Since the 1960’s Hollywood has subtly programmed us of the connection between enhanced cognitive function and ability, superhuman powers, and certain chemicals, hence movies like “Charly” (1968), “Limitless” (2011), “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011), “Lucy” (2014), and "Project Power” (2020); and documentaries like “Smart Drugs” (2018) and series like “limitless” (2015) based on the hit movie.

Well, there’s no magical pill (or substance) that can cause us to undergo the experiences of Bradley Cooper’s character in “Limitless” (due to the drug ‘NZT-48’), Scarlett Johansson’s character in “Lucy”, (due to the drug ‘CPH4’), or Caesar the chimp in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (due to the drug ‘ALZ-112’), but there actually is a chemical on the scene today that can boost brain performance and help us become smarter, more alert, and increase our memory and focus/attention. The substance is called: Nootropics.

Nootropics, pronounced (noah-tropics; or no-o-tro-pics) are substances that naturally, safely, sanely, and effectively boost brain performance by improving cognitive function, particularly executive functions, attention or concentration/focus, memory, memory recall, creativity, and motivation.

Nootropics are referred to as “smart drugs” or “smart supplements and sometimes referred to as “cognition enhancers” or “memory enhancers” and promoted for learning support.

The word ‘nootropics’ etymologically derives from an Ancient Greek work, (nóos), meaning “mind, and (trope), meaning “a turning, or bending.” Basically, nootropics bend or shape the mind.

Nootropics can be either natural (plant-based or derived) or synthetic (drugs or prescription). They can also be derived from processing natural substances as sold as supplements, e.g. phosphatidylserine, citocholine, L-Theanine, and fisetin.

Pharmaceutical-grade prescription nootropics (e.g. Phenatropil, Modafinil or Provigil, Noopept, Piracetam, Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) unlike plant-based nootropics can cause much harm to the body, including causing insomnia, blurry vision, circulation problems, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and addiction or dependence.

Below are some salubrious forms of nootropics that are safer than the pharmaceutical-grade smart drugs listed above.

Citocholine sodium boosts cognitive function, supporting memory, focus, and mental clarityby increasing the brains’ levels of the neurotransmitters ‘dopamine’ and ‘acetylcholine.’ It also promotes a positive mood and boosted motivation by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.

Fisetin, a natural polyphenol, supports a healthy brain. It protects the brain through its antioxidant effects while supporting memory and focus.

5-HTP (5 Hydroxy-tryptophan), usually derived from Griffonia seed, is the intermediate metabolite between the amino acid L-Tryptophan and Serotonin. It supports positive mood and relaxation

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is naturally found in the body. It is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and in the cerebral cortex where thinking occurs and sensations are interpreted. GABA naturally stimulates the mind but also helps to calm the mind. Additionally, it acts like a brake during times of runaway stress and therefore promotes a calm, relaxed, and focused state of mind.

Phosphatidylserine is useful for brain support, in particular memory and focus. It is usually derived from soy lecithin. If you consume this product just make sure it’s derived from non-GMO soy lecithin.

Theanine (L-Theanine) promotes cognition and positive mood and enhances relaxation. It eliminates caffeine jitters when taken in a 2:1 ratio to caffeine. It can be added to coffee directly as well. It is not necessary to consume L-Theanine with herbal sources of caffeine (bio-caffeine) such as Kola nut, Yerba Mate, Guarana, Guayusa, Green Tea, White Tea, Purple Tea, Green Coffee Bean, Blue Matcha (also known as Blue Butterfly Pea).

Theobromine is a compound found in cocoa beans. It is a xanthine compound and works as a stimulant and has similar effects to caffeine. The substance helps to improve memory and clarity, and supports better mental focus. Overall, it supports healthy mood and brain function.

As a herbalist, I prefer herbal or plant-based sources of nootropics and neuro-tonics. These include: Gotu Kola (also known as Brahmi), Bacopa, Gingko Biloba, Rosemary, Maca Root, Ashwagandha, Maral Root, Ginseng Root, Rhodiola Root, Blue Butterfly Pea, Blessed Thistle (also known as Holy Thistle); Nirgundi, Lion’s Mane, Akarkara Root, Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil); White Lotus Seed, and Shankhapushpi.

Following is a breakdown of the properties of these herbs and how they can help your brain.

Akarkara Root, an Ayurvedic herb, helps improve brain function due to its memory-enhancing and anti-depressant activity.

Ashwagandha Root, an Ayurvedic herb,counters mental fatigue, shields the brain from damage resulting from neuro-toxins, physical injury, and stroke. It has potent anxiolytic (a substance used to reduce anxiety) properties.

Bacopa Monnieri,an Ayurvedic herb, is a potent and very effective rejuvenative herbs for the mind and nervous system. It promotes memory and concentration and supports the proper function of the brain and nerves, bringing balance to the nervous system while fostering clarity and awareness. It has been used for centuries in India to promote memory, intelligence, and concentration. It is one of the best herbs for fostering mental acuity. Bacopa Monnieri is one of two herbs commonly known as the legendary “Brahmi” of the ancient Ayurvedic texts (the other being Gotu Kola or Brahmi).

Blessed Thistle Leaf (also known as Holy Thistle) strengthens and enhances memory by increasing oxygen to the brain. It helps counter age-related decline in brain function.

Blue Butterfly Pea (also known as Blue Matcha) refreshes the brain, bolsters mental energy, and promotes positive mood and emotions which can increase productivity (at work or school).

Cistanches Tubulosa, a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herb helps balance the gut-brain axis, in addition of to enhancing cognitive abilities such as learning and memory. It helps with overall brain health.

Fo Ti Root, a TCM (Traditional Chinese Herb) protects the brain and counters memory problems. Additionally, it recharges nerves and brin cells

Gingko Biloba is a longevity herb that naturally increases blood flow to the brain, resulting in an increase in oxygen and glucose utilization. The herb is exceptional for countering memory loss and senility. A great herb for optimal brain functioning and well-being.

Ginseng Root is a stimulant for the brain and memory centers. It helps counter mental fatigue by invigorating and energizing the mind (as well as the body). Red Ginseng is more potent than White Ginseng Root. There are various kinds of Ginseng Root, e.g. American, Korean, Panax, Brazilian (Suma Root), Peruvian (Maca Root), Himalayan, Siberian (Eleutherococcus), Chinese, Vietnamese, and Prince.

Gota Kola (also known as Brahmi), an Ayurvedic herb, is a renowned memory and rejuvenating brain tonic and the best herb to counter learning disabilities and mental burn-out. It is a mental rejuvenative that supports healthy brain and nervous system function and specifically promotes the intellect, enhances mental performance, promotes alertness, and supports proper functioning of the nervous system. It greatly supports memory, intelligence, and concentration – especially for students. The leaf of this plant resembles a cerebellum and thus, according to the doctrine of signatures, has a special affinity for the brain. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the brain stem. Gotu Kola is a favorite food of elephants in India. This is why it is said that a person with a good memory has a memory like an elephant. Gota Kola greatly compliments Bacopa Monnieri and Gingko Biloba. Gotu Kola/Brahmi is one of two herbs commonly known as the legendary “Brahmi” of the ancient Ayurvedic texts (the other being Bacopa Monnieri).

Green Coffee Bean Extract is a natural, safe and sane, caffeine source and helps to improve cognition.

Guayusa Leaf, a South American herb, helps improve mood and alertness as well as concentration and focus. It is a natural caffeine source (contains high concentration of bio-caffeine).

Guarana Seed is an energizing stimulant, especially for the brain. It helps counter mental fatigue. It is a natural caffeine source.

Kappi-kacchu (also known as Mucuna Pruriens, Velvet Bean, and Cowage Seed) is an Ayuvedic herb that nourishes the nervous system and supports the body’s ability to maintain healthy muscular movements, proper sensation, coordination, and keen motor skills. Additionally, it is a natural source of levodopa (L-dopa), an essential precursor to the neurotransmitter ‘dopamine.’ A great herb for remedying Parkinson’s disease.

Kola Nut is an energizing stimulant, including to the brain. It is a powerful nervous system stimulant.

Lion’s Mane is a mushroom that promotes cognitive vitality, attention, and long-term memory. Additionally, it improves executive function, long-term memory, word recall, and visual memory. It also increases the creation and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), proteins that can increase the length of the nerve cell processes.

Maca Root, from Peru, preserves cognitive function. It works directly on two regions of the brain: the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, and by doing so helps to boost focus. Additionally, it boosts mental energy while stimulating brain activity. There are three known types of Maca Root: Black Maca, Red Maca, and Yellow Maca.

Maral Root, from Siberia, helps protect the brain, counters mental fatigue, and strengthen the mind.

Nirgundi, an Ayurvedic herb and brain tonic, promotes intelligence and improve memory capacity of the brain in addition to helping to uplift mood. It enhances the intellect. As an anxiolytic, it helps to remedy unskillful anxiety. It is a great herb for countering epilepsy.

Polygala Tenuifolia, a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herb effectively helps helps to promote focus, motivation and memory; it also helps to optimize neurotransmitter levels while also increasing neuroplasticity. It is considered one of the top ten best nootropics in existence.

Rhodiola Root, from Siberia, helps counter brain fog and mental fatigue, improves cognitive function, enhances memory and learning, and protects the brain. It naturally stimulates serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine activity. A great herb that balances the neurotransmitters in the brain and that helps improve mental performance under stress.

Rosemary Leaf helps improve memory. It significantly enhances the quality of memory and increases mental alertness. Additionally, it helps to improve speed and accuracy when performing certain mental tasks. The herb is also memory-boosting, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-epileptic.

Shankhapushpi, an Ayurvedic herb, brain tonic and powerful rejuvenative for the mind, and traditional remedy for improving cognitive functioning and increasing the functioning of the brain by promoting circulation/healthy blood flow to the brain. It greatly helps to reduce mental fatigue. It is one of the best herbs for poor memory. The herb stimulates higher cerebral functions, bolsters and improves memory, intellect, and concentration levels due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property. Additionally, helps promote intelligence and creativity, and helps calms the nerves and mind and reinforces the positive effects of meditation. Another great Ayuvedic herb for remedying epilepsy (as well as ADHD). An effective anxiolytic (reduces unskillful anxiety).

Shilajit has powerful nootropic properties. It helps enhance cognitive function, including improved memory and concentration; and also helps protect the brain against the buildup of tau proteins, which is known to cause brain cell damage.

Tulsi (also known as Holy basil), An Ayurvedic herb, promotes heightened awareness and mental clarity. Additionally, it clears the aura. Greatly compliments Gotu Kola/Brahmi.

White Lotus Flower helps protect the brain and ameliorate brain damage. It promotes purity of mind and reinforces the positive effects of meditation.

Yerba Mate Leaf, a South American herb, naturally boosts mental energy, counters mental fatigue, increases alertness, and improves concentration. It is great for mental and attention disorders (e.g. ADHD). High natural caffeine (bio-caffeine) content.

In conclusion, Divine Medicinals Herbs products that are nootropic in nature include: Brain Tuner, Clarity-Focus-Alert, Kafeen, and Nootropic Formula.

Brain Tuner Formula: https://divinemedicinals.com/brain-tuner-100-capsu...

Clarity-Focus-Alert: https://divinemedicinals.com/clarity-focus-alert-f...

Kafeen Formula: https://divinemedicinals.com/kafeen-formula-100-ca...

Nootropic Formula: https://divinemedicinals.com/blog/the-power-of-noo...