How to Use Herbs to Help Cognition in LBD Patient

I've noticed that when my mom ingests a certain combination of spices and herbs, her mind is more clear.  When I make a soup or an all-in-one pot meal for dinner, my mom sleeps better and she wakes up in a happy state of mind.  I've also noticed that she doesn't hallucinate as soon as she wakes up.

So, what are the herbs that seem to help her cognition?

Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Garlic, Turmeric, Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper (fresh ground) and Himalayan Sea Salt.

I grow the herbs in my garden so that I can put fresh sprigs into meals that I am preparing.  It's pretty easy once you know how to use your garden herbs.

How much do you use?  

This was always my big question, I never knew how much of a fresh herb to use in cooking.  Through trial, I've discovered that 2 - 3 sprigs of Rosemary about 2 or 3 inches in length is about a tablespoon chopped; same is true for fresh Oregano.

Do you have to take each leave off the branch?  

No.  What I have learned, especially with thyme is if you toss in several sprigs, the leaves will fall off by themselves and you can pull the twig out once the dish is cooked.

I sometimes pull the leaves off Rosemary and Oregano because it's so easy to pull them off by lightly pinching the branch and sliding your pinched fingers against the grain of the twig.

How much spice?

With the spices, I use 1 teaspoon of each turmeric, coriander, cumin... pepper and salt, I use about 3 turns of the grinder.

Fast Food Cooking

Pressure cookers are the greatest invention because it allows me to make fast food that is full of healthy nutrition.  Pressure cooking traps in all the nutrients so that nothing is lost as is done when cooking conventionally in a pot on the stove.

Be creative.  

Use boneless skinless chicken thighs as meat in your pot with lots of vegetables.  Use olive oil and coconut oil.  Cook the meat first, put in chopped up garlic and the spices.  Add the herbs.  Add  vegetables, broth and tomatoes.  Pressure cook on high pressure until the pot hisses, let it hiss for 5 minutes and turn off the heat, allowing the pan to de-pressurize on it's own.

My mother (and all of my family) love the dishes that come out of the pressure cooker.  You can put in 1/4 cup of gluten free pasta before you pressure cook, it is amazing how a little bit of pasta can be so satisfying.  I also add legumes like Cannellini beans in place of potatoes.