Memory

‘Memory is a retaining, establishing, and preserving of matters which have been conceived in the spirit’. (Wirtzung)

The cause of loss of Memory is usually cold, or cold and damp, according to the western tradition. ‘For this is to be applied for a general rule to defend the head from all superfluous moisture’.

According to the Western Tradition, Memory loss can be divided into several types:

• When it is caused by Cold, it was called Stupor; these people speak neither of past or present, care for nothing, and have no dryness of the mouth.
• If caused by Cold and dryness, they remember the past, but not the present (ie. long-term memory is intact, but short-term memory is affected), and the mouth is dry.
• If caused by Cold and Moisture, it is called Lethargy, the Sleepy disease. They forget everything from the past, and quickly forget things that have recently happened. The mind is dull and slow. They will have excess moisture in their mouth and running from their nose.
• When the Memory is affected by Heat and dryness, it is often in the form of Mania.

Other things to be noted (from Wirtzung):
1. It is best to fast in the Evening
2. The scents of Musk, Ambergris, Aloeswood, Clove, Nutmeg, Indian Spikenard etc. are very useful
3. Blessed Thistle water or decoction, 2-3 oz. every morning.
4. Coriander seed and Bitter Almonds confected with Sugar.
5. Wine of Marjoram or Rosemary strengthens Memory, but can also restore it if lost.
6. If there is excess Humors, purge with Pil. Cochia, Hiera Logadi etc.

Primary Medicines used to strengthen Memory:

• Calamus–a special medicine in all traditions to clear phlegm and damp, open the orifices of the mind and improve mental function and restore memory.
• Centella and Bacopa, both used for the Ayurvedic herb ‘Brahmi‘ are important herbs to benefit mental functions including memory.
  
• Cyperus rotundus, Frankincense–regularly used in formula for memory loss

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Western Tradition Syrup for the Memory Confection of Coriander and Almond Pills to Increase Memory Powder Against Forgetfulness Powder of Great Use Against Forgetfulness (Grulingus) Powder to Strengthen the Memory Powder to Strengthen the Memory (2) Powder to Strengthen the Memory (3) Powder for the Memory (Sennertus) Powder for Loss of Memory and Stupidity (Philon)​ Special Powder for Memory Tincture for Memory Expert Electuary for Memory (Mesue) Electuary Against Forgetfulness Electuary for Amnesia (Unani) Electuary for Memory (Wirtzung) To Purge the Head and Benefit Memory Special Powder for Memory Pills to Clarify (Pilulae Lucis) (Mesue) Hiera Logadii

TCM Classification Phlegm and Damp Obstruction forgetfulness, heaviness of the head, poor concentration, nasal congestion, gurgling phlegm in the throat, thick tongue coating Liu Jun Zi Tang (with Calamus added) Di Tan Tang Gun Tan Wan Heart and Spleen Deficiency poor memory, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, poor concentration, blurred vision, fatigue, poor appetite, pale complexion. Ding Zhi Wan Gui Pi Tang Yin Deficiency forgetfulness, insomnia, night sweats, restless, palpitations, anxiety, heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth, dizziness, lower back pain; if essence is depleted, severe memory loss, early balding, infertility, Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Sang Piao Xiao San

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Special Formula

1. Expert Electuary for the Memory   Chebula                           1 lb   Long Pepper                  3 oz. Powder, mix with Honey, and aromatize with Gallia Moschata 3 drams, Musk ½ dram Dose: 3 drams. (De Morbis Internis Curandis, Mesue, 1551) 2. Electuary to Improve Memory in a Moist Nature   Lucerne seed                2 drams   Calamus                         1 dram Powder. With Ghee and Honey, form an Electuary. (The Dispensatory of Ibn at Tilmid) 3. Memory pills   Cubeb   Calamint   Nutmeg   Clove                               1 dram   Ambergris                      2 scruple   Musk                               2 grains Form 6 pills with Marjoram juice. (Renou)

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See also:
Treatment of Failing Memory
12 Formulas for Memory