We’ve all been there.
There’s tons to do and deadlines to beat. But you’ve been staring at a blank screen the last half hour, flipping between email, Instagram and that important task… yet not getting much done.
A clear mind and sharp focus are vital assets to productivity. When they’re gone, their absence can put a real damper on our day, even the entire week.
When you’re struggling with brain fog and can’t seem to get things done, a little outside help can make all the difference. Here’s where certain herbs can be helpful.
These herbs, some of which number amongst the best nootropics, have been studied and used for thousands of years. They have a long history of use amongst alternative medical systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
As our modern knowledge and appreciation of these herbs increase, so have the recent scientific studies that confirm their brain-boosting potential. If you’re grappling with the Monday blues, then you just might find some help with these herbs.
Avantera has created a natural nootropic called Elevate, which is to be taken in the morning to give your brain the boost it needs to focus. The team at Avantera have conducted extensive research to assess which herbs - and combinations of herbs - are most effective and bioavailable. Here’s what they found; these are the top herbs for focus and also the herbs included in their popular Elevate formula:
#1: Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a creeping herb that can be found in wetlands from Africa, Asia and Eastern India to North America. Also called “water hyssop”, bacopa is considered a “rasayana” – rejuvenating herb – under Ayurvedic medicine.
The herb has been used for thousands of years to improve mental clarity, short and long term memory, and problem solving. Bacopa is especially recognized in modern medicine for its positive effects on distractibility – how well people can focus – and cognitive function.
In one study, 60 medical students were tested over a 6-week period to see if bacopa would have any significant effects on their memory, associative abilities and distractibility. It was found that the group of students taking bacopa showed significant improvement in working memory, freedom from distractibility and comprehension.
As a result, bacopa is well-known for its potential to help those who may have trouble with short attention span. You can enjoy a healthy helping of bacopa in Avantera Elevate, which is specially formulated to get you out of bed feeling sharp, focused and motivated.
#2: Green tea
Perfect for an afternoon shot in the arm, green tea contains healthy levels of caffeine and other compounds that are beneficial for mental alertness. One of the compounds in green tea, EGCG, has been shown to encourage neurogenesis – the growth of neuronal stem cells.
Green tea extract also increases the brain’s effective connectivity and encourages synaptic plasticity – both of which lead to increased cognitive function.
Another popular compound in green tea is L-theanine. The compound elevates levels of neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin and dopamine. Increased quantities of these neurotransmitters help people achieve a state of relaxed attention, improved mood and smoother cognitive performance.
If you want to improve your focus quickly, there’s hardly any better herb for immediate results than green tea. Both green tea extract and L-theanine are available in the Avantera Elevate nootropic supplement.
#3: Lion’s Mane
These fungi are white, globe-shaped and have long, shaggy spines that are reminiscent of the proud lion. And just like the lion, they are reputed to help you keep your head high and straight as you forge through busy days.
Lion’s mane is especially important for cognitive health, as it has been shown to stimulate the creation of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). Each of these compounds encourage the production of new cells, strengthen existing ones and help protect them.
Certain studies have found that lion’s mane helps support cognitive function.
Like most of the other power-packed herbs on this list, you can enjoy lion’s mane in Avantera Elevate for the perfect start to a productive day.
Looking for ways to start harnessing the power of the best nootropics for increased focus, mental agility and full-body health? Try out Avantera Elevate and Unwind today.
#4: L-theanine
This is one of the main active ingredients in green tea. It promotes relaxation without causing any reduction in wakefulness, creating a perfect synergy with caffeine - taking the edge of the stimulation caused by caffeine. When l-theanine is combined with caffeine, you will achieve wakefulness, attention and sustained focus, without feeling jittery or having spikes.
#5: CDP Choline
CDP choline is a nootropic compound that converts to both choline and cytidine when ingested; cytidine then converts into uridine in the body. Research shows it has cognitive-promoting properties as a precursor for these two compounds.
A double blind controlled trial found that when participants were supplements with CDP choline, their memory recall test scores increased notably.