Today’s natural health and wellness market is full of various supplements, vitamins, as well as many other substances. All of these have been shown to potentially help your mind/body elevate, enhancing all senses and functions.
Often known as smart drugs, nootropics are natural or synthetic substances often used to boost focus, memory, creativity, intelligence, alertness, and motivation.
These substances are known to provide beneficial functions and effects, similar to cannabinoids in cannabis. In fact, there are many researched studies and trials exploring the intricate connection between nootropics and cannabis.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most commonly known nootropics, how they’re used in our bodies, and the science behind the combination of cannabis and nootropics.
What are Nootropics?
In the medical field, nootropic is defined as a wide variety of natural and synthetic substances or supplements that naturally improve the body’s mental performance.
- When it comes to deciphering if a supplement or substance of any kind is a nootropic, you may ask yourself: Does this cause a mental reaction of any type? Nootropics are typically known to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, alertness, creativity, and motivation.
They are relatively common in everyday life. In fact, you may have heard of some of these supplements yourself – whether they’re in your daily vitamin mix, part of your morning health regimen, or have been recommended to you by your doctor or clinician.
Below are some of the more common nootropics:
Caffeine
Perhaps the most widely used psychoactive substance, caffeine is naturally found in coffee, cocoa, tea, kola nuts, sodas, and energy drinks.
It’s known to give users energy and increases alertness by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain.
L-Theanine
This substance is an amino acid naturally found in tea and often used as a vitamin supplement. When consuming L-Theanine, users may experience a soothing calmness as well as a creativity boost.
Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng is an ancient medical plant root used to boost brain function.
The reason why this nootropic functions how it does in our bodies is still being unfolded by scientists.
However, many believe its strong anti-inflammatory effects protect the brain while enhancing overall reaction/function.
Ginkgo Biloba
This nootropic substance is extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree and is used in a plethora of beneficial ways.
In a six-week study focusing on a group of older adults, Ginkgo Biloba was proven to help boost memory and mental processing of the brain while decreasing levels of cortisol and/or high blood pressure.
With the many different types of nootropics available, these natural and synthetic substances are all psychoactive in the sense that they enhance the overall brain and motor functions of the body.
Positive impacts and effects typically come from nootropic substances, yet these are not the only chemical compounds that therapeutically benefit the body.
How Do Nootropics Connect with Cannabis?
Considering how these nootropics affect the body when consumed, a similar association can be made between cannabinoids and the brain. However, just like how the brain is extremely complex to understand, so is cannabis!
Research has shown that the cannabis plant contains up to 20 flavonoids, 150 cannabinoids, and over 200 different terpenes. The type of cultivar, the specific content of these cannabinoids and terpenes, and the dosage amount all play a factor in the different potential effects created by cannabis consumption.
You may have heard of the most common cannabinoids found in today’s market: THC & CBD.
- CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that, although is not psychoactive or produces “high” effects — provides potentially therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammation properties and mood enhancement — in addition to alleviating stress or anxiety, and assisting in pain relief.
- On the other hand, THC is also one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis and is utilized for its strong psychoactive effects. This cannabinoid helps mitigate chronic pain and nausea, while altering motor/cognitive functions.
- Many studies have circulated connecting cannabis and nootropics in the body. Both CBD and THC have been noted for their neuroprotective properties regarding the brain, especially after damage (such as from suffering a stroke or Alzheimer’s disease).
Because of this, cannabis is seen as a nootropic substance that potentially improves cognitive functions, such as memory and creativity.
Root & Bloom: Exploring the Science of Health & Wellness Through Cannabis
As the conversation of natural health and wellness sweeps the nation, the scientific connection between nootropics and cannabis will continue to be explored and shaped.
Of course, like all cannabis products and naturally psychoactive substances, it’s important to consume in moderation.
At Root & Bloom, we believe in the exploration and connection of nootropics/cannabis for an elevated, healthier state of mind.
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**Always consult a physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen.**