Natural Herbs That Improve Intelligence [Smart Drugs]

Are There Any Natural Herbs That Make You Smarter?

Natural advantages for the human brain exist in every day herbs and plants found growing in the wild and in organic supplements. There are plants which help the brain produce helpful chemicals. Some plants provide more stimulation, helping the brain think for longer, more strenuous time periods. Plants exist which increase the blood flow to the brain and the brain’s ability to remain fluid in thinking. Some plants offer benefit to memory and reaction times (typically referred to as cognitive enhancers or nootropics). There is a pretty wide array of plants which offer the brain natural advantages to think faster, think smarter, and remember more.

Best Natural Plants For Intelligence

Nootropics are often regarded as the best natural solutions for improving thought, memory, cognitive ability and intelligence. Some people actually create “nootropic cocktails,” consisting of a variety of herbs and plant extracts which provide mentally stimulating effects. There are those who prefer the stimulating herbal tea route, looking to create herbal tea blends that help the mind to function a little smoother. Regardless of preferred intake method, it is undisputed that there are plants more than capable of giving the brain an advantage (and some better than others). There are plants that grow naturally on Earth which have been used by tribes and cultures around the world for thousands of years to help unlock the brain’s full potential. Some are nootropics, others are simply beneficial to the brain, and in different ways; Thus it is very common to find varieties of herbs in one single “intelligence improving” concoction.

List of Natural Plants That Improve IQ or Intelligence

This is a complete list of natural herbs, plants and extracts (all organic) which can improve intelligence, focus, thinking, mental clarity or even IQ. The list is in no particular order.

Huperzine A

Comes from…Huperzia serrata

Huperzine A is an awesome nootropic that has been proven to improve cognitive function. It is a nootropic and completely natural. It comes from a moss that has been employed as a memory booster and to increase fluid intelligence (faster reaction times, faster thinking). Typically it is administered over time to build up maximum efficiency in the brain. Many supplements exist which provide huperzine in the correctly extracted form. Many supplements combine huperzine with other nootropics and natural herbs to create a more powerful brain-stimulating concoction. It is very commonly used by bankers and investors, entrepreneurs and a large majority of silicon valley, students, athletes and even gamers.

Bacosides

Comes from…Bacopa monnieri

Also known as Indian Pennywort, among other names, Bacopa monnieri is very frequently found throughout many Ayurveda medicinal texts, and is associated with the creator God of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma. It is well known to help improve focus, sharpen the senses, and increase intelligence. It is considered by many tribes especially effective in treating mental deficiencies. There are many legends of Bacopa being used by Ancient Vedic students to help improve their memories and to remember long passages for recitation. Bacopa monnieri is considered a nootropic.

Lion’s Mane

Comes from…Hericium erinaceus

Lion’s Mane Mushroom is a nootropic native to North America, Europe and Asia. It looks almost like a mop head has been hung on a branch. They are all popularly consumed for many purposes, but are receiving much attention recently for their proposed ability to treat cognitive decline. They are used by students and performers of all types who are looking for an extra edge in studying or performance. Lion’s Mane has been found in a variety of nootropics stacks and dietary supplements.

Rhodiola

Comes from…Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola has many uses and has been very frequently associated with being a stimulant. It is native to Europe, North America and Asia, usually growing in Arctic regions. It has calming abilities, allowing for better focus and productivity when used in conjunction with working hard. It is also found in dietary supplements. Rhodiola is employed by the Russians and Scandinavians as a way to increase physical endurance, especially in harsh conditions. Little research or scientific evidence exists, however, the herb has long been a part of traditional remedies and medicine throughout the world. The Chinese and many European cultures have used Rhodiola to reduce stress, as well as to reduce fatigue and weakness, making it a very common suggestion as a “smart drug” or “smart plant.”

Sage

Comes from…Salvia officinalis

Sage is an extremely versatile plant, being used in cooking, medicine, religion and even witchcraft. Many people overlook the natural ability of sage to improve studying, focus and memory, however, many cultures have long used sage tea to treat memory loss, even hundreds of years ago. There are recent clinical trials involving sage oil and placebos which proved sage provides better memory recall and fluid thinking. It is even used to treat Alzheimer’s. Sage is most commonly taken by capsule (oil or botanical extract) or as a herbal tea.

Rosemary

Comes from…Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is so commonly found in spice racks and throughout so many recipes that it is often disregarded as being valuable for anything more than flavoring. Rosemary has actually been known for thousands of years and used by the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. It has been used for a long time to help improve memory and has been a popular choice among students around the world (especially popular in the U.K.).

Ginseng

Comes from…Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng goes by many names, however, basically all Ginseng is traditionally taken and thought to improve memory and fluid thinking. Some preliminary research has backed up this theory, though cultures from around the world (especially in Asia) already stand by its cognitive-enhancing properties. It has been used for thousands of years to help improve one’s ability of recitation, by students and by a number of professionals looking for an extra mental edge.

L-Theanine

Comes from…Gyokuro

This Japanese plant grows under shade and is a traditional ingredient in the green tea of Japan and the surrounding area. The primary constituent of matter is L-Theanine. It comes from the leaves of the plant, where it is in high content. It is very frequently used to improve cognitive function. It is also said to decrease psychological stresses of the brain, allowing one to focus longer and work harder. Many studies have reported improvements to reaction times, fluid intelligence and faster memory recall. L-Theanine is frequently combined with caffeine, though can be used alone. It is also a common ingredient in many nootropic products and “brain food” products. L-Theanine is often called a “Smart Drug.”

Nicotine

Comes from…Tobacco

Nicotine is commonly used as a stimulant and as a short term energy boost. It has been proven to increase focus and attention span. It is usually employed by way of cigarette, cigar, patch or orally (chew, etc.). The ability to stay awake longer and retain better focus and attentiveness makes Nicotine valuable to many people.

Final Notes: Using Plants For Intelligence

A lot of supplements and prescription medications exist to help give the brain a cognitive boost. Some are more powerful than others and can “kick on” pretty instantly. There are also many options which can be used over the course of time to “hack the brain” and improve intelligence more permanently. Some people prefer to pick and choose their own intelligence herbs and extracts; though this is usually not as safe as picking a trusted vendor of a nootropic (for example), due to experience, dosages and other quality control measures. Regardless of the selected blend or product, the Earth produces many natural herbs for helping the brain better operate, and improve overall cognitive function.