Here at Discover CBD we believe in all natural remedies, whether it’s CBD, nootropic mushrooms, or adaptogenic herbs you choose to aid you in your wellness journey. Today I will be diving into the fascinating world of nootropics and adaptogens specifically, and giving you great options you can try at Discover CBD!

What Are Adaptogens and Nootropics?

Adaptogens are commonly derived from herbs, mushrooms, and roots, and have properties that may restore the body's balance and equilibrium. Nootropics are understood to be “cognitive enhancers”, that includes many different categories, from vitamins to mushrooms and exotic herbs like ashwagandha. Many plants fall under both of these classifications, meaning many of their benefits correspond to one another and interact in unique ways. 

Nootropics

Nootropics, also known as “smart drugs”, are considered cognitive enhancers and memory-boosters. The reason they are known as cognitive enhancers is because they have been shown to stimulate certain brain activity using neural pathways in the areas affecting memory, attention, motivation, and creativity. Many synthetic and natural sources are nootropic, however we will be focusing only on natural derivatives in this blog. By definition, if a compound is nootropic it must affect the cognitive pathways listed above. 

How Do Nootropics Work on the Body?

Research has proven that when nootropics are introduced into the system they enhance blood flow to the brain while simultaneously providing the necessary oxygen and nutrient increase needed to maintain energy. This means they literally make the brain healthier while at the same time improving its function. Brain cells do not regenerate if they die, and it is the job of neuron cells to expend the energy from glucose required for maintenance, neurotransmitter, and electrical purposes. Nootropics minimize brain-aging in this way by protecting against damaging toxins. 

Through various crucial cognitive mechanisms, nootropics affect neurons on a molecular level altering cognitive properties. Mushroom nootropics are suggested to promote neurogenesis, which is the process responsible for the formation of neurons, pairing fantastically with the many components dealing with cells related to Alzheimer's, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases, meaning the studies show potential relief of some such memory disorders.  

Common natural nootropics include:

• Lion’s Mane mushrooms, used for anxiety and depression, reducing inflammation, and to boost the immune system. 

• Ginseng, a root from the plant genus panax used for improved overall brain function, immune function, and heart function. 

• L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves used for sleep, stress management, and mental clarity. 

• Rhodiola rosea, a flowering herb used for anxiety, stress, and has even shown anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Adaptogens

While many nootropics are considered adaptogenic, there are many definable characteristics that make that classification unique. In order to be considered an adaptogen, a plant must have the ability to relieve all of the natural stressors in our body including hormonal and dietary stress responses. It naturally follows that adaptogens also help to restore the body’s homeostasis, or the state of equilibrium our body maintains physically and chemically. This is shown through adaptogenic influence on the same pathways that balance the immune system, hormones, fight fatigue, as well as their powerful effect on all types of stress. 

How Do Adaptogens Work on the Body?

Scientists have attributed this overall stress relief to their effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is a neuroendocrine system necessary to stress management. In truth many forms of stress are crucial to our development because we must have the ability to build a defense system to cope with environmental, physical, and mental disruptions to equilibrium. However, chronic forms of stress have a very damaging effect on our equilibrium, so it is equally this system’s function to reduce stress levels when necessary. 

Among the various active compounds in adaptogens, some are structurally similar to catecholamines, which act as the mediators of the sympathoadrenal system which is involved with activating the stress system. Meanwhile the other primary class of compounds present are structurally similar to corticosteroids responsible for the protective deactivation of the stress system by acting as stress hormones. 

In order to be considered adaptogenic, a substance must:

• Support the body’s overall stress relief. 

• Restore balance and equilibrium.

• Be nontoxic at standard, lower doses.

This criteria explains why many natural nootropics are also adaptogens, coupled with the fact that many of the mechanisms discussed regarding both are interrelated when it comes to cognitive function and homeostasis. For example, plants like rhodiola rosea and the many species of ginseng fall into both categories comfortably, and when combined the potential benefits are even more significant. This goes for many adaptogens and nootropics, their unique benefits often compliment each other offering an overall enhanced mental state.

Enter the Melting Forest…

Now that we understand what they are, where can you find a convenient and effective product if you’re curious about the world of adaptogens and nootropics? If you enjoy the CBD Living drinks then the same company who makes them also makes a separate brand that we carry called Melting Forest brand mushroom-based sparkling water, made with functional blends of various nootropic and adaptogenic remedies to provide immune support and enhanced mental clarity. They are made with completely organic ingredients and have zero sugar. If you can’t take the jitters of conventional energy drinks, the Black Cherry or Orange Cream Energy might be exactly what you’re looking for. Alternatively if you need a way to calm down while maintaining focus, Coconut Pineapple and Watermelon Elderflower D-Stress are perfect choices. Let’s explore their ingredients closer:

Functional Energy:

• Cordyceps: A mushroom extract shown to improve oxygen utilization and energy production, giving Melting Forest Energy drinks a clean boost of sustained energy and focus.

• Lion’s Mane: Mushrooms that are well known for their ability to support cognitive function and mental clarity. It’s been shown that they reduce brain fog, improve concentration, and increase memory recall. 

• L-Theanine: An amino acid known for increasing alpha brainwaves, which are associated with a feeling of relaxed alertness. It refines the cognitive effect of the other nootropics included in Melting Forest drinks.

• Panax Notoginseng: A root that promotes blood flow and circulation, assisting nutrients and oxygen get effectively delivered to the brain and body. This means that other adaptogens and nootropics can be utilized more efficiently. 

• Green Coffee Beans: These provide completely natural caffeine, and since the beans haven’t been roasted, it often means the antioxidants and caffeine release slower in the body. This leads to a more sustainable energy, so there isn’t so much of a crash, and they often don't cause jitters. 

Functional D-Stress:

• Reishi: A mushroom that has been widely used for stress relief and adaptogenic support, including immune balance. In conjunction with other nootropics and adaptogens, it’s been shown to have calming and centering effects. 

• Lion’s Mane: Given that Lion’s Mane is commonly used to reduce brain fog and assist cognitive function, they give the D-Stress beverages an uplifting calm state as opposed to a tiring one. 

• L-Theanine: Similar to Lion’s mane, L-Theanine is widely renowned for providing a sense of alertness while maintaining relaxation, truly highlighting the "functional” classification attached to these drinks.

• Rhodiola Rosea Extract: A powerful herb that is attributed to stress relief and fatigue resistance, allowing for sustained mental and physical performance.

• Magnesium + Vitamin B6: This combination is helpful because it restores a lot of the body's natural fuel that gets burned when stress hits. Magnesium helps reduce muscle tension, eases overactive nerves, and regulates stress. Vitamin B6 produces serotonin in the brain, which can contribute to a calmer mind. 

Restored Balance and Mental Clarity

In many ways, our prized compound CBD checks off many of the boxes to be considered an adaptogen or a nootropic. Plus, like the other examples explored, CBD may enhance the overall potential benefits of nootropics and adaptogens when combined. So if you already incorporate CBD into your wellness journey, these other powerful remedies might be a great addition as well. 

Hopefully this blog has been helpful in broadening your understanding of adaptogens and nootropics. In a world full of synthetic medicines and supplements, and of course over-processed energy drinks, Melting Forest beverages offer a refreshing and delicious alternative that you can easily incorporate into your wellness routine. Don’t hesitate to give them a try today and we hope that you may discover restored balance and mental clarity.