Nootropics is a term used by the pharmaceutical industry for substances that enhance memory and/or cognitive performance. I.e ADHD drugs are in this category. In this article I am going to introduce some herbal and nutritional nootropics. You may not have heard that term before- nootropics- but it really just refers to helping your brain perform better. They may also be called smart drugs, because they are meant to improve mental performance in healthy people. 

Many people use these medicines to enhance their performance, but they may also be beneficial at specific times such as when studying, going through menopause, suffering from brain fog, or wanting to keep your brain in its best shape as you age. They may also be used as a potential preventative or protective when there is a family history of dementia and memory loss. 

Nootropic herbs and natural substances have crossovers with both adaptogenic and nervine herbs, but specifically refer to substances that enhance the brain and mind capacity. However, of course, they need to work in the context of the whole person and their lifestyle. They will not work as well when the diet is poor, when stress is high.

Caffeine is a nootropic found in coffee, tea, cacao and some other plants. It is the most popular brain altering substance, consumed by millions daily. It increases alertness and attention, makes us more sparky and awake. It improves our reaction times. Many people do not feel right until they have consumed their morning caffeinated beverage. And there is much evidence for its benefit on the brain even as we age. 

L-theanine is found in black and green tea but can also be taken as a supplement. It has calming benefits, linked to an increase in alpha waves in the brain. Its effect is enhanced when taken with caffeine so you will often find them together in nootropic supplements- but you can also drink tea. Even 2 cups of tea a day gives a measurable effect. 

Panax ginseng is the most researched herb in the world, and it is from Traditional Chinese Medicine where it has been valued for perhaps thousands of years. It is known to help boost brain function, reduce brain fatigue, and help with difficult mental tasks such as problem solving. It is anti-inflammatory. I find it particularly helpful for women through menopause and for many as a support for healthy ageing. However it is best pulsed on and off, as the body may adapt to taking it consistently long term. 

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been shown in good studies to help improve memory. It can help mediate the effects of stress on the brain. It probably increases blood flow to the brain, especially to the micro capillaries.

Bacopa monnieri is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that is known to enhance brain function, improve cerebral brain flow, help brain processing speeds and improve memory. It contains bacosides which help protect the brain from oxidative stress. It has good evidence behind it, but may need to be taken over several months before its maximum benefits are noticed. It could be considered a neural tonic- it just helps the brain work better when taken long term. 

Gotu Kola- Centella asiatica- is another nootropic which is particularly relaxing and soothing. It helps the brain to turn off, which is very useful when it gets stuck “on” such as with anxiety and insomnia.  It is traditionally linked with longevity and for vein health, and to help the growth of new brain cells and repairing neurons. It may help with neuro-plasticity and neuro-protection. This plant is common throughout Asia and easily grown in a damp, shady area of the garden here in Perth. A few leaves can be eaten daily or chopped and put in salads or soups. It has a long tradition for helping with the memory loss of the elderly, including with Alzheimer’s. 

Rhodiola rosea comes from the arctic regions of Europe and Asia, and is well known as an adaptogen- it helps the body adapt to stress and improve endurance. Studies have shown, and it has traditional use for improving mood and mental fatigue. It improves memory and may even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. It can help when you are under a lot of stress, such as students during exam time. It is somewhat stimulating so may not be the best to use for those with insomnia. 

Both sage and rosemary have a long history of use for benefit of the brain and memory as well. 

These are just a few potential natural substances and herbs which are available easily as either herbs in the garden, in many supplements, and also more expensive nootropic products. 

It seems important to mention that equally important to the many blessings of plant medicines and foods that we have access to, is having good nutrition and getting adequate sleep. Chronic stress is another factor in brain deterioration. And alcohol kills many brain cells, so is not the best if you want to keep a healthy brain. 

We are all ageing, and deterioration of the brain and body is a natural phenomenon. However there is much we can do to maintain the brain cells we have, and have a bright intellect and good memory for as many years as possible. We can also improve the brain’s functioning for students and younger people who find themselves scattered, stressed and with difficulty concentrating.