Top 6 nootropics and adaptogens for boosting mood
Nootropics are a class of drugs that are used to promote brain health. The term usually refers to performance-enhancing drugs, but it can also refer to any substance that improves mental functions such as memory, learning or mood.
Some nootropics have been shown to have positive effects on mood and depression by triggering the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress by balancing hormones and regulating immune system responses.
In this article we will discuss 6 of the best nootropics and adaptogens for managing anxiety, stress and other mental issues so you can find relief from your symptoms naturally!
1. Lion's mane
A species of mushroom called lion's mane, which grows on trees, has been demonstrated to enhance mice's cognitive abilities. Hericium erinaceus, which translates from Latin as "hedgehog beard," is another name for this fungus.
According to some studies, lion's mane mushrooms may help prevent cognitive loss caused by conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other brain illnesses.
Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine has employed the lion's mane mushroom to cure a wide range of conditions, such as the common cold, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The recommended daily dosage for adults taking lion's mane mushrooms is from 500 to 1.000 mg. This can be distributed in two doses throughout the day.
2. Mucuna pruriens
Mucuna pruriens is a legume that contains L-dopa, which is a precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is involved in mood regulation and has been shown to have an antidepressant effect. Mucuna pruriens has also been shown to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality.
Mucuna pruriens can be taken as a supplement or consumed as part of your daily diet.
Mucuna pruriens dosages for adults range between 300 to 1.500 mg a day. It can be beneficial to take them in two divided doses.
3. Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or Arctic root, is a medicinal plant that grows in the cold climates of Europe and Asia. In traditional medicine, Rhodiola rosea has been used for centuries to help improve mood, reduce stress and increase energy.
Rhodiola rosea contains numerous active compounds including rosavin (also known as salidroside), which may be responsible for its ability to boost energy levels; tyrosol (also known as tyrosol lactone), which improves mood; rhodioloside A & B, which block the breakdown of serotonin; and rosin (also known as hydroxycinnamic acid), which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce pain caused by inflammation.
Rhodiola Rosea dosages for adults range between 100 to 600 mg a day. It can be beneficial to take them in two divided doses.
4. Cordyceps mushrooms
Cordyceps mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on caterpillars. They have been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and centuries, and they're thought to help with fatigue and depression.
You can take cordyceps mushroom powder (which is usually ground up dried cordyceps fungus) with other nootropics, but it also has some potential risks—so talk to your doctor if you want to try this supplement.
Cordyceps mushrooms dosages for adults range between 500 to 1.000 mg a day. It can be beneficial to take them in two divided doses.
5. L-theanine
Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, also known as theanine and it can increase your attention, focus, and memory while lowering weariness. People often use it to improve sleep. Serotonin levels in the brain are increased by L-theanine, which is also known to improve mood.
L-theanine can be taken as a supplement or as part of a tea that includes other adaptogens such as ginseng or ashwagandha.
Cordyceps mushrooms dosages for adults range between 100 to 200 mg a day. It can be beneficial to take them in two divided doses.
6. Ginseng
Since ancient times, ginseng has been used to increase energy and mood. It is also an adaptogen. Natural compounds called "adaptogens" help the body cope with stress by lowering mental and emotional exhaustion. Ginseng is one of the best natural mood enhancers because of how quickly it boosts energy levels.
Because ginseng is known as a natural mood enhancer, it's often recommended as a remedy when you're feeling stressed out or anxious—both symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Because ginseng is known as a natural mood enhancer, it's often recommended as a remedy when you're feeling stressed out or anxious—both symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Ginseng mushrooms dosages for adults range between 100 to 400 mg a day. It can be beneficial to take them in two divided doses.
Combinations of nootropics and adaptogens can help to manage stress, anxiety and mood
By combining nootropics and adaptogens, you can boost your mood.
Many of these supplements are available in capsule form, making them easy to take on a daily basis. Combining multiple supplements together may enhance their effects even further.
Here you have general recommended dosages for the described ingredients. Feel free to use this as a guideline, but remember to alway start small and build your way up to reduce risks.
Ingredient |
Recommended Dosage |
Lion's mane mushroom |
500-1,000 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses |
Mucuna pruriens |
300-1,500 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses |
Rhodiola rosea |
100-600 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses |
Cordyceps mushroom |
500-1,000 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses |
L-theanine |
100-200 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses |
Ginseng |
100-400 mg/day, taken in one or two divided doses |
Conclusion
In summary, we have discussed nootropics and adaptogens that can help to balance mood, reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. There are many more options out there that you can consider if you find these don’t work for you.
There’s no “one size fits all” approach to nootropics and adaptogens. You may need to experiment with a few different combinations before you find the right one for you.
Sources
- Lion's mane mushroom
Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder - PMC (nih.gov)
- Mucuna pruriens
Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men - PMC (nih.gov)
- Rhodiola rosea
- Cordyceps mushroom
- L-theanine
- Ginseng
Mechanisms of Panax ginseng action as an antidepressant - PMC (nih.gov)