Among wellness trends, optimizing – or “maxxing” – cognitive health has become a massive movement, as people strive to enhance focus and cognition for performance and efficiency. 

However, some are looking for a more holistic approach of supporting mood, memory and stress resiliency to enhance their enjoyment of everyday life. In either case, nootropics have people interested! 

Nootropics is a word used to classify substances that are referred to more commonly as brain support products, cognitive enhancers, memory enhancers, or brain boosters. They are used to support or enhance, thinking, memory, creativity and focus. 

The term “nootropic” was coined in the early 1970s by a Romanian psychologist and chemist who developed a cognitive-support drug. The word is derived from Greek for “mind” and “turning”, and in Ayurvedic tradition, it is also referred to as “brahmi”.  

Plant medicines can offer nootropic benefits, working to support and optimize cognitive functioning and mood. Herbs also offer gentle, sustainable support that can easily be incorporated into many lifestyles.  

Bacopa 

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) is a traditional Ayurvedic tonic herb that helps to support and nourish the memory and intellect 

Originating in the wetlands of India, Bacopa has been used for over 3,000 years to enhance memory, improve cognitive function, and promote overall mental well-being. It is considered a “medhya rasayana” in Ayurvedic medicine, meaning that it helps to support and nourish the memory and intellect. It also has adaptogenic effects and can help support the body and mind in times of stress. 

Bacopa contains a unique class of active compounds called bacosides, which evidence suggests offer neuroprotection and support nerve impulse transmission. 

Studies of bacopa has been found that the herb can help improve some areas of mild cognitive impairment and improved the fields of attention and verbal fluency after supplementation for two months.  

St. Francis Bacopa tincture is made with the whole plant of certified organic bacopa in a traditional tincture extraction. 

Gingko  

Ginkgo is another herb traditionally used help support cognitive function. Gingko has been noted for its ability to improve blood circulation to the brain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginkgo is used to open channels of energy throughout the body.  

Ginkgo is rich in flavonoids and terpenoids: flavonoids exhibit a profound antioxidant, neuroprotective effect, providing resiliency against free radical damage, while terpenoids can help widen blood vessels, improving circulation and blood flow. 

Some studies have even found promising results with helping to ease symptoms among people with mild dementia.  

Gingko Complete is made with a synergistic blend of 4-nootropic herbs, including bacopa and adaptogenic Chinese Ginseng, which can help to reduce mental fatigue. 

Lion’s Mane Mushroom 

Medicinal mushrooms have become more prevalent over recent years for optimizing health – especially cognitive health.  

Lion’s mane features prominently in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help fortify the spleen, nourish the gut, and build resiliency against disease through immune-supportive polysaccharides. Recent research has highlighted its potential neuroprotective benefits and use in improving cognitive function, due to its ability to support neurogenesis (growth and maintenance of neurons).  

St. Francis Lion’s Mane Capsules promote cognitive health with just one capsule a day – using extraction techniques of lion’s mane fruiting body that ensures the therapeutic ingredients are bioavailable.  

Learn more: How Your Medicinal Mushroom Supplement Is Made Matters – Learn Why! 

Calming Herbs 

We have all experienced muddled thinking when stressed, tired or frazzled. Mood and sleep quality are heavy influencers of thought, memory retention and focus! 

Herbs that help calm and work to relieve restlessness and nervousness can help shift your mindset into a more positive and focussed space.   

Clear Day^® herbal tonic helps to ease nervous, restless energy in a 4-herb formula that features St. John’s Wort and Happiness tree; traditional calmative herbs, along with adaptogenic rhodiola to support stress resiliency and ease mental fatigue, and passionflower – a sleep supportive plant medicine! 

Learn more:

Top 5 Things to Know About Adaptogens 

Sleep More – Stress Less… Naturally!  

Stress Less – How Plant Medicine Can Help Manage Stress – St. Francis Herb Farm

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