8 Natural Nootropics That Really Work

Caffeine

It’s something many of us consume on a daily basis, but caffeine is also a powerful nootropic. The feeling of alertness and wakefulness you feel after drinking a cup of coffee can be attributed to its brain boosting powers.

Studies have shown it can help to improve long-term memory [1], which can be extremely beneficial if you’re studying for an exam.

Caffeine can also greatly improve your reaction times, giving you a heightened sense of alertness and focus in your day-to-day life [2].

Lions Mane Mushroom

This mushroom is a common occurrence in traditional Asian medicine and has proven itself as a potent nootropic.

Research has shown that Lion Manes Mushroom contains active compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor [3].

This helps to keep the brain healthy, ensures the signals between neurons are strong and helps to repair nerves within the brain [4]. This results in a reduction in anxiety and stress symptoms [5].

L-Theanine

This amino acid is derived from tea and has been shown to boost your brain health and cognitive functions in a number of different ways.

The main benefits of taking l-theanine are based around concentration and mood.

Research has proven that l-theanine can increase alpha brain waves [6]. In this study, these larger waves have been linked to a simultaneous feeling of calm alertness and relaxed concentration, which helps to deal with stress.

L-theanine can also increase the presence of key neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and GABA [7]. This can help with long-term brain health and has been linked to a reduction in stress and tension [8].

Related Article: Find out how green tea can help you burn more fat right here. 

Bacopa Monnieri

This ingredient has a strong effect on your memory.

In a double-blind trial, researchers found that those who took Bacopa Monnieri showed an impressive improvement in recall and memory accuracy [9].

It also contains two active compounds called bacosides A and B, which have been shown to improve the way your body processes and deals with stress [10].

L-Tyrosine

This amino acid helps to synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine [11]. By giving you a healthy boost of these transmitters, you can expect your memory, concentration and problem-solving skills to be greatly improved [12].

Citicoline

Within your body, citicoline breaks down into two compounds – cytidine and choline. These can then transform the signal strength between neurons within your brain [13], which can have a positive impact on your memory, attention span and learning [14].

It can also signal the release of uridine, which has been shown to protect and repair your brain cells. As a result, this process may improve mood and overall long-term health [15].

Asian Ginseng

This is one of the mostly widely used and highly researched herbal medicines in the world, and a potent natural nootropic.

Within the brain, Asian ginseng works as an adaptogen, which helps your body deal with, and adapt to the symptoms of stress and fatigue. It does this by boosting GABA levels to fortify your mind [16].

It may also help to protect and renew key neurotransmitters in the brain, which can inhibit the chemical reactions that cause depression and anxiety [17].

Ginseng can also improve your memory and ability to learn. Several studies have shown it can help to boost nerve growth factor, which can lead to a heightened ability to recall and improved alertness [18].

Rhodiola Rosea

This is another hugely popular natural nootropic, that can be found a number of top-quality stacks.

Studies have shown that it can enhance mood and combat the effects of depression [19]. As a powerful adaptogen, it does this by influencing a number of brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine [20].

Rhodiola rosea has also been shown to improve your ability to focus and combat ‘brain fog’ by repairing and maintaining neurons [21].