Everything You Need to Know About Natural Nootropics

Nootropics (also known as ‘cognitive enhancers’, ‘smart drugs’ or ‘brain supplements’) and psychedelics share many things in common, however they are not as well known. A nootropic (pronounced ‘new-troh-pick’) is a substance that is thought to support one or more aspects of brain health and cognitive performance such as memory, focus, mood, mental energy, or willpower.  

Nootropics — Not New, But Maybe New To You?

Nootropics aren’t a ‘noo’ discovery (geddit?) Just like psychedelics, the use of nootropics is an ancient human practice. Sure, the word is not so old (coined in the 1960s) but humans have been using what we would now dub ‘nootropic ingredients’ for thousands of years. We have long had an understanding of the idiosyncratic powers of different plants, herbs, and minerals, derived from an innate understanding of nature, as well as millenia to simply try stuff out. Y’know, like rub this plant on your arm and see if your plague rash goes away etc… The wise woman of the medieval village with her carefully measured potions? Today we’d probably call them nootropics!

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. Some amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and herbal tonics also have significant research which shows the critical support they provide in brain health and mental capabilities. Additionally, nootropics are known to support more than 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? 

Well, just like psychedelics, (which are relatively fresh in the West despite a long history of human use) this knowledge did not necessarily transfer to mainstream education and culture. For nootropics, rather than being demonized like psychedelics, their marginalization came from their incompatibility with Western food culture. While the prioritization of convenience gave us microwave meals and frozen pizzas, these foods did not have much opportunity to be touched with obscure leaf and root extracts. The further removed we became from natural foods, the more likely we’d be to turn up our noses at something that might be (in our minds) too bitter, too squishy, too weird. Unfortunately, as you can see, this convenience came at the cost of potential health benefits and growth. 

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 psychedelics 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, and creates our sense of self and reality. 

How Nootropics Can Support Your Psychedelic Practice

At this point, nootropics and psychedelics logically reconnect. A psychedelic journey is transformative, magical, life-changing. However, by enhancing and prioritizing 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, smarter, more upbeat people?

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

Naturally Occuring Nootropics You Should Know

L-Theanine

L-theanine is a naturally occurring nootropic found most commonly in green tea. Numerous studies have shown L-theanine to boost attention performance, quicken reaction time, improve sleep, and promote relaxation. It has been tipped to be a therapeutic option for people who suffer from anxiety, and is said to have neuroprotective effects. 

Ginseng

One of the oldest and most popular adaptogenic herbs, ginseng 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

Also known as Brahmi, Bacopa Monnieri is a key herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Its extract is known to have anti-inflammatory and stress reducing properties, as well as supporting mental performance. It also contains adaptogens, which fight oxidative stress and free radicals which are linked to many diseases, from cancer to diabetes. 

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 is one of the oldest still-surviving tree species, and hence has long been a favored nootropic. It is said to have a positive effect on cognitive function, stress management, and anxiety. Additionally, studies have found that it may reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. It has also been said to improve blood flow thus reducing chances of stroke, and may even have a positive impact on eye-health. 

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.

Note: Please consult with your doctor before adding any of these supplements to your health routine as some may interfere with medications or not be suitable to those with certain health conditions.