Why You Should Discover The Brain-Boosting Power of Natural Nootropics

Nootropics (also known as ‘cognitive enhancers’, ‘smart drugs’ or ‘brain supplements’) are a class of substances that are thought to support one or more aspects of brain health and cognitive performance such as memory, focus, mood, mental energy, or willpower. In this way, natural nootropics have quite a few things in common with your magic truffle microdose — however they are perhaps less talked about outside of the wellness world.

Why You Should Discover The Brain-Boosting Power of Natural Nootropics

Natural nootropics are far from a modern invention. Much like plant-based psychedelics, the use of these cognitive enhancers has been a part of human history for centuries. While the term "nootropics" itself is relatively new—coined in the 1960s—the concept of using natural substances to boost brainpower and well-being dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations had an intuitive grasp of the healing properties found in plants, herbs, and minerals, honed through generations of experimentation and observation. Imagine our ancestors testing remedies by applying a plant to their skin to see if it cured a rash or eased an ailment. Those medieval village healers, with their meticulously crafted potions? In today’s world, we’d likely classify their concoctions as nootropics! This timeless connection between nature and human wellness continues to inspire modern-day exploration of these powerful, natural brain boosters.

For example, there is a plant called the Celastrus paniculatus which grows in the Himalayan highlands, which is known locally as “intellect plant”. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance mental clarity for centuries — and it is not the only one — numerous other nootropics have extensive histories of use in traditional Chinese and traditional European medicine.

Natural Nootropics Come From Many Sources

Some nootropics derive from leaf extracts, such as ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha. Others are from roots, such as rhodiola root extract. Research into various amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and herbal tonics has shown the critical support they provide in brain health and mental capabilities. Additionally, nootropics are known to induce more than just short term effects such as focus, mood, clarity and memory — many also support brain health in the long-term too.

Why then, are nootropics only just being re-discovered by mainstream Western culture?

Much like psychedelics—which, despite their ancient roots, only recently gained attention in the West—the wisdom surrounding natural nootropics never fully integrated into mainstream education or culture. However, while psychedelics faced outright demonization, nootropics experienced a different kind of neglect. Their marginalization stemmed, in part, from their clash with Western food culture. As convenience became king, giving rise to microwave meals and frozen pizzas, there was little room for the inclusion of obscure leaf and root extracts. The more we drifted away from whole, natural foods, the more we developed a distaste for anything that seemed too bitter, too strange, or too unfamiliar. Sadly, this shift toward convenience may have come at the expense of potential health benefits and personal growth, leaving us disconnected from the very natural remedies that could enhance our well-being.

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Rise of the Biohacker

However, interest in nootropics began to grow again in the 2010s, a comeback mirroring that of psychedelics. A growing understanding that brain health and mental performance are not static, unchangeable capabilities, meant that ‘biohacking’ became a popular phenomenon. With that came an interest in more ‘fringe’ wellness and health practices, from microdosing psilocybin to intermittent fasting. Nootropics took pride of place in this trend due to their ability to enhance mood, energy, and focus, thus improving personal achievement, relationships, job performance and cognitive function.

When you think about it, it’s pretty shocking it’s taken this long for us to actually think of our brains. We take iron and vitamin C tablets for our health, and drink protein shakes to build muscle, chew supplements to make our hair shiny — and yet our brain health has long been left out in the cold. Did you know that despite being just 5% of our entire body weight, the brain uses 20% of our metabolic energy? Yep, thinking burns calories! And no wonder — our brain informs almost all the work our bodies do — as well as creating our sense of self and reality.

How Nootropics Can Support Your Psychedelic Practice

At this point, nootropics and psychedelics logically reconnect. Microdosing can enhance our cognitive abilities and mood, improving our lives day-to-day. When we enhance and prioritize our neurological health through the use of nootropics we can push these experiences and mechanisms to an even higher level.

Of course, how you combine these elements is up to you, but the possibility of increasing your potential for enlightenment, growth, and knowledge would be an appealing prospect to anyone. It is also an appealing prospect for society in general — who doesn’t want to live in a world populated by kinder, happier, more upbeat people?

So, what are some of the most popular natural nootropics?

Naturally Occuring Nootropics You Should Know

L-Theanine

L-theanine, a natural nootropic found in green tea, is known for its impressive benefits. Studies show it boosts focus, sharpens reaction times, improves sleep, and promotes relaxation. It’s even considered a potential aid for anxiety and offers neuroprotective effects, making it a powerful, natural support for both mental clarity and long-term brain health.

Ginseng

One of the oldest and most popular adaptogenic herbs, ginseng use originates in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a green-leafed root with a bitter taste. The two most popular varieties are Asian (Panax ginseng) and American (Panax quinquefolius), both of which are popular for their immune boosting properties. Ginseng can also increase concentration, and encourage healthy blood sugar levels, as well as having the potential to help with blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and menopause.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri, also called Brahmi, is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. This powerful herb is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties, along with its ability to enhance mental performance. Packed with adaptogens, Bacopa Monnieri helps combat oxidative stress and free radicals, which are linked to various diseases, including cancer and diabetes. A true multitasker, it’s a natural ally for both mind and body.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane is a darling of the medicinal mushroom boom. It is shaggy and white and can be consumed cooked, raw, dried, or in a tea. Known to improve brain function, it may also be a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disease. Mycology extraordinaire Paul Stamets includes Lion’s Mane in his signature Stamets Stack, which alongside Lion’s Mane includes a psilocybin microdose and niacin.

Rhodiola Rosea

Also known as rosenroot, golden root, or arctic root, rhodiola rosea herb that grows in cold mountain climates. It contains over 140 active ingredients and has both anti-fatigue and antidepressive effects and is often used to treat anxiety in Scandinavia and Russia. A study which aimed to measure its antidepressant effects compared rhodiola to the antidepressant medication Zoloft (with the active ingredient sertraline). Results found that, while the chemical drug had a greater effect on reducing overall symptoms of depression, rhodiola rosea had less side effects and was thus easier to tolerate.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest living tree species, has been a trusted nootropic for centuries. Known to support cognitive function, manage stress, and ease anxiety, it’s a versatile brain booster. Research suggests it may also help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Beyond the brain, Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow, potentially lowering stroke risk, and may even benefit eye health. A true natural powerhouse!

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. A popular nootropic, it’s known for its stress-reducing properties. As a nootropic, Ashwagandha primarily works by reducing cortisol levels, which helps alleviate stress and anxiety. This stress reduction can improve focus, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Additionally, it may promote neuroprotection by reducing oxidative stress in the brain, further supporting mental clarity and resilience.