauliflower; fish, especially the fatty fish including mackerel, herring, sardines and salmon, have been linked in animal and human studies to better brain functioning.

To maximize nourishment, the diet should focus on fruits and vegetables, organic if possible, whole grains, nuts and seeds, with no junk food.

Supplements that nourish the brain include B complex vitamins and evening primrose oil, both beneficial for all brain functions.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a useful herb for calming the stress that often comes with learning difficulties. It can be taken as a tea or tincture.

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