Nootropics: Cognitive Herbs That Supercharge Focus

We live in an interesting time. On one hand, we have longer to-do lists than ever and our society values productivity above nearly everything else. Yet, the amount of potential distractions that surround us continues to grow and grow, drastically reducing our attention spans and constantly tempting us to start a new task. Quite frankly, it’s exhausting. And, for many of us, chugging a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th cup of coffee in hopes of banging out a focused work session is a surefire way to feel anxious and even more overwhelmed.

While no herbs are true magic bullets at improving cognition and mental performance, nootropic herbs come pretty close. Except instead of magic, it’s really the science of compounds that act as potent brain antioxidants and provide neurotransmitter support for a sense of zero-ed in focus. It’s important to note here that nootropics can be anything that improves brain health (minerals, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, etc), but today we’re going to focus on herbs.

WHAT ARE NOOTROPICS?

Nootropic herbs are a unique group that help to bring blood flow to the brain, and help to drain excess fluids that can keep us feeling foggy. While there are some nootropic herbs that have more of a bitter taste to them (which is part of that ‘clearing and draining’ action that can reduce the boggy ‘dampness’ in the mind), others are more aromatic, stimulating circulation and helping us get more blood flow up to the brain. As one of our favorite podcasts guests Dr. Amen says, minding your blood flow is one of the best ways to support and protect against cognitive decline, low motivation and low mood. He also says that his patients who take Ginkgo have some of the “prettiest brains” he’s seen on his SPECT scans – one of the nootropics we’ll be discussing today!

Many nootropics are actually multifaceted and overlap with other herb classes we’ve discussed on the blog. Bacopa, for example, helps to support blood flow, focus, and memory, while also reducing stress and acting as a nervine that calms and centers the nervous system. Rosemary, another excellent nootropic that specifically serves our memory and retention, also acts as a ‘damp-draining’ aromatic that clears the mind so that we can gain more perspective for our lives and make healthier decisions. Other nootropics double as digestive bitters, aiding digestion so that poor breakdown of food does not affect our mental state and clarity. 

Overall, nootropics support our mental performance and cognitive fitness. They are most ideal when taken over several months to deeply nourish the brain and nervous system. However, they can also be used as an in-the-moment tool, especially when utilizing a formula that focuses heavily on those moving aromatics that give you a circulation boost you can truly feel.

OUR FAVORITE NOOTROPICS

Ginkgo – This ancient, aesthetic tree species has endured multiple extinctions and continues to thrive in many different conditions – a sweet sentiment when it comes to brain health and nootropics. Some say that a few Ginkgo trees found in China are over 2,500 years old. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this wise plant is a powerful brain ally, rich in protective flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. As a vascular tonic, Ginkgo supports healthy blood flow and circulation, and is slightly bitter which helps to cool an ‘overheated’ mind. Gingko supports cerebrovascular health and helps to improve memory and concentration. While this herb supports us almost immediately in-the-moment, it’s best when taken as a tonic over time to gradually and consistently support focus and brain health. Especially because Ginkgo regulates neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow your neurons to communicate with one another throughout your body. And, neurotransmitters, like dopamine, often take a while to be restored or regulated.

Gotu Kola – Gotu Kola has a LONG history of use in Ayurveda, and is considered to be a rejuvenating tonic for vitality and memory. Like Ginkgo, Gotu Kola also supports vascular health and can be used internally or topically to heal or support healthy and lustrous hair, skin and nails. Interestingly, both of these uses are reflected in the way animals interact with this restorative, regenerating plant! Promising research suggests that Gotu Kola can actually encourage dendritic arborization – the process by which neurons develop new dendritic trees and branches to form synapses in your brain (1). Clinical trials have shown that Gotu Kola, both in extract and dried form, improved cognitive function for healthy middle aged and elderly folks as well as elderly populations with mild levels of cognitive impairment (2). And, finally, various research endeavors report that Gotu Kola may have an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect and improve sleep disorders, like insomnia (3). Overall, it is clear that this revered herb has a profound ability to improve a diverse range of brain functions, from mood to memory. Gotu Kola can be consumed as a tincture, powder or capsule, and can also be found in our Focus Juice blend.

Rhodiola – Rhodiola is such a fabulous nootropic because of the fact that it doubles as an adaptogen. My teachers have described her as this spunky, warming, spicy best friend that always gives it to you straight and helps you get off the couch when you’re in a funk. Rhodiola  is known for supporting alertness, energy, memory and mood, while also aiding cognition and concentration. Reach for Rhodiola if mood health is a major goal of yours alongside brain health, as this plant is well known for supporting the neurotransmitters that matter most for our happiness and motivation. Because this adaptogen shines when taken over time, you can find her in our Adrenal Recovery capsules. This formula doesn’t give you an instant boost, but over time, you may find yourself naturally waking up earlier without much of a fight, feeling clearer, and becoming more in touch with a healthy circadian rhythm.

Lion’s Mane – This iconic-looking mushroom is used heavily in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an overall tonic for the five internal organs. Yet a recent body of research has emerged over the past few years pointing to its tremendous brain-boosting potential. One clinical trial found that supplementing with Lion’s mane could stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which in turn promotes brain cell growth and, therefore, overall brain health (4). The participants of the study who reported mild cognitive impairment noted improvements in their cognitive function after taking Lion’s Mane for a 4 month period (5). 

Turmeric – As an essential part of traditional Indian cooking, this pungent spice may be responsible for elderly populations in India having the lowest rate of neurodegenerative disease in the world. That is likely due to curcumin – a compound that is well studied for its impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These benefits extend to brain health as well, helping to reduce inflammation in the brain and combat oxidative damage which may contribute to memory improvements. A 2018 study performed at UCLA gave participants with memory problems a curcumin supplement twice a day for 18 months and found that their memory and attention improved significantly when compared to the placebo group (6).

Our Go-To Formula for a Brain Boost

When you’re in the throes of work, school, personal projects or whatever it may be, sometimes the only way out is through. We created Focus Juice to help you zone in on the task at hand and bang it out. This formula contains a diverse blend of nootropics including Ginkgo, Gotu Kola and Rosemary for cognition and a touch of Chinese Ginseng for an added energy boost. In other words, it’s a spunky tincture that really gets your brain firing for a day at your computer or a workout session.