How to Use the Best Nootropic Supplements to Improve Cognitive Performance (All Natural)

Nootropics, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, is a fancy word for smart drugs or cognitive enhancers. This guide highlights the four best nootropic supplements, based on extensive research.

Smart drugs are prevalent in college environments where students try to increase their memory, attention, and motivation to study.

But there’s a lot more to the story. If you’re interested in activating more of your brain’s potential (especially while you work), the best nootropic supplements are worth a closer look.

Let’s dive in …

What Are Nootropics?

Romanian scientist Corneliu Giurgea coined the term nootropic in the 1970s. Noos, from the Greek meaning mind, and tropos, meaning turn.

Giurgea saw nootropics as drugs that:

  • Enhance memory and learning abilities,
  • Improve muscle control, and
  • Protect the brain from physical or chemical injury.

In essence, a nootropic is a substance that improves mental functioning, like increased information processing, concentration, memory, or some combination of cognitive benefits.

The original intended use for nootropics was to treat cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. However, healthy individuals now use nootropic supplements and drugs to increase their focus and productivity. As such, nootropics are commonly referred to as “smart drugs” and “cognitive enhancers.”

What Nootropics Are Not

limitless poster nootropics

Did you see the films Limitless (2011) starring Bradley Cooper or Lucy starring Scarlett Johansson (2014)? Both of these films center around nootropics and the remarkable potential they represent.

Over 20,000 people search for “limitless pill” each month on Google alone. Scientists are on the hunt too.

Nootropics, however, are not limitless pills or magic pills that will instantly give you access to universal knowledge or the ability to process it.

2024 Update: A lot has changed since I published the first version of this guide in 2017. Interest in nootropics has dropped considerably as the hype wore off (thankfully). For example, monthly global searches for “limitless pill” are now approximately 6,000.

Who Uses Nootropics?

College students aren’t the only ones using the best nootropics supplements and drugs.

Top performers in every field are always looking for an edge:

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Chief executives
  • Athletes
  • Performers
  • Artists
  • Doctoral candidates
  • Biohackers

In business, high achievers of every variety are catching on to nootropics. Entrepreneurs, and Silicon Valley executives, in particular, rely on nootropics to give them added brain power to make challenging decisions, capitalize on opportunities, and work longer hours.

There’s an entire “biohacking community” that is continually experimenting with different nootropic supplements and drugs to improve their cognitive performance.

Biohacking is short for biological hacking. There are tangible ways to “hack” our biology (like a computer) to increase physical and mental performance. (I address this idea in more detail later in this guide.)

Smart Drugs versus Natural Nootropic Supplements

So here’s why I was averse to nootropics: they are called smart drugs.

While I too was fascinated with the potential of the drug NZT-48 in the film Limitless, as illustrated in the movie, synthetic drugs have side effects and often harmful, long-term consequences.

So I didn’t explore nootropics more deeply for this reason.

Most popular smart drugs, like Modafinil, Racetams, Adrafinil, and Noopept, are synthetic substances. Some synthetic nootropics require a prescription; others do not.

But at the time, I failed to make the distinction between smart drugs (synthetic) and natural nootropics supplements (derived from substances found in nature).

There are many safe, natural nootropics supplements at our disposal.

That is, there are naturally-occurring substances that can improve brain function to help us increase intelligence, motivation, learning, mental energy, and memory.

Depending on how you define nootropics, substances like caffeine, nicotine, and even Omega-3 fatty acids can qualify as well.

Do Natural Nootropics Supplements Work?

The quick answer is “yes.” But a more accurate answer is “it depends.”

Even in the drug class of nootropics, when you read customer reviews, you’ll find that some smart drugs work for some and not for others. Some people experience more of the side effects of these drugs than others.

Chemically speaking, all synthetic substances are derived from an ingredient found in nature. There are substances in nature that can:

  • Increase communication between neurons
  • Help balance neurotransmitter levels
  • Promote brain cell health
  • Improve energy metabolism in neurons
  • Support neuroplasticity
  • Stimulate growth of new neurons and synapses

Any substance that accomplishes these features is a “cognitive enhancer.”

The trick is that we’re all a little bit different. As I said in the pineal gland detox guide, we’re each a random sample of one. So what works for some, may or may not work for you.

That said, the best nootropic supplements do work to a degree (see the section below on what I believe is “the” single best nootropic supplement).

The key is to figure out what works for you. And the only way to accomplish this is through experimentation.

What are Natural Nootropic Stacks?

Before we dive into my short list of the best nootropic supplements, there’s one more concept we need to understand: stacking.

A nootropic stack is a combination of two or more of the best nootropic supplements taken together or in a sequence to create specific cognitive benefits.

For example, you might take one nootropic supplement to improve your focus and another to enhance your memory. This supplementation technique is called stacking, and it allows you to augment the benefits of a single, natural nootropic.

There are two ways to use stacking:

  1. Take preformulated nootropic stacks
  2. Create your own custom nootropic stack

I prefer creating my stack via experimentation. However, I can appreciate that some people prefer the convenience of taking a single, preformulated supplement stack. (I provide a great option for a natural nootropic stack below as well.)

A Quick Word on Supplement Brands

I’ve been taking a host of supplements for over 25 years. I was also involved in the business side of two supplement companies. Through these experiences, I’ve become very skeptical of supplement brands and wary of the quality of their products.

There’s only a select number of brands that I’ll recommend or reference. Just because a product, for example, is an “Amazon’s Choice” or bestseller, doesn’t mean it’s a quality product. The #1 best-selling 5-HTP (a cognitive enhancer that increases serotonin production) on Amazon is a product by BioScience Nutrition. The product contains calcium carbonate, which is a known calcifying agent.

Unfortunately, calcium carbonate is in many supplements, so you need to read labels carefully.

The Four Best Nootropic Supplements

Instead of presenting you with a long list of substances, I’ve selected what I consider the four best nootropic supplements based on available research. I haven’t found negative side effects from any of these supplements in the literature or my experience.

Best Nootropic Supplement #1: Lion’s Mane

An ancient Chinese medicinal mushroom, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) enhances cognitive function and protects nerve cells. Ancient physicians used Lion’s Mane to treat neurodegenerative diseases because it can activate the growth of damaged nerves and restore brain function.

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is an essential protein for the proper functioning and survival of nerve cells. Lion’s Mane increases the amount of NGF in the brain, enhancing cognition by encouraging neural growth.

This 2009 double-blind study of Japanese men and women over 50 diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment saw improvement in cognitive function on Lion’s Mane. (But conditions worsened again after stopping the treatment.)

This 2014 study demonstrates Lion’s Mane’s significant potential for nerve regeneration in rats. And this 2017 study suggests that Lion’s Mane improves memory (also in rats).

If you read The Talent Code, you know that as we perform a task repeatedly, the myelin sheath between related nerve cells gets thicker and stronger. This 2003 study found that Lion’s Mane stimulates nerve myelination.

Finally, this human study suggests that Lion’s Mane can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms within four weeks.

Lion’s Mane Benefits

A summary of the nootropics benefits of Lion’s Mane:

  • Improves brain function
  • Regenerates nerves and stimulates NGF
  • Enhances memory
  • Promotes remyelination
  • Reduces depression and anxiety

Lion’s Mane is a powerhouse substance—one of the best nootropic supplements, ideal for nootropic stacking.

How to Take Lion’s Mane

lion's main natural nootropics

Lion’s Mane Organic Dual Extract 8:1 by Lost Empire Herbs (powder form)

lion's mane mushroom best nootropics

Lion’s Mane Mushroom by Double Wood
(Use code CEOSAGE for an exclusive 10% discount)

Starting Dosage: 1 to 2 grams (1/4 to 1/2 tsp per day of the powder. Or, 2 Capsules per day (1 g) of the capsules.

(Cordyceps is another mushroom that research is showing to increase the secretion and expression of Nerve Growth Factor.)

Best Nootropic Supplement #2: Bacopa Monnieri

A perennial shrub native to the wetlands of Northern India, Bacopa Monnieri is used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve cognition, memory, and perception.

Bacopa is an adaptogen (it helps the body adapt to stress). This 2011 study found that Bacopa Monnieri increases levels of serotonin while decreasing levels of dopamine (which has positive implications for memory enhancement, stress reduction, and mood elevation).

This important 2011 study shows that Bacopa increases communication between neurons in rats, suggesting that this powerful substance can help improve learning ability.

Studies also show that Bacopa improves memory recall in healthy adults. This 2008 study of 54 participants 65 years or older found that Bacopa substantially increases recall, attention, and mood.

Bacopa Monnieri Benefits

A summary of the nootropics benefits of Bacopa Monnieri:

  • Boosts memory
  • Elevates attention and focus
  • Increases serotonin levels
  • Promotes communication between neurons (learning ability)
  • Improves mood
  • Supports brain health
  • Reduces anxiety and stress

Bacopa is a workhorse as one of the best nootropic supplements.

How to Take Bacopa Monnieri

The memory-enhancing effects of Bacopa Monnieri often aren’t experienced until after four weeks of daily use.

Bacopa is used in many pre-formulated nootropics supplements, but usually with an insufficient amount. The suggested daily dose is 750 mg.

bacopa best natural nootropics

Bacopa Monnieri Organic by Lost Empire Herbs (powder form)

best nootropics bacopa

Bacopa Monnieri Extract by Double Wood Supplements
(Use code CEOSAGE for an exclusive 10% discount)

Starting Dosage: 1 capsule per day (750 mg)

Best Nootropic Supplement #3: L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea leaves (especially those grown in the shade).

Studies show that L-theanine reduces stress and promotes relaxation. It even slows down heart rate variability.

These 2008 studies show that L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves associated with mental alertness and arousal.

But perhaps the most intriguing properties of L-Theanine come into effect when you combine it with caffeine. This double-blind study shows that combining L-theanine with caffeine increases reaction time, memory, and endurance.

If you’re a coffee drinker, taking L-Theanine can mitigate many of the adverse effects of caffeine like jitteriness and increased blood pressure.

L-Theanine Benefits

A summary of the nootropics benefits of L-Theanine:

  • Promotes relaxation and stress reduction
  • Increases reaction time
  • Enhances mental alertness and concentration
  • Improves learning ability
  • Reduces negative effects of caffeine

L-theanine is an excellent supplement for nootropic stacking.

How to Take L-Theanine

Of the four natural, best nootropic supplements listed in this guide, you’ll probably notice the effects of L-Theanine the fastest.

l-theanine best nootropic supplement

L-Theanine by Double Wood Supplements
(Use code CEOSAGE for an exclusive 10% discount)

l-theanine best nootropics supplements

Theanine 200 by Jarrow

Starting Dosage: 2 capsules per day (200 mg per day)

A Quick Heads Up About L-Theanine Supplement Brands

Note: You’ll find a lot of products on the market with “Suntheanine,” claiming that it’s superior to L-Theanine.

Even though patent owner Taiyo International claims the product is safe and non-toxic, I recommend avoiding it as it’s not a naturally-occurring substance derived from green tea.

Best Nootropic Supplement #4: Rhodiola Rosea

While Bacopa and Lion’s Mane increase cognitive ability, Rhodiola Rosea primarily serves to preserve cognitive function. However, clinical research suggests it boosts cognitive ability too.

Rhodiola Rosea is a high-altitude herb native to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia. Traditional Chinese, Scandinavian, and Russian medicine use it as a remedy for fatigue and restoration.

Research continues to demonstrate how this adaptogenic herb can increase our mental performance and reduce the adverse effects of stress. (There are over 160 published studies on this herb.)

This 2012 study shows that Rhodiola reduces many physical symptoms of fatigue including muscle soreness, sleepiness, and headaches.

Rhodiola has proven to increase the brain’s capacity for mental work in the face of stress and fatigue.

In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a group of 56 healthy physicians on night duty took Rhodiola daily for six weeks.

While the researchers were studying the effects of Rhodiola on stress-induced fatigue, they found that compared to the placebo group, the physicians who took this nootropic supplement outscored the control group on a range of cognitive aptitudes including short-term memory, concentration, calculations, and overall mental fatigue.

Finally, this double-blind study of students taking exams shows that Rhodiola increases well-being, reduces mental fatigue, and improves test-taking ability.

Students taking Rhodiola scored an average of 8.4% higher on exams than those in the placebo group.

Benefits of Rhodiola Rosea

A summary of the nootropics benefits of Rhodiola Rosea:

  • Combats fatigue
  • Reduces stress
  • Restores energy
  • Elevates mood
  • Increases mental alertness
  • Enhances cognition
  • Alleviates depression

Rhodiola is a well-rounded herb—one of the best nootropic supplements, great for stacking or individual use.

How to Take Rhodiola Rosea

Take Rhodiola Rosea in the morning, preferably before eating.

best nootropic supplement rhodiola

Rhodiola Rosea Extract by Double Wood Supplements
(Use code CEOSAGE for an exclusive 10% discount)

rhodiola best nootropic supplements

New Chapter Rhodiola Force (300 mg)

Starting Dosage: 100 mg  – 400 mg daily (100 mg for cognitive enhancement; 300+ mg to relieve stress and anxiety)

The Best Nootropic Stack

Developed by the Neurohacker Collective, Qualia Mind has seen several iterations. Qualia features nootropics like caffeine, L-theanine, and 21 other powerhouse substances.

Out of the fast-growing community of Nootropic consumers, Qualia has emerged with a reputation for being one of the best nootropic stacks available on the market.

And I agree with the evaluation: Qualia is the best all-in-one nootropic stack. I’m actually on it right now as I write this.

(You can get an additional 15% on Qualia Mind if you use code CEOSAGE at checkout.)

best nootropic stacks qualia

Qualia Mind’s Strengths and Key Features

Benefits of Qualia Mind’s nootropic stack include:

  • Enhanced clarity, focus, and fluidity (without crashing)
  • Increased empathy and alertness
  • Heightened willpower
  • Decreased procrastination

Effects last up to 6 hours with a single dose.

Your level of sensitivity will determine how you perceive the effects. I notice a slight buzzing sensation toward my prefrontal cortex. This buzzing sensation is similar to what you might experience on caffeine but without any jitters. Plus, this sensation coincides with a marked clear-headedness that enables prolonged focus.

If you notice that you tend to get distracted easily or lose focus on an important task, Qualia Mind can help you zoom in and get things done!

Qualia’s Unique Ingredients and Benefits

What makes Qualia one of the best nootropic stacks?

Qualia Mind has an innovative mega-blend of 22 ingredients that fall into different classes of components that make its performance effective and long-lasting.

Nootropic Compounds: Primarily responsible for improving cognitive brain functions. Qualia Mind has eight compounds that consistently provide consumers with a strong base for higher mental performances and enhanced productivity over time.

Neuro-Vitamins: Our nerves and nervous system require a steady supply of neuro-vitamins during peak working hours. These added ingredients ensure they are continuously being replenished.

Antioxidants: Provides cellular repair and reduces the effects of deterioration, slowing down the chain reaction initiated by highly reactive free radicals produced inside the human body.

Adaptogen Extracts: Enhances the longevity and vitality of human cells. Qualia Mind has 10 different extracts that promote longevity and raise energy levels over a period of time.

Amino Acids: Amino acids are substances that are building blocks of life. Neurotransmitters used in coordinating cognitive brain function are created and repaired with amino acids.

Choline Donors: A special type of neurotransmitter that governs neuro-motor functions and connections. Acetylcholine is responsible for maintaining the specific percentage of choline, allowing the brain to communicate more fluidly with your body.

qualia mind best nootropic stacks

Who is Qualia Especially For?

Qualia Mind targets high-performing individuals, including entrepreneurs, executives, and creative professionals looking to upgrade their brain power for sustained thinking and knowledge work.

Efficacy, Side Effects, Recommendations, and Dosage

Efficacy: Every human being is biologically unique and optimum dosage depends on your weight and sensitivity. So, as with any nootropic stack, experimentation is necessary to find the optimal dosage. Many well-known biohackers consider Qualia Mind to be the industry-leading nootropic stack.

Potential Side Effects: A small minority of consumers have reported a mild upset stomach. The Neurohacker Collective suggests taking Qualia after breakfast if this occurs for you.

Other Recommendations:

  • Begin with a single stack and gradually work towards combining two more in their daily routine.
  • Dosage should never exceed 10 capsules at once or more than 12 in a day.
  • Qualia is designed to yield the best results with “ON-OFF CYCLE”. It is recommended to consume for 5 days a week with a break of 2 days.

Suggested Dosage: Take 7 capsules with water before breakfast.

Special Offer: Use code “CEOSAGE” at checkout to get 15% off.

(disclaimer: affiliate links above)

Is there a Single Best Nootropic Supplement?

Years ago, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with Steven Kotler at a private retreat. Kotler is a journalist and author of numerous books including The Rise of Superman and The Art of Impossible. He’s known as an expert in the field of neurobiology.

We had a long discussion about nootropics supplements and his attitude on them was clear: for the most part, they aren’t worth your time or money.

Then, however, he made a caveat: “Except for L-theanine and coffee.”

Kotler’s comments resonate with my experience. Taking L-theanine right before drinking coffee provides noticeable and lasting results in terms of cognitive performance.

When I need to focus on a project for extended hours, this combination works brilliantly. You can augment the effects by blending grass-fed butter and MCT oil into the coffee (Asprey’s “Bulletproof Coffee” formula).

Plus, you can experiment by adding nootropics like Lion’s Mane, Rhodiola Rosea, and Bacopa Monnieri into the mix.

The Darkside of Biohacking

An entire “biohacking community” has formed over the last 20 years or so, as many achievers want to perform at the highest level they possibly can.

I don’t have a problem with biohacking itself. Many biohacking tactics make good sense. I was doing a lot of biohacking before I heard the term. For example, wearing blue-blocking glasses is a biohacking tactic.

But, to borrow an idea from American philosopher Ken Wilber, there’s an essential difference between states of consciousness and stages of consciousness.

A higher state of consciousness is a momentary, time-dependent experience. A higher stage of consciousness represents a new, permanent structure in your being.

Why is this distinction important? Natural nootropics supplements can temporarily augment your cognitive ability, offering you a kind of higher state of consciousness. Although there may be exceptions, most of them don’t provide any structural changes.

As George Leonard put it in Mastery:

“Seduced by the siren of a consumerist, quick-fix society, we sometimes choose a course of action that brings only the illusion of accomplishment, the shadow of satisfaction.”

Simply put, even the best nootropic supplements might help us “achieve more,” but in and of themselves, they don’t encourage our development.

Nootropics won’t facilitate our self-mastery, which is the central theme of this website.

How I Recommend You Approach the Best Nootropic Supplements

But, I believe there’s a middle ground: use the best natural nootropic supplements to get your brain back online while you continue your personal development.

For example, let’s say you’re sitting down to write. You’ve got two hours set aside. You’ve eliminated all outside distractions. It’s just you and a blank screen.

Why not sit down with natural nootropics like L-theanine and coffee that support mental alertness and memory?

Each of us must find a middle ground. You can combine both:

  1. Short-term cognitive enhancements with natural nootropics
  2. Long-term developmental practices

These two go well together.

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