Natural treatments for long covid brain fog

The hidden struggle of long covid brain fog

 

Brain fog after long covid isn’t just “feeling a bit tired” or having an off day. It’s a complex and disruptive condition that can linger long after the initial infection has passed. Long covid refers to a constellation of symptoms that continue beyond the acute phase of illness, often interfering with quality of life and a person’s ability to function independently. Among the many ongoing issues, cognitive dysfunction has emerged as one of the most frequent and debilitating (1).

People living with long covid often describe struggling to retain information, focus on simple tasks, or find the right words. Everyday activities such as reading, working on a computer, even engaging in conversation leave them dizzy, frustrated, or overwhelmed. These difficulties are not limited to those who had severe infections; even mild or asymptomatic cases can lead to months of cognitive impairment (2).

What makes brain fog particularly challenging is its hidden nature. Standard medical tests may come back normal, yet patients know something is profoundly wrong. Large-scale studies now affirm what they experience daily: measurable cognitive slowing and reduced verbal fluency in those with long covid compared to healthy counterparts. Symptoms may worsen under stress due to overlapping processes involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, dysregulated cortisol, and systemic inflammation (3).

For many, this has meant leaving work, losing confidence, and fearing they may never “get their brain back.”

Natural medicines for long covid brain fog

 

Conventional doesn’t have many options for long covid brain fog. However, there are herbal medicine, nutrients and diet and lifestyle practices which can target the neuroinflammation, HPA axis dysregulation and vascular impairments which drive this condition. These may help reduce symptoms, restore function, and bring sharpness back to your mental functions.

 

Herbal medicines for long-covid brain fog

 

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

 

Lion’s mane mushroom is known for its potential to enhance cognitive function and support brain health(4). Research suggests it may boost nerve growth factor production, which supports the survival and growth of neurons and potentially improving thinking, memory, and overall cognitive performance (5). Some studies indicate lion’s mane may reduce subjective stress, improve mental focus, and could slow symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases in animal models (6).

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

 

Saffron has demonstrated neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties. Studies show that saffron supplementation can improve cognitive scores in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease, matching the efficacy of some conventional medications with fewer side effects (7). Saffron’s active compounds (crocin, crocetin) reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and prevent neuronal cell damage which are all factors associated with “brain fog” and diminished cognitive function. Evidence also indicates saffron helps modulate brain inflammation and improves mood and anxiety, supporting clearer thinking (8)

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

 

Holy basil is classified as an adaptogen and it helps the body adapt to stress, a major cause of “brain fog.” (9) Its compounds (like rosmarinic acid and eugenol) lower cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and enhance blood flow to the brain, supporting improved focus and reduction of mental fatigue (10). Regular consumption is linked to reduced anxiety, greater mental clarity, and better memory and learning. Its antioxidant effects also protect brain cells from stress-related damage, helping to maintain cognitive sharpness and clarity (11).

Nutritional supplements for long covid brain fog

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA helps reduce neuroinflammation by calming overactive immune cells in the brain and nerves, especially cells called microglia, mast cells, and astrocytes (12).  PEA is a fat-like compound the body makes when there’s stress or injury in the nervous system. It helps keep immune cells in the brain from releasing too many inflammatory substances, meaning less swelling, less nerve pain, and less damage. By keeping inflammation in check, PEA can protect nerve cells and support healthy brain function(13).

For people with conditions where brain fog is a problem PEA helps restore balance in the nervous system, so cells can recover and work better (12).

Acetyl-L Carnitine (ALC)

 

ALC reduces neuroinflammation primarily by suppressing proinflammatory signalling pathways and decreasing oxidative stress within the brain. It also enhances cellular energy through its effects on mitochondrial function. Improvements with ALC includes better memory and reduced neurological deficits.

Diet and lifestyle factors in Long Covid brain fog

Diet

Adopting a plant forward diet (eat your vegetables!), with limited alcohol, refined and ultra processed foods. Polyphenols from green tea and berries can be particularly helpful as can regularly consuming omega 3 fatty acids (14).

Lifestyle

Psychological stress has been shown to exacerbate brain fog so developing practices to minimize the impact of this can be helpful. Stress reducing habits include mindfulness, meditation, gentle exercise, social connection and time in nature.

 

Is it long covid brain fog?

 

I recommend also investigating other possible causes of cognitive impairment including thyroid disease, Vitamin B12 deficiency, dementia, anxiety/depression, migraine, poor blood sugar control and sleep apnoea. Some medications may also contribute to cognitive dysfunction including antihistamines, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, opioids and sedatives (1).

 

Treatment timelines

 

From a clinical perspective, in otherwise previously healthy people, I see improvements within 2-3 weeks and treatment can usually be phased out after 12 weeks. If there is an underlying metabolic, cardiovascular or immune condition the treatment timeframes are longer.

Other treatment considerations

 

These are a small selection of the natural treatment options and ones I have consistently found to be most effective. I recommend consulting a qualified naturopath/herbalist who can develop a holistic plan and prescribe high quality supplements at therapeutic doses so you can start thinking like yourself again.

 

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References

1. Möller M, Borg K, Janson C, Lerm M, Normark J, Niward K. Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation. J Intern Med. 2023;294(5):563–81.
2. Ladds E, Darbyshire JL, Bakerly ND, Falope Z, Tucker-Bell I. Cognitive dysfunction after covid-19. BMJ. 2024 Feb 1;384:e075387.
3. Quan M, Wang X, Gong M, Wang Q, Li Y, Jia J. Post-COVID cognitive dysfunction: current status and research recommendations for high risk population. Lancet Reg Health – West Pac [Internet]. 2023 Sept 1 [cited 2025 Sept 16];38. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(23)00154-2/fulltext
4. Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023 Jan;15(22):4842.
5. Godela A, Rogacz D, Pawłowska B, Biczak R. Natural Neuroinflammatory Modulators: Therapeutic Potential of Fungi-Derived Compounds in Selected Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules. 2025 Jan;30(15):3158.
6. Contato AG, Conte-Junior CA. Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential—A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2025 Jan;17(8):1307.
7. D’Onofrio G, Nabavi SM, Sancarlo D, Greco A, Pieretti S. Crocus Sativus L. (Saffron) in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment: Bioactive Effects on Cognitive Impairment. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sept 1;19(9):1606–16.
8. Yang W, Qiu X, Wu Q, Chang F, Zhou T, Zhou M, et al. Active constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and their prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2023 May 1;25(5):1–14.
9. Sampath S, Mahapatra SC, Padhi MM, Sharma R, Talwar A. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract enhances specific cognitive parameters in healthy adult volunteers: A placebo controlled study.
10. Vasincu A, Rusu RN, Ababei DC, Bulea D, Arcan OD, Vasincu IM, et al. The Neuroprotective Potential of Ocimum Plant Species: Seasoning the Mind with Sweet and Holy Basil. Nutrients. 2025 Sept 5;17(17):2877.
11. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. Front Nutr [Internet]. 2022 Sept 2 [cited 2025 Sept 17];9. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.965130/full
12. Petrosino S, Schiano Moriello A. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Nutritional Approach to Keep Neuroinflammation within Physiological Boundaries—A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jan;21(24):9526.
13. Clayton P, Hill M, Bogoda N, Subah S, Venkatesh R. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Compound for Health Management. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan;22(10):5305.
14. Yang W, Cui K, Li X, Zhao J, Zeng Z, Song R, et al. Effect of Polyphenols on Cognitive Function: Evidence from Population-based Studies and Clinical Trials. J Nutr Health Aging. 2021 Dec 1;25(10):1190–204.