7 Nootropic Teas to Improve Memory and Focus

Based on scientific evidence, here are the best natural nootropic teas to improve your memory, focus, and overall brain function.
Nootropic teas

Primary Key Points

Green Tea: Contains L-theanine and caffeine to improve focus, relaxation, and mental clarity.

Ginkgo Biloba Tea: Enhances memory and reduces stress thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea: Promotes brain health by stimulating nerve growth and protecting against memory loss.

Rhodiola Rosea Tea: Combats stress and fatigue, improving mental performance, especially in high-stress situations.

Ginseng Tea: Supports cognitive function, boosts the immune system, and may help reduce cognitive decline.

Valerian Tea: Known for its calming effects, it reduces anxiety and promotes better sleep.

Bacopa Monnieri Tea: Enhances memory and cognitive function, especially in older adults, by promoting the growth of neuron connections.

What Are Natural Nootropics?

Natural nootropics are compounds found in foods or plants that have cognitive-enhancing properties. These compounds can be consumed as part of a balanced diet. People worldwide use them to supercharge their productivity since they significantly improve intelligence and creativity.

In general, nootropics offer the following:

  • Boost memory.
  • Improve brain function.
  • Increase concentration.
  • Reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Promote brain cell protection and communication.
  • Promote relaxation and creativity.

7 Natural Nootropic Teas

Based on scientific evidence, here are the best natural nootropics:

1. Green Tea

Green tea is a natural nootropic. It is a natural source of  L-theanine, a common and efficient nootropic. It is an amino acid that can increase attention performance, improve sleep, boost reaction time, and promote relaxation. L-theanine’s neuroprotective effects are the reason behind these benefits. (1) 

L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases neurotransmitter levels, GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. This can lead to improved mood and mental clarity. It also increases the activity of the neurotransmitter alpha waves in the brain, which is associated with relaxation and focus. 

Green tea also contains caffeine, which can increase alertness and improve cognition.

2. Ginkgo Biloba Tea

Ginkgo biloba is currently one of the top-selling herbal treatments worldwide. It's often used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and to help improve circulation. 

One study showed that Ginkgo Biloba could improve the body's health by combating mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress. (2)

Ginkgo biloba is excellent at assisting memory during times of high stress, so taking it can combat stress and clear the mind.

3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea

Lion's Mane Mushroom is getting more attention as an effective natural nootropic. This brain-boosting fungus has been used in Chinese medicine for years. 

Lion's Mane contains active ingredients called hericenones and erinacines, which induce nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein necessary for neurons' growth, maintenance, and survival. (3) 

Also, Lion's Mane can help protect from memory loss and relieve symptoms of depression.

4. Rhodiola Rosea Tea

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb with anti-depressive and anti-fatigue effects and is also used to treat anxiety. (4)

Some clinical trials show that Rhodiola Rosea has an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental performance and reduces feelings of burnout, especially in high-stress situations. (5)

5. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng is one of the oldest and most popular adaptogenic herbs that positively affect the immune system. (6)

Ginseng can support reduced blood sugar levels and increased concentration while helping with cancer, blood pressure, and heart disease.

Ginseng’s anti-inflammatory properties can contribute to the reduction of cognitive decline. It’s even promising as an adjuvant treatment for Alzheimer's disease. (7)

6. Valerian Tea

Valerian root is mainly known as an anxiolytic and sleep aid. This means it helps reduce anxiety and makes it easier to fall asleep. It works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is responsible for relaxation. (8)

7. Bacopa Monnieri Tea

Also known as Brahmi, Bacopa Monnieri is a natural nootropic in Ayurvedic medicine. It is powerful in enhancing cognition, especially memory. Studies have shown that older people experienced dramatic improvements in memory, retention, and recall after taking Bacopa Monnieri.

The chemical compounds bacosides, are responsible for these effects as they stimulate the growth of dendrite branches between neurons. (9)

Nootropic tea blend; Brain Tea

BrainTea is a unique nootropic tea containing four organic ingredients: Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, Lion’s Mame Mushroom, and MCT Coconut Oil. These ingredients work together to boost memory, focus, and mood. 

Brain Tea is also rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help protect the brain from damage and promote healthy brain function.

Should You Use Nootropics?

For healthy adults, natural nootropics may be a safer and more effective way to enhance cognitive function and improve mood. However, it is essential to remember that nootropics are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

For individuals with cognitive impairment, nootropics may have therapeutic benefits, but only with a doctor's consultation to determine if they are appropriate.

Like any supplement, there is a risk of side effects and medication interactions. You should speak with your doctor about the safety of any supplement before taking it, especially if you are taking medication.

In conclusion, natural nootropics can keep your brain functioning at its best. They help slow down age-related cognitive decline without causing adverse effects.

FAQ

What are natural nootropic teas?

Natural nootropic teas are herbal teas containing ingredients known for their cognitive-enhancing properties, such as Green Tea, Ginkgo Biloba, and Lion's Mane Mushroom.

What are the best nootropic teas?

Some of the best nootropic teas include Green Tea for focus and relaxation, Ginkgo Biloba for memory enhancement, and Rhodiola Rosea for combating stress and fatigue.

Can nootropic teas improve brain function?

Yes, nootropic teas like Lion's Mane Mushroom and Bacopa Monnieri are known to boost memory, focus, and cognitive performance by promoting brain health and neuroplasticity.

Are nootropic teas safe to consume?

Nootropic teas are generally safe when consumed in moderation. However, you must consult a doctor if you have any health conditions or are taking medications.

Additional Readings

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Best Teas for Memory

BrainTea Recipe

The Best Tea For Brain Health

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References

(1)L-Theanine: A Unique Functional Amino Acid in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) With Multiple Health Benefits and Food Applications - PMC (nih.gov)

(2)Therapeutic efficacy of EGb761 (Gingko biloba extract) in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - PubMed (nih.gov)

(3)Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia - PubMed (nih.gov)

(4)Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention - PMC (nih.gov)

(5)A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the (6)standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue - PubMed (nih.gov)

(7)Panax ginseng as an adjuvant treatment for Alzheimer's disease - PMC (nih.gov)

(8)Modulation of GABAA receptors by valerian extracts is related to the content of valerenic acid - PubMed (nih.gov)

(9)Pharmacological attributes of Bacopa monnieri extract: Current updates and clinical manifestation - PMC (nih.gov)

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