Tonifying herbs, or herbs that build up the energetic qualities of the body, are the most frequently used.  With the exception of herbs such as gotu kola, Siberian ginseng, and ginkgo biloba, which is now being widely recommended to increase cerebral function (one study showed that it even delays the effects of Alzheimer's-related memory loss), most Chinese herbs are given in combination rather than individually.

Common herbs to help increase concentration and ability to study or focus are ginseng, codonopsis, astragalus, atractylodes, poria, licorice, and ginger.  Red dates are also frequently used, and most herbal formulas to increase memory function in Spleen/Stomach energetic deficiencies are accompanied by herbs that support the Heart and Kidney energetic systems also.

In memory loss due to Kidney-energy deficiency, herbs that tonify Kidney-essence are included with herbs that support Spleen/Stomach function and Heart energetic function.  Common herbs found are cooked rehmannia, cornus fruit, dioscorea (Chinese yam), alisma, and moutan bark.  Polygala multiflorum, also known as he-shou-wu or fo-ti, is also helpful when taken as a daily tea to increase Kidney energy.  Depending upon the body's physical function, deer horn, morinda root, and a host of other herbs may be added to support Kidney energy and improve the mind.

In Heart energy deficiencies, herbs such as turtle shell, dragon bone, polygala tenuifoliae root, and acorus root are used.  Note that these are "heavier" herbs and are used to "root" the qi in the body.  Since the Heart is considered to house the mind, cases of deficiency of Heart-energy are treated principally, with fewer herbs supporting other energetic functions.

Memory Herbs
Treatments for Memory Loss
Thanks for the Memories