Best Nootropics For Anxiety

* Verified by a US-based board-certified doctor.

Panic and stress can affect any of us in our personal and business lives. On most occasions, it isn’t a problem. We deal with family issues, financial concerns, and work pressures that cause us anxiety. But these feelings are usually warranted and short-lived. Unfortunately, there are times you may suffer from anxiety for longer periods, and the anxiety isn’t always attached to a circumstance that would justify such a response. This long-term anxiety can cause many adverse effects in the body and mind, including depression, mood swings, and illness. 

If this is your current challenge, we have help. If you haven’t tried this already, one option is to turn to pharmaceuticals that may help make life more liveable. Of course, we don’t disapprove of medications, but we believe that there may be natural ways to turn things around. 

Related: Herbs For Anxiety: A Guide to Natural Anxiety Remedies

Symptoms of anxiety

If you’ve been living with an excessive amount of anxiety for a long time, you may not realize it. As humans, we can become comfortable with what is familiar, even if it isn’t good. So, here are a few symptoms of long-term anxiety:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Restlessness
• Excessive worry
• Inability to concentrate
• Fatigue
• Increased heart rate and palpitations
• Irritability and tension
• Chest pains and shortness of breath
• Sweating and hot flashes
• Trembling or shaking
• Feelings of terror or impending doom

If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, you may be suffering from anxiety.  

Find the root cause of your anxiety 

If this is your reality, you may be wondering why. If everyone who experiences nominal levels of stress can move on eventually, there must be a reason that some people don’t. 

Whatever triggered your initial anxiety is no longer an issue. But it may have also triggered an imbalance in the neurochemicals in your brain. These neurochemicals, also called neurotransmitters, are responsible for communication between parts of your brain and your body. Examples of a few neurotransmitters are dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, and norepinephrine. There are many other neurotransmitters, but you may experience excessive anxiety if you have an issue with any of those mentioned here. 

Best nootropics for anxiety

A nootropic is a substance that can enhance brain and mental function by several means. In the case of anxiety, here are nootropics that have been found effective: 

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Morrieri, also called Brahmi, is a commonly used adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine. It grows in parts of Asia, Australia, Africa, and North America. It is broadly used for memory enhancement, improved focus, and clear thinking. In studies, it has been shown especially effective at increasing learning rate, improving visual processing speed, and as a remedy for anxiety. For best results, take it regularly as a part of your usual healthcare routine. 

Related: Things to Remember When You Are Overwhelmed

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid usually found in green tea. In many studies, this anxiolytic has been proven powerful at reducing stress and anxiety. In this study, participants were given a daily dose of 200 to 400 mg for up to 8 weeks. Yet another study used a nutrient drink with 200 mg of L-Theanine. They found that participants experienced a marked improvement in stress and anxiety levels within one hour of consuming the beverage. After three hours, participants had lower levels of cortisol in their saliva. If your life is incredibly hectic, a daily regime of an L-Theanine supplement may be beneficial. 

Are you looking for ways to do more with less stress? We’re the world’s first productivity drink. Check out Magic Mind today! 

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an adaptogenic herb with many health benefits, originally used in China, India, and Indonesia. Its benefits range from healing wounds and skin irritations and diseases, to enhancing cognitive functions. Here in the west, we’ve found that Gotu Kola is effective with sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. If taken regularly, this nootropic can make you calmer, more rested, and productive - without the anxiety. 

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that not only reduces stress but it can improve your performance while under stress. It has been proven to reduce even the effects of stress on your body and mind, including mood swings, confusion, depression, and anger. 

Vitamins B6, B9, and B12

The B vitamins are essential to your physical and intellectual health. When used with Vitamin C and Zinc, a review of fourteen studies showed that the B vitamins effectively reduced perceived stress and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the saliva of the participants. 

GABA

GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter whose role is to counter the action of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain - particularly the action of glutamate. GABA regulates anxiety with a daily dosage of 250 to 500 mg per day.  

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is well-known for inducing sleep and lucid dreams. You can take it in pill form, as an alcohol tincture, or as a tea by brewing the fresh root. While the taste and smell are a little less than desirable, the results are well worth it. It may be easily purchased in any health food store or online if you’re looking for a higher concentration. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that Valerian Root is effective with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.   

Kava Kava

Kava Kava, like Valerian Root, is a sleep-aid with anti-anxiety properties. Available in the same forms as Valerian Root, Kava Kava has been used in Hawaii as a relaxing beverage for social and family gatherings. It lowers anxiety and stress and boosts a sense of relaxed well-being. This occurs when taken in small doses. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat depression and anxiety and enhance cognitive functions like memory and focus. It may also be effective in treating arthritis, infertility, Alzheimer’s Disease, and blood pressure.   

5-HTP

5-HTP may be purchase at your local pharmacy in pill form. It’s a precursor to serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter associated with learning, memory, and mood, as well as several other physiological processes. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier easily and effectively. It is most often used for depression and anxiety. The disadvantage of 5-HTP is that some users have reported suicidal thoughts. So, it works very well for some, and for others, it may be dangerous. Have someone monitor your progress to determine which effect it has on you. 

Related: Ways to Turn Your Life Around

Final thought

Anxiety is widespread among many people groups. Fortunately, there is help. Try some of the nootropics we’ve recommended above. Hopefully, you will see the minimization or elimination of your symptoms, as well as an overall enhancement of brain function. 

Are you ready to live at a new level? Our productivity drink contains 12 active organic ingredients including adaptogens, matcha, honey, and nootropics. Visit Magic Mind.