Overview
If you’re looking for a nutritional supplement to boost your brain function—whether it’s for short-term memory, focus, creativity, mood, or motivation—consider a nootropic. The term nootropic comes from the Greek words “nóos” (mind) and “tropé” (turning). Natural nootropics can help older adults stay sharp, assist students in improving their memory for exams, or give busy workers a creativity boost.
Good mental health is more than just the absence of illness. It involves having a positive mood, enough energy, and mental clarity to make the most out of life. However, daily pressures and environmental toxins can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog, even if you follow a good diet and exercise routine. Supplements can add specific health-boosting nutrients to your diet, helping you optimize your health.
What Are Nootropics?
If you drink coffee or tea to start your day, you’re already using a nootropic. Nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers, brain boosters, or “smart drugs,” are compounds that affect your central nervous system. They enhance one or more aspects of your mental state, targeting “executive function,” which includes attention, learning, memory, alertness, and motivation.
Nootropics work in various ways. Some influence neurotransmitters, while others increase blood flow, oxygen, and nutrient levels in the brain. Some protect against toxins and free radicals, and others promote the growth of new neurons and brain cell connections, helping you adapt to change.
While food provides your body with nutrients like vitamins and minerals, most modern diets lack variety. Unlike our ancestors who consumed a diverse range of plants, herbs, roots, and berries, modern diets are often limited to meat, wheat, corn, soy, and processed foods. Adding nutritional supplements can broaden the variety of nutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial phytochemicals you consume, improving brain function and overall health.
Natural vs. Synthetic Nootropic Supplements
Nootropic compounds can be natural or synthetic (human-engineered). People have used natural nootropics since ancient times. These substances can grow in the wild or be cultivated as crops and are available in foods and dietary supplements in capsule, liquid, or powder form.
Herbs, plants, amino acids, and minerals all have nootropic uses. While natural nootropics may not act as dramatically as synthetic ones, synthetic nootropics often come with numerous side effects. Natural products, on the other hand, offer more overall health benefits because they are typically high in antioxidants and support the brain’s response to inflammation. Regular use of natural nootropics can lead to noticeable effects and are generally safe when used as directed.
Top Natural Nootropic Supplements
Natural nootropics include herbs, minerals, and other nutraceuticals. Here are some of the most effective and time-honored nootropics you can find:
Caffeine
Caffeine is the world’s most consumed nootropic. It’s found naturally in coffee, tea, cacao beans, and cola nuts. As a stimulant, it can reduce fatigue, enhance alertness, energy, and concentration, and promote a positive mood. However, its stimulant effects can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people. Caffeine works by blocking brain receptors for adenosine, a chemical that causes sleepiness, and by increasing the “feel good” neurotransmitter dopamine.
Ashwagandha
Also known as winter cherry, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body and mind manage stress better and may ease occasional anxiety. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha roots and berries are known for promoting normal levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri, or brahmi, is another herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It enhances memory and reaction time and may help with learning and information processing. Bacopa contains bacosides, antioxidants that protect your brain from free-radical damage and boost signals in the parts of the brain that process memories.
Ginkgo biloba
The leaves of the ginkgo tree are popular in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo biloba may enhance brain function by improving memory and information processing. It is also an antioxidant that improves blood flow to the brain and promotes normal stress hormone levels.
Mucuna pruriens
Commonly known as velvet bean, Mucuna pruriens is used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine as a brain stimulant and adaptogen that counteracts stress. It contains L-dopa, a precursor to several neurotransmitters that affect mood and cognition, and strong antioxidants that counteract oxidative damage in the brain.
Rhodiola rosea
This flowering shrub is an adaptogen that boosts mood and reduces fatigue. Rhodiola rosea contains salidroside, an antioxidant, and rosin, which promotes a normal response to inflammation, supporting brain health, reducing fatigue, and improving mood.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in black and green tea and moringa leaves. It helps regulate hormones and neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. L-theanine also increases alpha waves in the brain, associated with deep relaxation and creativity. Its effects can be enhanced when taken with caffeine.
BioPQQ
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a naturally occurring compound in your body that boosts brain nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting brain health, memory, alertness, and focus. BioPQQ is the most-studied PQQ supplement available and has an excellent safety record.
CoQ10
Taking BioPQQ with CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10), a molecule that helps create your cell’s mitochondrial energy, provides one of the most effective nootropics available. CoQ10 & BioPQQ with Shilajit is a synergistic blend that offers advanced antioxidant support while boosting heart and brain health.
Minerals
Your brain also needs certain minerals to operate at its best. Here are some essential “brain minerals”:
Lithium Orotate
Lithium is an essential trace mineral linked to new brain cell growth. Lithium orotate, a molecule comprised of lithium bound to orotic acid, is extremely safe and can calm daily stress and promote peace and calm.
Calcium
Calcium ions help the nervous system transmit messages and play a role in storing and retrieving memories. Calcium regulates neurotransmitter levels and affects neuron excitability. It is found in beans, leafy greens like kale, and dietary supplements.
Magnesium
Magnesium partners with calcium in nerve cell excitability and message transmission. It plays a crucial role in brain and nervous system function. Raising magnesium levels can improve brain function, including focus, memory, mood, and energy, and can also improve sleep and relax tight muscles.
Zinc
Zinc protects the brain, supporting normal brain function and a positive mood. Many people are low in zinc, and taking a supplement or getting more in your diet can support healthy brain function, better mood, and overall cognitive performance. Zinc is abundant in pumpkin seeds, greens, grains, and beans.
Which Supplement Is Right for You?
When choosing a nootropic, consider the type of effect you’re seeking—stimulating or relaxing? Do you want to improve your memory or gain energy? Whichever you’re thinking of taking, it’s recommended to purchase only natural, organic supplements from a trusted brand.
Everyone responds differently to nutritional supplements, and they are not all the same strength. Start with a low amount and consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, have a serious health condition, or are taking medications.
Another option is to take a single nootropic supplement with a blend of natural ingredients. Global Healing’s Stress Relief contains vitality-boosting Bacopa monnieri, Mucuna pruriens, Rhodiola rosea, St. John’s wort, and other plant compounds that support mental health and healthy cognition, as well as lithium orotate.
Points to Remember
Nootropics, or cognitive enhancers, are compounds that affect your central nervous system and may improve your mental state and overall functioning. They can be synthetic or natural, but natural nootropics are safer and often offer additional nutritional benefits. Their effects range from increased alertness and reaction time to better memory and reduced daily stress.
Some of the most effective and popular natural nootropic herbs include ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri (brahmi), Mucuna pruriens, caffeine, Ginkgo biloba, L-theanine, and Rhodiola rosea. Minerals with nootropic effects include lithium (especially lithium orotate), calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
The best way to choose a natural nootropic is to decide the effect you’re seeking and then take the lowest effective dose.
