What are Nootropics? 5 Herbs to Boost Your Cognitive Health

What are nootropics I can take?

1. Bacopa Monnieri
2. Rosemary
3. Gingko
4. Gotu Kola
5. Lemon Balm

Everyone hopes to stay strong and healthy, even when they get older. This is especially true for brain health — many want to stay mentally active and keep sharp, and do several things to maintain brain health. However, how our brains age is not completely under control. Various factors, such as lifestyle and genetics, can cause brain decline as early as our mid 20’s.

Luckily, there is something you can take to boost your brain health — nootropics. But what are nootropics, and how do they help your mental performance? Read on to learn how this substance can strengthen and nurture your mind.

What are Nootropics?

A nootropic is a “cognitive enhancer.” Also known as “smart drugs” or “brain boosters”, they are substances — both natural and synthetic — that can improve memory, enhance their learning ability, and increase mental alertness.

They’re known to boost one’s intelligence, creativity, focus, and motivation. Some nootropics can even help you feel less stressed even in demanding mental situations. As such, many people use nootropics in an attempt to improve their brain health over time.

How Do Nootropics Work?

Studies suggest that nootropics can enhance your brain’s functions and abilities by acting on a variety of body systems simultaneously. While the specific mechanisms that individual nootropics use to achieve this effect differ from one to the next, all nootropics seem to work by affecting chemicals and blood flow in the brain. These two functions affect how important pathways in memory, attention, and concentration are signaled or triggered.

Does Taking Nootropics Have Benefits?

Depending on the type of nootropic, dosage, and how often you take them, they can influence your brain health in different ways. Studies currently support the following findings:

• A 2000 study found that nootropics allow more glucose and oxygen to reach different brain regions, which improves mental alertness and energy.
• A 2007 study found that they widen the blood vessels in the brain, which enhances overall brain function.
• A 2012 study concluded that nootropics can decrease inflammation in brain cells, which prevents the early aging of the brain.

While some artificial supplements and drugs offer the benefits of taking nootropics, we recommend sticking with organic and natural options. These are easier to add to your diet and offer additional health benefits on top of enhancing brain function. Here are five nootropic herbs you can try today:

Bacopa Monnieri

Also known as “brahmi” and “water hyssop,” bacopa monnieri is a fundamental herb in traditional medicines. They are a popular and natural nootropic known for their powerful effects on mental performance. They’re rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which are scientifically proven to stimulate pathways in the brain. This can boost your memory and learning skills, and protect your brain’s health as you age.

Bacopa monnieri is also an adaptogen on top of being a nootropic, which creates a two-pronged effect on our brain’s functions. To support better mental function, bacopa monnieri helps our body to adjust to stressors more effectively — which is proven by many studies to help in learning and memory.

In short, bacopa monnieri is a great nootropic herb for those who want to improve brain function and retain mental clarity even under stress and aging. They are best enjoyed as an organic tea — like our bacopa monnieri tea — which you can drink daily with no health issues or risks.

Rosemary

Rosemary, aside from being a popular culinary ingredient, is also a wonderful herb for your brain. They’re packed with terpenes and phenolic acids, which act as antioxidants and nutrients for your brain cells. They support brain cognition, which gives up that focused and alert feeling.

Rosemary can be enjoyed as an essential oil — which can be diffused in your room — or added into oil, vinegar, and other seasonings in your food. Rosemary can also be used as an additional ingredient in teas and supplements.

Gingko

Also known as “ginkgo biloba,” ginkgo is another popular nootropic you can take. They contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which help protect your brain from inflammation, stress, and age-related degeneration.

They also help your blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and improving energy and concentration. Ginkgo is available in many forms, but it is recommended to take extracts of ginkgo in liquid extracts or capsules. Though potent, it will take some time and consistent doses to get the health benefits of ginkgo.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is another nootropic that has been used in traditional medicine practices. It is considered one of the rejuvenating herbs that are important for restoring vitality and memory. It can enhance brain and nerve function, which gives it the potential in reducing the risk of certain cognitive diseases, like Alzheimer’s. Gotu Kola may also be able to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety through its effect on brain function.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a nootropic herb that supports our brain and nervous system. It has a calming effect on mood, and can help increase cognitive speed. As a result, it supports learning and recall ability while also keeping you less stressed. Lemon balm can be found in many different products — such as herbal syrups, supplements, and can even be taken fresh in your drinks or food.

Key Takeaway

Those interested in improving brain health should know what nootropics are — they’re powerful herbs that can be used to support brain functions, ward off age-related diseases, and improve mental capacity. Nootropic herbs are a great, natural way to stay sharp and mentally healthy even in old age.