Two Herbs for Busy Go-Getters To Boost Brain Power Right Now

Herbs are not just medicine. They’re the gateway to superpowers.

CL Fisher
2 min readMar 25, 2022
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I’ve been a zealous student of herbalism for years now.

Not only do I devour books, scholarly articles, & presentations for fun, but those who know me can attest to the borderline-outrageously-full cabinet I’ve devoted to… tea.

That said! I’ve realized it’s high (tea) time to share a couple brain-boosting wonders, or “Nootropics,” that I’ve found.

What’s a “Nootropic?”

In short, it means “smart drug.”

The term “Nootropic” refers to any substance — natural or synthetic — that is claimed to improve cognitive function:

  • Memory
  • Creativity
  • Attention
  • Motivation

… All get boosted. Popular Nootropics these days include Adderall & Ritalin (synthetic), and Lion’s Mane mushroom & CBD (natural).

But! Here are two lesser-known herbs to add to your arsenal:

#1. Ginkgo Biloba

The oldest tree species on Earth, there are still thriving survivors of the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. (Yes, I’ll have a cup of that, thank you.)

Not only famous for memory support, Ginkgo can also reduce anxiety, boost brain speed, and was found effective in treating Alzheimer’s dementia.

It increases blood flow to both brain & body, and it’s loaded with flavonoids and terpenoids — two potent antioxidants.

As I once heard a woman tell her friend: It just… Clears away the fog.”

#2. Sage

The name is no accident.

Research continues to find that sage shows remarkable promise for improving mood, alertness, attention, and memory in both younger -and- older adults.

This one’s utterly loaded with potent compounds.

Interestingly, one compound inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine — a major player in the cognition game — meaning more of it stays available for your brain to be stoked about.

In the same way SSRIs/antidepressants work to keep serotonin around & available, Sage keeps this chief neurotransmitter on deck & ready for action.

*Honorable Mention

Rejoice! You’re not limited to only tea or supplements!

Essential oils from Rosemary, Peppermint, & Citrus all have an instant stimulating effect on your senses & cognition, straight through the nasal passageway.

Keep a small bottle in the car for long drives, or better yet, keep one at your desk for late evenings when you’re scurrying to finish an article!

→ AS ALWAYS: Do your own research and check for contraindications with any medications you already take! ←

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CL Fisher

Hi. I’m Cate. I left the States to move to Portugal. It flopped. Now I'm wingin' it on a daily basis to stay afloat and not go back.