Whether it's remembering where you left your keys or preparing for a big presentation, we all know how frustrating memory lapses can be. In today’s fast-paced, multitasking world, mental clarity and memory retention are more important than ever. While it's tempting to blame forgetfulness on age, fatigue, or distractions, the truth is that memory is like a muscle, and the right habits and some extra care may support our memory.
At Garden Organics, we believe that mental wellness and cognitive support should be both practical and natural. In this article, we'll share five powerful lifehacks to help you remember things better, as well as five time-honored herbal supplements that can naturally support memory and brain health.
How to Remember Things Better: 5 Lifehacks
If you're looking to support memory, it’s not just about what you take — it’s also about what you do. These simple techniques can help your brain store and retrieve information more effectively, whether you’re learning something new or simply trying to stay mentally organized.
“Memory Palace” Technique
The “Memory Palace,” also known as the method of loci, is a classic technique employed by memory champions worldwide. It works by associating items you want to remember with specific locations in a mental space, like your home or a familiar route.
How it works: Imagine walking through your living room. Instead of just trying to memorize a grocery list, you “place” the bananas on the coffee table, the bread on the couch, and the milk by the door. When you mentally revisit that space later, the items come back more easily.
Why it helps: The brain remembers visuals and spatial cues better than abstract information. This technique taps into your natural visual memory and spatial orientation.
Say It Out Loud
One of the simplest yet most overlooked techniques is speaking the information aloud. Whether you're reading a book or learning names at a party, vocalizing what you want to remember activates different areas of your brain.
Why it works: Speaking combines visual, auditory, and motor processing, creating multiple pathways for memory retrieval. Repetition out loud is especially effective for remembering lists, vocabulary, or instructions.
“Spaced Repetition”
Instead of cramming, spread out your study or review sessions over time. This approach is called spaced repetition, and it helps combat the “forgetting curve”.
How to apply it: Review new information after a day, then again after three days, and again after a week. Flashcard apps like Anki are built on this method, but you can also use it for everyday memory tasks.
Why it works: Recalling information after you've almost forgotten it supports neural connections, promoting long-term memory retention.
Move Your Body, Sharpen Your Mind
Physical activity doesn’t just benefit the body — it helps maintain cognitive function too. Exercise supports blood flow to the brain and promotes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports memory and learning. Physical activity is also one of the practices that support vitamin D production.
Aim for 20–30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (like walking, biking, or dancing) a few times a week. Try to pair movement with mental stimulation (like learning while walking) for even more impact.
Use Acronyms
Even if you don’t know the word “acronym,” you might be familiar with them. Remember the word ROYGBIV that helped you to remember the order of colors in the rainbow (R is for Red, O is for Orange, etc.)? Did you try to memorize the planets in the Solar system with the phrase “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune)?
These are examples of acronyms: words or phrases where each letter stands for the word you need to remember.
Top-5 Memory Supplements
In addition to lifestyle habits, herbs, and plant-based nutrients can support mental clarity and recall. These natural botanicals have been used for generations — and now they’re being explored by modern science for their cognitive benefits.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Famous for its golden color and rich flavor, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant properties. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian practices, turmeric has been linked to supporting cognitive health and mental clarity over time.
According to the data, curcumin may promote healthy levels of BDNF, which supports memory and cognitive function.
Add turmeric to sauces or stews, cook it in golden milk, or take it in a Turmeric Tincture.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
More than just a kitchen herb, rosemary has a long history of use for mental sharpness and memory. In folklore, it’s even called the “herb of remembrance”. Recent studies suggest that compounds in rosemary may support healthy brain function and mental alertness.
Rosemary is also rich in magnesium, a mineral with many benefits for women’s health.
You can infuse rosemary with herbal teas, inhale its aroma, or embrace its benefits by taking it in a Rosemary Tincture.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
Also known as Brahmi, this herb has been used in traditional Ayurvedic systems for centuries. Bacopa is believed to support information retention and healthy stress response, which are both important for memory formation.
Bacopa contains bacosides that may support mental performance over time.
You can blend brahmi in smoothies, add its powder to ghee, or cook it with stews or stir-fries. Another convenient way to consume the herb is by taking it in a Bacopa Tincture.
Ginkgo Biloba
One of the most widely studied herbs for memory support, Ginkgo biloba, is believed to support circulation to the brain, which may be beneficial for mental alertness and recall.
Ancient Ginkgo trees are sometimes called “living fossils”. Chinese herbalists have been using the tree’s leaves for thousands of years in their practices.
Soak ginkgo leaves in hot water and drink the infusion, or consume it by taking Ginkgo Biloba Capsules or a Ginkgo Biloba Tincture.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Not just for holiday stuffing, sage has earned attention for its traditional and modern uses in supporting cognition and memory. Historically, it was associated with wisdom — and some research suggests it may support mental clarity and attention.
Sage is great in stews or sauces. You can also embrace its benefits by taking a Sage Tincture.
Conclusion
Memory isn’t just something you're born with — it’s something you can nurture and support with intentional habits and herbal allies. Whether you're studying for an exam, navigating a busy workweek, or just trying to keep your brain sharp as the years go by, small daily steps can make a big difference.
By combining smart techniques like spaced repetition or acronyms with natural memory supplements like turmeric, rosemary, and ginkgo, you create a well-rounded approach to mental wellness.
At Garden Organics, we believe wellness starts with the small, mindful choices you make every day. That’s why our herbal products are thoughtfully crafted to support your well-being — naturally, gently, and with care. Inspired by tradition and backed by science, our plant-based formulas are here to help you feel more focused, balanced, and energized in your daily life. Explore the collection and discover what a little nature-powered support can do for your mind.
Stay curious, stay sharp — and remember: every day is a good day to nourish your mind.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.