Strengthening the Memory.

Frankincense (‘Lubbaan’ in Arabic) is an aromatic resin produced by a certain genus of trees grown mainly in Yemen, Somalia and Oman, and is traditionally used in perfumes, incense and as a medicine. The resin is tapped and allowed to harden, before being powdered. It is most commonly very light yellow in colour and is discussed as one of the medicines used in the treatment of forgetfulness.

[Page 337 of Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) - Darussalam 2003]

While a number of Hadith have been presented in this above book which suggest the use of Frankincense was promoted by the Blessed Companions of Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for forgetfulness, I have been unable to verify their sources as of yet or confirm if they are Sahih.

According to texts translated from the works of Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah), the application of Frankincense as a remedy has a simple and clear reasoning. Mild amnesia, forgetfulness or a weak memory of past experiences, events or words results from a corrupt humour somewhere in the body. This corrupt humour affects different parts of the brain, causing ill-disposition, particularly in people with cold, damp temperaments. This condition produces defective memory and thus blocks the brain’s natural ability to retain messages in sequence or to store information.

Frankincense, which contains the opposite attributes, thus helps to repair and balance the bodily humours. This helps ultimately to remove the blockage and restore the memory. Amongst the other numerous benefits of frankincense; it aids the treatment of tuberculosis, stomach ache and diarrhoea, and it helps the digestion, helps expel wind, relieve eye sores / refreshes the eyes, treats infections and helps heal cuts and bruises when used in a bandage. It also helps treat a speech impediment (both tongue-tie and stuttering). Burning frankincense helps repel mosquitoes and other flying insects.

The brothers at the TibbeNabawi.org site say that a 'tea' can be made by tying the frankincense resin in a small cloth like a piece of muslin, and adding it to boiling water. Let the water simmer for around 5 min before extracting the frankincense and allowing the tea to cool down before drinking.

Both the resin and the oil can be purchased online. 

My recommendation is food-grade Hujari frankincense which can be purchased here - http://freeyoursenses.co.uk/#/yellow-hojari/4555599604

You can find more information about frankincense here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense, including on how frankincense is graded - http://freeyoursenses.co.uk/#/grading/4555298751

A weak memory may also sometimes be due to dryness and can be overcome by increasing the intake of water and other fresh, clean, pure fluids.

Remedies for Forgetfulness which are substantiated by the Sunnah.

I would encourage all those who are looking to improve their memory to use the remedies below in combination first.

Hijama.

A very beneficial treatment for weak memory is Hijama (wet cupping) and although I have not come across any Sahih Hadith directly pertaining to the use of Hijama for improvement of the memory, there are plenty of strong sources praising the excellence of Hijama in general and that it is a cure for a wide range of illnesses. There are also strong evidences from the Sunnah that Hijama was used by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to cure ailments of the head.

It was narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (rahimullah) that he paid Al-Muqanna a visit during his illness and said, "I will not leave till he gets cupped, for I heard Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, "There is healing in cupping [Hijama]." 
Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 600.

It was also narrated by Ibn Abbaas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal located on the road to Makkah. Ibn 'Abbas further said: Allah s Apostle was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602

Caution will be required when applying Hijama on the head. Cupping at the back of the head (on the occipital bone) carries a high risk of causing further memory loss. Excessive cupping on other parts of the head may also cause the same, and Allah Azzawajjal knows best. The Hijama practitioner should take extra care and not remove a lot of blood. The top middle  part of the head (crown) is the Sunnah point - Sahih al Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 29, Hadith 62

You can find out more about the benefits of Hijama by clicking here.

Ruqyah.

The established Hadith confirm that the Recitation of the Qur'an was performed by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to treat people (mainly those inflicted with Magic or Evil Eye) and that there is no harm in reciting it yourself as long as it is only from the Qur'an;

A'isha (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to treat with a Ruqyah saying, "O the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble The cure is in Your Hands, and there is none except You who can remove it (the disease)." 
Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 640.

For strengthening the memory and progressing in Islamic Knowledge, the following verse of the Holy Qur’an should be recited (in Arabic) an odd number of times everyday after the Salaah and thereafter make supplication to Allah Azzawajjal with the intention that He strengthen your memory;

“My Lord! Expand for me my breast [with assurance]. Ease my task for me. Remove the knot [impediment] from my tongue. So that they may understand my speech.”

[Qur'an 20:25-28]

Strengthening the eyesight.

Antimony sulphate (Ithmid, or Isfahan Collyrium) is a silvery dark grey stone, which is crushed into a very fine powder and used to darken the eyes. The best kind is found in Morocco, and it has a cold, dry temperament. Antimony strengthens the optic nerve and is considered the best kohl when mixed with musk powder for elderly people with poor vision weakened by old age.

Ibn Al Qayyim (Rahimahullah) suggests that then used as a kohl, Ithmid, also helps reduce skin flap growing on the eyelid, mange of the eyelids and it relaxes eyestrain. It helps detoxify eye moisture and eases congestion in tear ducts. It helps natural cleansing of the eyes and helps to protect the eyes from dust particles floating in the air, and brightens one’s sight. When Ithmid is mixed with honey diluted in water and applied on the edge of the eyelid, it can help reduce headaches.

Applying it before going to sleep is healthier than using it during the day, especially for women, and it helps the growing of eyelashes, making them thicker and longer in sha Allah. 

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Wear your white garments, for they are among your best garments, and shroud your dead in them. Among the best types of collyrium you use is antimony (ithmid): it clears the vision and makes the hair [eyelashes] sprout."
[Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3869] Classed as Saheeh by Al Albaani.

The kohl most widely available is normally produced in India and Pakistan (called ‘Surma’). It is jet black and has a different chemical composition to true Ithmid. It can be made up of many ingredients, some of which include lead sulphide, the soot of sandalwood oil lamps and charcoal (Wiki). Lead sulphide is extremely toxic.

The best Ithmid to buy is from Morocco or from Medinah, Saudia Arabia.

Purchase Ithmid here - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Kohl_Ithmid_Shop.php

Lowering the Gaze.

By casting evil glances [malicious jealousy], a person's eyesight becomes very weak. Eyesight is one of the greatest blessings of Allah and we should take great care with it, particularly ensuring we are lowering our gaze when in the presence of non-mahrams. The eyes of men should not follow women, neither should the eyes of women follow men. This is because by guarding one's gaze, one is fulfilling gratitude for the blessing of sight and the reward of gratefulness is the increase of blessings, as Allah Azzawajjal mentions in the Qur'an;

"And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'"

[14:7]

And also Allah Azzawajjal commands His believing servants directly regarding their gaze;

"Tell the believing men to reduce [lower] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do..."

[This and the next verse regarding women 24:30-31]

Ruqyah.

There is a well known case of an Eygptian doctor who developed eye drops which cure cataracts using the recitation of the Qur'aan upon a liquid which contained the components of human sweat.

The verses come from the story of Prophet Yusuf (alayhisalaam) where Allah the Exalted relates how Yusuf's father Ya'qoob (alayhisalaam) fell into despair after having been separated from both Yusuf and then his youngest son Benyameen for a long period, so much so that his eyes became white with sorrow. Islamic commentators have taken this to mean that Ya'qoob (alayhisalaam) developed cataracts.

"And he [Ya'qoob] turned away from them and said; "Alas my grief for Yusuf!" And he lost his sight because of the sorrow he was suppressing."
[12:84]

Yusuf (alayhisalaam), being divinely inspired by Allah, asked his brothers to take his shirt and cast it over the face of their father.

"Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear sighted, and bring to me all of your family." And when the caravan departed, their father said; "I do indeed feel the smell of Yusuf, if only you think me not a dotard [a person who suffers weakness of mind due to old age]." They said; "By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error." Then, when the bearer of glad tidings arrived, he cast it [the shirt] over his face, and he became clear sighted. He said; "Did not I say to you 'I know from Allah that which you know not?'"
[12:93 to 96]

The second set of verses can be recited an odd number of times on purified water and used as eye drops or recited on olive oil which is then massaged onto the eyelids.

The spiritual aspect of strengthening the eyesight.

Imam Shafi’ (Rahimahullah) said;

Four matters weaken the sight;

* Looking at filth (dirt, excrement etc.) 
* Looking at crucified persons. 
* Men – looking at their spouse’s private part. 
* Sitting while your back is towards the Qiblah (direction of the prayer).

He also said;

Four matters strengthen the sight;

* Sitting next to the Ka’ba. 
* Using Ithmid before going to sleep. 
* Looking at green things (trees, grass etc.) 
* Cleaning up the sitting area (at home, i.e. because it is where guests are welcomed).

[page 353 from Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (salahu alayhi wa sallam). Darussalam 2003]