Nootropics can be of assistance to all walks of life. Whether you are a professional striving for a promotion, a stay-at-home parent, a student trying to ace an exam or an adult concerned about dementia, the idea of taking brain-boosting supplements may sound pretty appealing.
In this article, we will be looking at different nootropics, their functions and any potential risks and those who may specifically benefit from said supplements. Before we look at those, let’s go over what nootropics are in the first place.
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are brain supplements that are known to increase cognitive function in the brain. Enhancing cognition allows us to gain greater focus, memory, creativity, mood regulation, motivation and improve general brain health. Essentially, they are brain health supplements.
The term ‘‘nootropics’’ refers to any natural or synthetic substance that may result in a positive impact on mental skills. These substances show to work best in healthy individuals and can have a strong effect on those of an older age.
The nice thing about nootropics is that there seems to be a supplement for everyone and every situation. Been feeling stressed out lately? Nootropics! Been battling brain fog in the mornings? Nootropics! In the middle of a creative drought? Nootropics!
The name nootropics is just a blanket term for an entire world of brain-boosting supplements. While many are synthetic, many naturally occurring nootropics are available as well.Below, we will be focusing on naturally occurring nootropics and I will share the top 3 natural nootropics with you!
Top 3 natural nootropics for your supplement stack
Below I include a short breakdown of the top 3 natural nootropics you need in your life!
1. Lions Mane Mushroom
This one is clearly natural as it has the word ‘mushroom’ in its name! This is a naturally occurring (you guessed it) mushroom that is often sold as extracts and taken in capsule form.
While you can grow your own lions mane mushroom, most individuals take the easier route and consume the mushroom’s extracts. This is quickly becoming the world’s most well-known medicinal mushroom.
Once known as ‘Mountain Priest’’, lions mane mushroom has been a strong part of Asian culture, playing its role in Traditional Chinese Medicine long before it made its way to the west. Historically, it was reserved for royalty.
Back then, it was deeply cherished for its cognitive boosting power by Buddhist monks. In more recent dates, we use it as a non-stimulating natural way to boost focus, concentration and energy.
It doesn’t offer a kick like caffeine, however, it could assist as a more sustainable focus method that takes less of a toll on the brain.
A few recent studies have displayed promising results for treating dementia patients due to its undeniable neural-protective properties. This mushroom is also an adaptogen, meaning it works with the natural pathways of the body and adapts to our physical state giving us what we need.
Whether you are in need of a stress reliever or more energy, this mushroom will adapt to your current state and do its magic. This is an all-around great supplement to have on hand for both physical and mental wellness.
Risks: Do not take lions mane mushroom if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is a lack of research on how it affects pregnancies and infants. Additionally, if you have bleeding conditions, lions mane mushroom may increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in individuals with such conditions. Avoid around the time of surgeries, as well.
2. Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera, more commonly known as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is a naturally occurring evergreen shrub. This plant belongs to the Solanaceae or Nightshade family which grows in India, the Middle East and specific parts of Africa.
Several species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. Humans have been using this medicinal plant for centuries.
Ashwagandha’s history can be traced back to around 6,000 BCE, where we can find mention in the Ayurveda; India’s well-known Ancient Tradition of Medicine that we still apply to this date.
This nootropic is considered to be a very powerful herb used with the motive to rejuvenate the system and lengthen ones lifespan. Thanks to the interest the west has been showing in Ashwagandha, we also have a few clinical studies that have displayed the exact benefits that the Ayurveda documented. No surprise there!
Ashwagandha offers an array of helpful health benefits. Some include but are not limited to; improved blood sugar, mood, memory, inflammation, muscle strength and even fertility.
Additionally, it has successfully assisted countless individuals around the globe to manage their anxiety symptoms. It promotes relaxation in the central nervous system (CNS), relieving stress, promoting quality sleep.
In some cases, this herb has also worked as an effective treatment for minimizing symptoms of mild depression due to its mood-boosting abilities! If you require some extra help to manage your mental and physical well-being, this may be your new favourite nootropic!
Risks: Do not take ashwagandha if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is a lack of research on how it affects pregnancies and infants. Additionally, very large doses can cause diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting. To avoid this, stick to the recommended 200-500mcg a day. Ashwagandha may also interfere with thyroid tests so speak with your doctor before supplementing ashwagandha!
3. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba or maidenhair tree, more commonly known as ginkgo or ginkgo, is a species of tree that is native to China. However, this is not your ‘ordinary’ tree… It has an extremely fascinating history and, well, the oldest history of any tree ever! And no, I am not over-exaggerating that statement.
Ginkgo biloba is the sole survivor of an ancient group of trees that date back to before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Moreso, ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest of all species in the world.
This particular species of tree is believed to be over 245 million years old! It is so ancient that this species is known as a ‘living fossil’. Aside from its impressive durability regarding its family tree (pun intended), it also has a lot of other impressive qualities.
This tree contains powerful antioxidants and can help with improving circulation, heart health, brain function and even vision/eye health!
It is also a powerful agent for fighting inflammation, which can offer an array of positive improvements in the physical body. Mentally, it also has many benefits. It can help in combating symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Overall, it is a great nootropics for mental well-being and physical health. Extracts of ginkgo biloba are handed out as a standard practice in Chinese hospitals to treat various mental disorders, such as dementia and psychiatric disorders. They do not use this nootropic as a single treatment.
In China, they use it alongside an array of other methods as they believe in the power of a collective approach when carrying out their health treatments and practices.
Risks: Do not take ginkgo biloba if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is a lack of research on how it affects pregnancies and infants. In larger doses, it can cause minor side effects like upset stomach, dizziness and headache. To avoid this possibility, stick to the recommended dose of 120-240mg a day. Additionally, some concerns have recently arisen with ginkgo and bleeding disorders. That being said, make sure that you speak with your doctor before introducing ginkgo into your routine.
Final thoughts
Nootropics are not only used to benefit the brain but also the body, in many cases. Your physical and mental well-being go hand-in-hand. If one of the two is suffering, the other will inevitably be negatively affected.
Making sure you are listening to your mind and body and using a collective approach (eg, taking nootropics and staying active) as it will help you gain more successful results.
Help your brain and body perform better so they can carry out your daily tasks more ‘effortlessly’, making your life just a tab bit ‘easier’. For many of us, we will take all the help we can get!
Taking nootropics is a form of self-care and acts as metaphorical hygiene for the mind and body. Thank you, nature!
