a bouquet of energy and focus herbs

Herbs for energy and focus, supporting rejuvenation and mental clarity.

Fighting “brain fog” with your second brain: a natural dance with the mind-gut connection.

The nervous system plays an incredible role in shaping your wellbeing, mental clarity and health. From influencing your mood, memory, and speech to regulating essential functions of your organs, the nervous system is at the core of your physiological and cognitive functions.

As mentioned in the page on Stress and Sleep, the "second brain" – the gut’s enteric nervous system (ENS) - is lined with over 100 million nerve cells. This intricate connection between the brain and gut goes beyond digestion; it influences your mood and cognitive processes.

90% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine, the happiness messengers, are produced in the gut!. These hormones, in collaboration with the ENS, communicate messages of joy to your brain. What's the connection between this and herbs? A lot! Read on to find out!

YAY PLANT FACTS!

Herbs have a powerful ability to work with these key physiological functions.

They can uplift mood, promote mental clarity and help us perform better - both physically and with areas of focus.

Below are great examples of these herbs. Note that a number of the herbs fall into multiple categories.

Click on the linked herbs to learn more information on their origins, botany, traditional medicinal uses, modern day usage herb safety and fun facts. As time goes on, more herbs will be linked - so you can check back regularly to learn something new.

  • Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

  • Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

  • Coffee (Coffea arabica)

  • Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Stimulant Herbs

  • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum p.)

  • Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 

  • Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

  • Albizia (Albizia julibrissin)

Thymoleptic Herbs

Adaptogenic Herbs

  • Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 

  • Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)

  • Gingko (Gingko biloba)

  • Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 

Nootropic Herbs

ENERGY AND FOCUS HERBS 101:

making sense of these terms

Herbalism a really beautiful practice and by gaining education on herbalism, we’re more empowered to make the right choices that resonate with us!

Here’s a simple breakdown of what these common terms mean for herbs that have been used for THOUSANDS of years for medicinal benefits. Please note, it is always a good idea to check with a trained health professional about what may be good specifically for you.

As a Clinical Herbalist, I value providing fun and balanced information. This info below is for educational purposes.*

What are stimulant herbs?

Stimulant herbs awaken and stimulate nervous system activity. You probably could guess that!

Many people love stimulating plants like coffee beans and cacao. These herbs are often best integrated in a more whole-plant form, and not as isolate or extracts like we’re used to. A more whole-plant effects balances the jitteriness that many folks get. So these herbs needs to be used in moderation and with caution.

Great examples of stimulant herbs and plants are Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis), Cacao (Theobroma cacao, Coffee (Coffea arabica) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium),

green tea herb mental focus clarity

What are thymoleptic herbs?

Thymoleptic herbs antidepressant and mood-enhancing herbs. They can promote a general sense of wellbeing and joy.*

Yes, plants can have these effects too! For example, Damiana is known as an herbal aphrodisiac. I include this category because these herbs have multiple mood-boosting impacts that help us generally feel better and ergo feel more energized.

Some of these herbs - like St. John’s Wort - can interact with MAOI inhibitor medications so if you’re already on those medications, definitely chat with a medical professional before taking.

Great examples of thymoleptic herbs are St. John’s Wort (Hypericum p.), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Damiana (Turnera diffusa) and Albizia (Albizia julibrissin).

Damiana herb health benefits herbal aphrodisiac

What are adaptogenic herbs?

Adaptogenic herbs are herbs that help the body respond to stress and promote more resiliency overall. In simple terms: they help the body adapt, restore and focus.

Adaptogenic herbs have gained a lot of popularity over the last several years for their numerous benefits. However, adaptogens have been used traditionally for thousands of years and researched in clinical trials for decades. For example, Eleuthero was vigorously studied in Russia during the 1940s, and was shown to promote both mental and physical stamina without many known contraindications.

A number of mushrooms are also considered adaptogens like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail and Chaga.

Some adaptogens are more buzzy and energizing like Ginseng and some are more calming like Milky Oats.

Great examples of adaptogenic herbs are Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Milky Oats (Avena sativa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus) and Ginseng (Panax ginseng).

What are nootropic herbs?

Nootropic herbs help with the brain and cognitive function. They can promote mental alertness and clarity.

A lot of people into “bio-hacking” talk about nootropic herbs and it’s important to have clear, updated information on them. This is because as with all herbs - it’s important consider your own medical conditions and proclivities before engaging with them.

Great examples of nootropic herbs are Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), Gingko (Gingko biloba), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Ginseng (Panax ginseng).

Rosemary tea nootropic herb memory clarity alertness

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information above is purely educational and cannot substitute professional medical advice. It is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose medical conditions. Consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns.