Nootropics: Cognitive Enhancers Part 1: A Combination for concentration, energy and focus
It’s not easy to have a productive day when plagued by brain fog, tiredness or apathy. When you can’t get with it or get into it. Of course lifestyle choices are important: adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and physical activity, But there are some supplements that can help us get that extra boost. This post will cover 2 supplements that can help give us that edge: increased focus, better mood, more energy and better concentration. As recommended with all supplements, you should check with a health care provider especially if you are taking prescription drugs or have a health condition.
This series of articles are intended to be short summaries of benefits and uses of various supplements. For those interested in more information on a particular supplement, longer, more in-depth articles, with much more detail and research results and links will follow at a later date.
Here are 2 of the herbs I use and like. They have been in use for many years and may have multiple benefits such as improving cognition, mood, stress response.
Rhodiola Rosea is an herb growing in colder mountainous areas of Eurasia, also called golden root or arctic root. This herb is an adaptogen, used as a natural tonic to counter stress and promote health, strength, endurance, mood, and mental performance. It has a long history of usage, few common side effects, and a wide range of potential positive benefits. In my experience, this is one of my favorite nootropics and I like to combine it with ginseng.
Ginseng (Panax or Asian Ginseng) is a plant with a long history of safe usage and many potential benefits. Also an adaptogen with benefits to handling stress (anxiolytic), immune system benefits, improved mood, and more, in addition to it’s nootropic effects. This combines well with rhodiola to help with focus and concentration and energy.
When and How to take: I take these together, just before or after lunch, on an empty stomach to get the strongest effects. I would not take these after mid-afternoon as the energizing properties may impact sleep.
I have personally used these specific products and was pleased with the results. Affiliate links are included below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Next short article in this series will cover 2 more adaptogens used for their nootropic (and anxiolytic) activity, and an amino acid derivative that may have some fat burning effects as well as cognition improvement.