Natural herbal nootropics are your ideal partner to reach your peak mental potential safely, without the common risks associated with synthetic drugs. If you want to make your brain healthier, here is a quick list of the best natural nootropics based on CogniTune brain supplements article:
10 Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is a native herb found in India and Northern Africa. People usually use this herb for treatment of different conditions and ailments, which include constipation and snake bites. However, more commonly, people ingest Ashwagandha to boost sexual function and to serve as a tonic. This made it earn the name of Indian ginseng. Its nootropic properties have been derived from the ability to promote growth of neurons, while the antioxidant properties help protect the neurons from aging and injury.
9 Pycnogenol
Also known as pine bark extract, Pycnogenol could enhance numerous cognitive functions, reduce oxidative stress, and improve the control of blood sugar and overall flow of blood via nitric oxide. Pine bark is extracted from the French maritime pine tree. Some studies have revealed that it contains significant antioxidant properties. The antioxidants can prevent the oxidative radicals which can damage the brain cells and assist in increasing brain function, which then helps prevent or delay the onset of any cognitive impairment in a person’s later years in life. In the context of nootropics, the anti-aging benefits of pine bark extract, together with its other beneficial bio-activities, seem to be translated to a long lasting cognitive protection.
8 Curcumin
Curcumin is actually the active ingredient you can find in turmeric, the bright orange herb usually added to food. Despite not being visually attractive, Curcumin offers some fascinating benefits for the whole body. Curcumin is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which can help your body fighting any foreign invaders and repairing damages. It is also shown to help in boosting the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor or BDNF, which reduces the risks of neurodegenerative brain diseases. A few grams of turmeric a day added to your food can make you harness its brain enhancing advantages.
7 Huperzine A
Huperzine A is extracted from Chinese club moss, which is a form of herb that belongs to the Huperziceae family. This has also been used in traditional Chinese medicines through the years, and has been considered as a remarkable nootropic that can significantly enhance cognitive abilities. This has proven positive effects on memory which are very noticeable to the point that this is currently being studied as a potential substance to help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Huperzine A works through boosting the available amount of neurotransmitter acetylcholine that can be used by the brain. Instead of stimulating its production, what it does is that it stops the rest of the substances from breaking down the present acetylcholine that circulates in the brain.
6 Cordyceps Sinensis
Cordyceps Sinensis or Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom is a naturally occurring nootropic with numerous brain health benefits. Through the centuries, it has been used as a brain-boosting tonic in China, India, and Tibet; its ability to provide better focus and mental energy has come to light in the west not too long ago.
5 Lion’s Mane Mushroom
The lion’s mane mushroom is another natural nootropic that has been part of traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. It is said that it serves as a form of general tonic for various health issues such as heart, stomach, liver, and kidney conditions. This can also significantly enhance memory as well as general cognitive abilities. The mechanism of action of the lion’s mane is different from other nootropics. Its main action of cognitive enhancement is the increase of Nerve Growth Factor or NGF in the brain.
4 Ginseng
The extract of ginseng root has been proven to help improve cognition and mood. This also offers benefits related to exercise performance and testosterone. Ginseng is also shown to acutely enhance cognition, thanks to its anti-fatigue properties, particularly among people who are already experiencing mental fatigue. In most studies, participants have reported improvement in happiness and subjective well-being, specifically for those who suffer from chronic diseases or depressive symptoms.
3 Rhodiola Rosea
The Rhodiola Rosea herb can be found in high altitudes in arctic regions of Asia and Northern Europe. Its properties for being a body and mind tonic made it popular in Asia, Scandinavia, and Russia. Rhodiola Rosea has been found to be effective when it comes to the treatment of mental exhaustion and fatigue, and it promotes cognitive functioning at the same time. It is a natural nootropic herb which works through inhibition of the enzymatic breakdown of the neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine. As a result, it can increase the concentration of neurotransmitters, lead to increased motivation, improved cognitive abilities, and mood stabilization.
2 Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a herb which grows abundantly in wet climates of India and North America. This can be easily recognized as a tiny white flower featuring five petals and is traditionally used as a form of Ayurvedic medicine. This supplement was renowned among ancient Indians for its cognitive enhancing properties, and they even used it for boosting their memory and treating epilepsy. Bacopa’s effects as a form of nootropic can be experienced best with long term and consistent usage. Studies also revealed that it could improve various factors related to memory such as concept retention, restoration, and memory formation.
1 Ginkgo Biloba
For thousands of years, gingko biloba has been one of the most integral parts of traditional Chinese medicine. Acquired from the Ginkgo tree, the herb is treated as a form of health tonic that can support mental clarity, enhance blood circulation, as well as boost libido. As a form of nootropic, ginkgo biloba can help support memory recall, and guarantee faster and clearer memory. It can destroy the free radicals impairing circulation, which allows an improved and increased blood circulation. Ginkgo can also work as a form of precursor for acetylcholine and serotonin. An increase in serotonin secretion can support mood and limit anxiety. Acetylcholine can boost focus, learning ability, and short term memory.
