Natural Nootropics: Best Smart Drugs To Give Yourself A Boost

In this article, we’ll discuss the best natural nootropics you can buy right now, and improve your focus and energy.

What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, are a class of supplementary substances that enhance the cognitive functioning and the capacity of the brain. They are often consumed by people who want to improve their brain’s performance.

These work in a wide range of ways to provide cognitive benefits across categories like memory, attention, focus, motivation, relaxation, mood, alertness, and stress management. Hence, they are also known as ‘brain boosters’.

How Do Nootropics Work?

These supplements are made to target to open up one or more, if not all, brain pathways, as listed below:

1. Brain Chemicals

The communication carried out between the neurons is facilitated by the neurotransmitters. They primarily regulate all cognitive and memory functions.

These drugs help in scaling up their production, sharpening the receptor sensitivity, and preventing brain chemical breakdowns.

2. Brain Energy

About 20% of the energy produced by the body is used up by the brain, making it the most demanding organ of the human body.

Nootropics can support the metabolism of this energy intake by positively affecting cell efficiency and the delivery of raw energy to the organ.

3. Brain Waves

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is responsible for sending brainwave frequencies throughout the body. These waves can be of many frequency ranges and are generally used to signal the different parts of the body.

By consuming nootropics, the individual enables the brain to raise specific frequencies and acquire the desired cognitive changes.

4. Brain Protection

Stress and anxiety can cause more radical damage to the brain than one might assume. The neuroprotective properties of nootropics aid the brain’s natural defenses against the related toxic compounds and conditions by going through numerous adaptive procedures.

5. Brain Regeneration

Neurogenesis is the process through which the brain produces and develops neurons, usually for brain cell repair, maintenance, and durability.

There are only a few external compounds that may benefit this function, and many of them are nootropic in nature. They help in supplying raw nutritional substances for building the base, and also by signaling the growth factor synthesis of the same.

Best Natural Nootropics

Nootropic substances that are primarily derived from plants and other herbs are known as natural nootropics. There is a wide variety of compounds that are produced in nature, and they can be in the form of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other components that influence brain activity for the greater good.

These all play a role in nourishing the brain in one way or another. Below are a few of the best naturally-extracted nootropics:

1. Gingko Biloba

An antioxidant-rich herb, Gingko Biloba has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is one of the oldest living tree species in the world and has been consumed as tonics, energy supplements, and as a treatment for ailments like asthma amongst numerous other infections.

Supplements of the plant are made either from its leaves or from the seeds. As a nootropic, it can increase the blood flow to the brain. It makes the blood less ‘sticky’ so that it is not prone to clumping and the formation of blood clots. Additionally, it dilates the blood vessels—this further aids in boosting memory, relieving anxiety, elevating mood, and improving learning capabilities.

Another use of Gingko Biloba is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance. In this role, it keeps the brain safe from cell injury and slows down the aging effects. Because of this, it has been administered for the management of Alzheimer’s and other memory-related disorders.

2. Panax Ginseng

It is a slow-growing and small plant with fleshy roots. The species of Ginseng which grows in Asian countries is known as Panax Ginseng and has tons of benefits. There are American counterparts of this plant too, but they do not have the same benefits as the former.

Often used as an ingredient in traditional Chinese and Korean cooking, it is also available as oils and supplement pills. Asian Ginseng is used for a variety of ailments, including cognitive dysfunction.

The intake of the herb in the early years of life would possibly improve cognitive function in the later years.

It is popularly known for enhancing memory in healthy adults, by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain through its acids Panaxadiol and Panaxatriol. Ginseng has also been notable in the nursing of Alzheimer’s.

3. Bacopa Monnieri

Native to India, South Asia, and the southern region of the USA, Bacopa Monnieri is a perennial creeping herb, with its roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It has a wide range of health benefits but is better known for its effectiveness as a natural nootropic.

The herb has the ability to stimulate nerve cells and create synapses that are more responsive to impulses, by promoting the growth of the dendrite cells. It can positively affect the brain’s hippocampus, which is central to all the cognitive functions of the brain.

These outcomes of the herb improve neuronal communication, which gives a boost to cognition abilities, memory retention, and learning. It has also been prescribed to individuals diagnosed with high levels of anxiety and depression because of its sedative-like relaxation effects.

4. Rhodiola Rosea

An herb which is otherwise known as the ‘golden root’, it is native to the colder regions of Europe and Asia. Rhodiola Rosea has been long used as a natural tonic to promote good health, strength, endurance, along physical and mental well-being.

This natural nootropic prevents the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin. Their concentration levels are increased, which results in stabilizing mood, increasing motivation, and reducing mental exhaustion.

The supplement is also used to medicate disorders like depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and ADHD.

Also Read: Best Nootropics For ADHD And Their Benefits

5. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is a white, globe-like mushroom that has been used in cooking, as well as an alternative medicine to treat neurogenerative diseases.

The fungi are best known for their nootropic qualities, which include cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective benefits. It has proven to increase the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), one of the proteins responsible for the growth of nerve cells.

The rise in the levels of NGF also prevents inflammation and encourages the growth of neurons, while uplifting overall brain health.

6. L- Theanine

It is an amino acid commonly prevalent in tea leaves and some mushrooms. It is similar to glutamate, another amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. However, it has seen to enhance the positive attributes of glutamate while canceling out the negative ones.

Because of this, it promotes the decrease of stress and relaxes the brain without making the person feel drowsy and tired. A combination and caffeine and L-theanine can help with cognitive functioning and increasing focus. Individuals are generally rewarded with the ability to work for prolonged durations.

There are over-the-counter supplements available for this compound too, but it is recommended to consume natural nootropics, preferably green tea or matcha.

Conclusion

Natural nootropics may be the go-to solution for fast-paced individuals to boost their mental strength. Yet, it is crucial to administer only limited dosages, preferably with the advice of a doctor.