Nootropics are substances that may enhance learning, memory, and cognitive functions. Some are organic and some are synthetic, and their effects may be highly individualistic. This article examines five popular organic nootropics and describes their effects.

 

Ginseng

Ginseng has been used for thousands of years by different cultures around the world. It appears as an ingredient in many cuisines and is used in Chinese traditional medicine. Users enjoy its sharp taste and benefits like increased energy and alertness. Other benefits may include improved memory, mood, and protection from certain neurodegenerative diseases.

 

There are several different kinds of ginseng, including American, Chinese, and Korean. What makes them ginseng, and what makes them useful from a nootropic standpoint, is the presence of ginsenosides and gintonin in their roots, which is the part that is harvested. These chemicals are the active components of ginseng, and they work in different ways to support the brain and cognitive functions.

 

Ginsenosides may boost neurotransmitter levels, including acetylcholine, which the brain uses to communicate with vital processes in the body. Gintonin may protect the brain against inflammation. Both substances may work as neuroprotective agents.

 

You can buy raw ginseng in many grocery stores and markets, or online. It is also available in teas, powders, and liquid forms.

 

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms, or Hericium erinaceus, have been used for generations in Asia as an ingredient in traditional medicine. They are rich in pantothenic acid, niacin, and folate, and can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian cuisines. Lion’s Mane may enhance cognitive functions and aid with memory and learning. It contains compounds that support the production of NGF, or nerve growth factor, that the body needs for repairing nerve cells. Lion’s Mane may help treat symptoms of some neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, and studies indicate Lion’s Mane may have a role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

 

Lion’s Mane can be cultivated at home by anyone skilled at growing mushrooms. Most nootropic users find capsules or powders more convenient. You can also find Lion’s Mane extract and products that contain Lion’s Mane at stores that sell botanicals and health supplements and online.

 

Kratom

Kratom is a botanical that is sourced from Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree native to rainforests in Southeast Asia. It has been used for generations in traditional medicine of Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asian cultures and has many properties that make it attractive as a nootropic.

 

Kratom contains alkaloids that may influence regions of the brain that are in charge of feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and pain. It may also provide energy without caffeine and increase attention span, which can aid with focus and concentration during lengthy tasks. These qualities make kratom useful for anyone who needs to stay alert for long periods or concentrate on lengthy and complex material.

 

Research shows kratom may stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin. These substances work in the brain in different ways, helping with learning, enhancing memory, and boosting mood. These qualities support learning and cognitive functions and may relax and energize the user.

 

You can buy kratom online or in stores that carry natural supplements or botanicals. You can buy kratom in many forms, including tinctures, powders, and capsules.

 

CBD

Cannabidiol is an organic nootropic derived from hemp and cannabis that many people overlook. It is related to THC but has no psychoactive effects.

CBD may work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and stimulating it to produce more natural endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids interact with receptors in the central nervous system that pass information about the status of biological systems and processes in the body to the brain. This flow of information may help the body maintain a balance between these systems and may improve brain functions, especially for individuals who suffer from cognitive decline.

 

Nootropic benefits of CBD may include a reduction of cortisol levels, leading to decreased feelings of anxiety. CBD may make it easier to concentrate and commit information to memory and may help ease feelings of stress.

 

CBD can be found in many different products as a synthetic or organic compound, and some forms may include terpenes for an enhanced effect. You can buy CBD online, in stores that sell botanicals, nutritional supplements, and herbs, or in dispensaries.

 

Black Cumin Or Black Seed Oil

Black Cumin, Nigella sativa, has a long history as an ingredient in traditional medicine and cooking in the Middle East and Asia. The essential oil, Black Seed Oil, contains many chemical compounds.

 

Black Seed Oil contains nigellone, thymol, thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and dozens of other phytochemicals. It is a source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins E and B. These bioactive compounds give Black Seed Oil beneficial anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, and may offer protection from cardiovascular diseases.

 

As a natural and organic nootropic, Black Seed Oil may act as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, an enzyme produced by your body to break down acetylcholine. Increased acetylcholine levels may aid the brain, and boost cognitive functions like reasoning, focus, memory, and learning.

 

Most people who use Black Cumin for wellness often seek the essential oil rather than the herbal form, which is more at home in the kitchen. Black Seed Oil can be found in tinctures, topicals, lotions, and capsules. You can buy it online or in stores that specialize in nutrition and health.

 

Nootropics May Brighten Your Day

Nootropics may be used by students as an aid for studying, by athletes for a boost in training, and by artists to get over mental blocks. They can be used by anyone who wants to protect their neural plasticity, or the ability of their brain to grow and adapt.

 

Every botanical or pharmaceutical product has pros and cons, so make sure to research each supplement thoroughly to make sure it is right for you. With adequate research and common sense, you may find a way to use nootropics to improve your quality of life.