Benefits of natural nootropics

Author: Elena Experience expert (psychedelics and psychoactive & medicinal plants), blogger, passion for healthy food

Studying becomes many times more fun when you feel like you are making progress. No matter how exciting a subject is, if you don't feel like the study approach is working for you, you're more likely to give up too soon. Fortunately, there are several ways you can train yourself! Mother Nature has several surprises in store that can take your memory, brain capacity, creativity and health to the next level. 

Going to school is as natural for the Western child as making money is for parents. The society we live in is made up of all kinds of complex laws rooted in a past that goes back thousands of years. 

Since I no longer "go to school" I realize that there are a lot of questions to be asked about numerous habits that comprise the school system. Why does a child have to sit on a chair for hours a day, in an unnatural position that damages the body from an early age? Why is it seen as 'normal', that children in education are exposed to (often exclusively) unhealthy, processed foods? How are children supposed to work together, when they are encouraged to think competitively?

In this blog, we focus on nootropics, substances that you take in the form of a supplement, to help achieve an optimally functioning brain. 

The joy of studying

When a number of factors come together, such as a good teacher, love of the subject, and understandable study materials, studying can be a delightful activity. 

Although I was always terrible at anything to do with the subject of mathematics, a moment of epiphany came in my fifth year of high school, when I realized that thanks to my enthusiastic mathematics teacher, I began to develop a small love for the subject of spatial thinking. 

During my studies in Directing at the Toneelacademie, I got quite a few theoretical propositions and philosophical concoctions on my plate. For example, for one block we talked about the philosopher René Descartes with his thesis "I think therefore I am." At the time, my spiritual path had not yet turned a certain corner and I took this statement to be true. Now I would rather say, "I think therefore I am not." 'Think' about that!

During my studies, but also afterwards, I was regularly visited by a little devil who tried to keep me from my work. Distractions are everywhere. It is quite an art to keep your environment as clear and quiet as possible. In this digital world, attention-grabbing sounds and images are everywhere. 

We no longer live in the days when a monk could hear a pin drop in a quiet monastery, surrounded by a vast landscape that looked like a peaceful painting. 

How do you keep your focus in this digitized society?

We live in an exciting, yet hurried world that plays games with your ability to concentrate and time. We see in young children how their brains begin to adapt more and more to the flow of this (digital) world and become more and more flexible. With the right approach, a person can cope better and better with the pressure and multiplicity of our environment. 

Maintaining focus, having a healthy concentration and making progress in a study requires courage and attention. Paying attention to what you need to be able to achieve this. To further support our brain, there are a number of resources we can draw from.

Take control and arm yourself with tools to support your brain! 

Organic nootropics - capsules or powders

Sirius sells only organic nootropics, based on extracts from plants that have a long history of medicinal use and have been appreciated by humans for their 'brain enhancing and stimulating properties' for centuries. Simple, safe and effective. 

However, there are also many synthetic new 'mind enhancers' on the market, with which science hopes to make a large sum of money. We're going to take a look at which of these synthetic drugs are popular and what the potential risks are that are associated with them.

What are nootropics?

Nootropics or “smartdrugs” are tools that help your body and mind perform better in terms of cognitive ability. They can be found in the form of supplements and medications. You become better at studying, at thinking creatively and at having motivation. Also, your mood can go into an optimal mode for studying, where you are relaxed, but still have supreme focus. 

Nootropics can be either synthetic or organic. These "mind enhancers" are gaining popularity. But what exactly are they? And are there any dangers associated with them? 

Nootropic comes from the Greek word 'nòos' (brain) and trope (moving, spinning). The term was introduced in 1972 by Corneliu Giurgea. He figured out that in order for a drug to be described as a nootropic, it must meet five criteria. For example, a nootropic must contribute to learning ability and improve memory. It must also be non-toxic and enhance and support the natural abilities of the brain. 

Although there is still a lot of mystery and ignorance surrounding the mechanisms of our cognitive ability, humans have been smart enough to seek help from nature for a very long time. Here we find numerous medicinal brain-boosters, in the form of plants, herbs, mushrooms, vitamins and minerals. 

A healthy and well-functioning brain with Sirius supplements

There are several natural products available that have a beneficial effect on learning ability, memory, energy levels and mood. The following is an overview of the natural nootropics in Sirius' range:

IQ Brain Booster

IQ+ is a supplement based on various herbs that enjoy great fame within traditional medicine, including Ayurveda. Meanwhile, science also confirms the health aspects of these herbs on our brain. 

About the ingredient Bacopa monnieri

A strong antioxidant and adaptogen. The latter means that the action of the plant adapts to the needs of the body to bring balance. The plant is popularly called Alzheimer's plant and is used to support memory. In other parts of the world, it is also called brain tonic. So, are you a forgetful Professor Sunflower, then there is hope! The constituents of Bacopa monnieri are thought to protect the brain membrane and slow down the deterioration process.

Centella asiatica

This little plant, also called Hydrocotyle or Gotu Kola, has been given the name 'Brahmi' within Ayurveda. This means as much as 'bringer of knowledge of Brahman'. In Southeast Asia Hydrocotyle has been used for centuries as a tonic for general well-being and as a medicine for various ailments. It is also a commonly used herb for the brain. Among other things, it is said to help maintain focus, help with concentration problems, counteract the deterioration of cognitive functions and reduce mental fatigue. 

Several studies have shown that the effects of Centella asiatica have a positive impact on mood.

Lion's Mane capsules 

One nootropic that is almost impossible to exclude from the arsenal of an oblivious mycophile is, of course, Hericium erinaceus, or Lion's Mane. This beautifully unique medicinal mushroom is a real find if you come across it in the wild, and it is advisable to leave it if you discover it in the Netherlands or Belgium, as it is on the red list: it is not very common in nature in these countries! 

Fortunately, there are several producers of organic Lion's Mane, so you can experience the beneficial effect on brain functions. Take it as a daily supplement and give the mushroom time to do its work. The famous mycologist Paul Stamets is a fan and has taken it a step further with his special 'stacking formula'. In combination with psilocybin and niacin, a true brain booster is created that strengthens, protects and improves the brain in the long run. 

Fraud and deception within synthetic nootropics

Between 2010 and 2019, the FDA warned many producers of synthetic nootropics about the misleading advertisements and claims made about their product. Not enough is known about the side effects of many synthetic medications or drugs. Some products have been shown to have adverse health effects and the effectiveness of the drug has not been sufficiently demonstrated in "healthy people. There are also many drugs on the market that have never been approved and have not had any confirmation of their workability. These products are not only illegal but also dangerous to health.

Elena Experience expert (psychedelics and psychoactive & medicinal plants), blogger, passion for healthy food

Elena studies Organic and Biodynamic agriculture because, besides psychedelics and psychoactive & medicinal plants, she also has a passion for healthy food. Learning about the endocannabinoid system, different cannabinoids and terpenes is super interesting.

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